Chapter 0538

"Where's Tabitha? I'm here to take her home," I looked around and asked.

Nicholas replied, "I've put her to sleep. Could she stay with me for a few more days?"

"This early?"All rights © .

Nicholas nodded as he looked at me. His voice was heavy like something was weighing him down.

'She usually doesn't fall asleep so early. Let me check on her," I said, a bit concerned.

However, Nicholas grabbed my pant leg to keep me from going.

'She really is asleep. I only read her two pages of a story, and she drifted off. Wendy is in the same room with her. If there are any issues, she'll let us know."

Looking down at Nicholas holding onto my leg, I kept my expression calm. Yet, something felt off. Perhaps he was reluctant to let Tabitha leave.

There were countless times I had seen Nicholas playing with Claudia in the courtyard. I used to think he would make a wonderful father someday-someone who knew just how to care for a child.

After a moment, I suggested, "How about we set up a schedule? She can stay with you on certain days, then with me the rest of the time."

Nicholas looked up at me with a hopeful expression. "Couldn't you both stay here?"

I responded calmly, "How would a divorced couple live together?"

His hand dropped in defeat. "I just want to be with you."

"I don't," I replied plainly.

All those past experiences taught me that, no matter how gentle or considerate he seemed now, it could all be an act. If I let myself believe it, I would just end up hurt again. I would rather keep my distance from him.

He let go of my leg, but it didn't bring the relief I had hoped.

I stepped back and said, 'She'll stay with me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and with you on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On Sundays, if you have time, we can plan a couple of hours for family time."

Nicholas cut straight to the point. "Tabitha has signs of autism, doesn't she?"

His words made my heart skip a beat. It was the one thing I had struggled with the most over the past three years. I staggered slightly, gripping the armrest to steady myself.

"You noticed?"

Nicholas immediately stood up, holding my wrist to support me.

"Come to the dining room. You must be hungry. I ordered takeout. There's everything you wanted for lunch." After a pause, he added, "I would have made it myself, but those recipes were a bit complicated. I'll learn them and make it for you next time."

Eating food Nicholas hadn't personally prepared was a relief. As he served me some food, he said, "Have you thought about how long-term separation might affect Tabitha's condition?"

The meat in my mouth suddenly tasted bland. I was still chewing, trying to find the right words as he continued," You can't hide this from me. I could tell the moment I saw her. No one understands the signs of autism better than I do."

I looked at him, barely tasting the food. I admired that he could say all this calmly and had made peace with the past.

"While you were in a coma, I took Tabitha to the hospital for an assessment. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but as her father, I have a right to know everything about her.

'Tabitha is smart, and much stronger than I expected. Over the years, I've dedicated myself to charities for autistic children, and I've got a medical team on board for her.

"Ariana, I'll spare no effort when it comes to resources. But as her parents, we must shield her from any further emotional wounds."