NCIS season 18 is officially coming next week on CBS. While this is good news for everyone, fans also know that the latest installment marks the departure of one cast member. It has been confirmed that this will be the final season for Maria Bello, who's playing the role of Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane.

Sloane has become an essential character in the series and her budding romance with Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) proved to be interesting. It remains uncertain whether they'll eventually end up together, but their first-look photo in NCIS season 18 could've sealed a potential relationship.

Now that Sloane is leaving, fans can't help but wonder what this means for Gibbs. Over the past three seasons, the two have spent some time fueling the romance rumors. The recent photo from the upcoming installment likely teased that everything comes to fruition.

In the photo, Sloane and Gibbs can be seen together as they share a smile. Her affectionate hand is on his arm as they genuinely look into each other's eyes. While the picture didn't confirm the two sealed a kiss at that moment, it is a huge hint as to what could happen to them next in NCIS season 18.

But, while the romance is brewing in the corner, this could lead to a potential heartbreak at some point. If they decided to be in a relationship, Gibbs would be devastated in the event Sloane leaves. Harmon's character has been through a lot and whatever may happen could add another pain in his life.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Bello is leaving in NCIS season 18 after being part of the series for three seasons. Many were shocked by the news, with fans wondering how she will be written out in the story. There were speculations ranging from a new job offer to unexpected death.

Sloane made a brief appearance in the previously-released trailer. She showed up when Gibbs assembled a team to locate a suspect in the trailer. He told the team that they should catch the killer, with Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) agreeing to come along.

After a while, Sloane joined in and said she'll help them, as well. Perhaps, this could be a subtle hint as to how her story might end. Even though nothing is officially confirmed, fans were hoping that a tragic end won't wrap up her story.

NCIS season 18 will be premiering this coming Tuesday, Nov. 17, on CBS.