Trouble in Paradise



Chapter 0562

An undercurrent of tension brewed in our gazes.

Perhaps neither of us could convince the other to stand unwaveringly by our side, leaving both with a sense of disappointment.

To me, Nicholas was being utterly unreasonable! Comparing this situation to what happened with Pete was absurd-they were worlds apart.

Yet, as his voice rase with every question, the raw pain in his tone was unmistakable. He believed I was the one at fault.

Nicholas' despair was palpable as his fingers gripped my shoulders tightly, his voice heavy. "Ariana, you were the one who liked me first. So, why is it that you can be so forgiving with Pete but hold me to an impossible standard? "You don't care about my intentions or whether I'm trying to make you happy. You only care about the results-if they don't align perfectly with what you want, you condemn me without a second thought."

He laughed bitterly, the sound laced with self-mockery. "I thought things were finally getting better between us, that you were willing to let me back into your life. Do you have any idea how happy I was last night when you fell asleep next to me?"

I bit my lip, staring at my reflection in the vanity mirror. My face was pale, and my disheveled hair made me look like a ghost.

If Nicholas squeezed any harder, I was certain my bones would break. But he kept shaking me, demanding answers I didn't know how to give.

For a moment, I doubted myself. Was I truly in the wrong?

"Oh, wait!" Nicholas abruptly froze. His conflicted expression cleared as if something finally clicked.

He released me abruptly. 'Because it's me, isn't it? Nothing I do will ever matter because you simply hate me. Isn't that right, Ariana?"

I shook my head helplessly, my vision blurring. I couldn't even focus on his face anymore.

It felt like he had a megaphone in his mouth. Even though he was right next to me, his voice seemed distant, like it was coming from far away.

Nicholas turned toward the door, his tone steeped in bitterness.

"You make me feel like a complete fool. Last night, I was already dreaming about our future-taking you around the world, making up for everything we missed. But the dream ended so quickly. You've made my one-sided hope feel utterly ridiculous."

His once proud posture now looked slumped and defeated in a way I'd never seen before.

At the door, Nicholas hesitated. His fingers brushed against the handle but didn't move to turn it. I knew he was waiting, hoping for some kind of response from me.

But I couldn't lie to myself. I couldn't accept or agree with what he'd done.

My voice was cold as I said, "Nicholas, just leave."

He talked about imagining a future together. Wasn't I just as wavered by the thought of it?

'Last night was just a dream. Now that we're awake, it's time to return to our separate lives."© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Nicholas lowered his head slightly, his shoulders trembling. His fists clenched and unclenched by his sides, visibly battling an unbearable pain.

In a flash, he spun around and pulled me into a fierce embrace. His height loomed over me, forcing him to hunch

down so his chin could rest against my shoulder.

His lips brushed close to my ear as he snapped, "To hell with going our separate ways. My place is right here!" I gently pushed him away, shaking my head. Words failed me. All I had were endless waves of pain and sorrow. Just then, Nicholas' phone rang. He slipped his hand into his pocket to answer it. On the other end, Claudia's sobs came through loud and clear.

*Nick, please save me. These useless doctors want to amputate my leg. I know I was wrong! I'll never act on my own selfish whims again. Please, find the best specialists in the country to help me. I don't want to lose my legs!"

I closed my eyes, a chill running down my spine. So, it was just a fight between them.

Even after all these years of family bonds, one argument was enough for him to treat her so cruelly. Claudia had once shared such a deep connection with him. If he could do that to her, what would he do to me?