Chapter 37: Just one night stand

"Why are you still not ready? What is there to wait?" Noah's voice was filled with confusion and a deep desire to understand where he stood in Adrian's life.

Adrian felt the frustration building inside him as he struggled to explain his perspective.

"Noah, what's wrong with you? I thought you were okay even if we stayed a secret. Why this sudden change? You know, I'm not in a situation to talk about us."

Noah was on the verge of tears, struggling to hold them back. "Yes, I thought that too, but I can't now. I want to be with you publicly."

Adrian bit down on his bottom lip, trying to restrain his own emotions. When Noah reached out to cup Adrian's jaw, Adrian pushed his hand away. His mind was already overwhelmed with worry for his daughter, and Noah's sudden frustration was testing his patience.