Trouble in Paradise

Everyone in the room was surprised by Nicholas' statement. It wasn't that they were surprised he would help me, but rather that they were shocked to learn I was his wife. Gabriela's legs gave away, and she collapsed onto the sofa. "Mrs... Mrs. Hawk?"

In truth, without Pete's presence, they would never have come into contact with someone like Nicholas. It was normal for them not to know my identity. Pete's face was stern, clearly angry, and his voice carried irritation. "Mr. Hawk, isn't it inappropriate for you to get involved in my relationship with Ms. Ari?"

His tone was long and drawn-out, showing his displeasure. By going from calling him "Nick" to "Mr. Hawk

it was clear that their so-called friendship was flimsy at best.

I also stared at Nicholas. He hadn't supported me earlier, so what was the point of his intervention now?! didn't want to be in his debt. I reached for the bottle in his hands, but he pulled me into his arms instead.

I looked up at him and saw the transparent liquid trickle out from the corner of his lips, his Adam's apple sensually moving with each swallow.

He didn't let go of me until he finished one bottle, and instead, he lowered his head and kissed my

forehead.

His kiss, damp and laced with the smell of alcohol, left my already shattered heart even more soaked. An overwhelming sadness nearly drowned me.

He curved his lips into a smirk, his thin lips parting slightly. "Mr. Shelman, if you get my wife drunk, isn't it still my job to take care of her when we get home?"

Nicholas lazily grabbed another bottle of vodka and continued with a smile, "Mr. Shelman, you must understand. A woman who's had too much to drink is very troublesome."

People around us cheered, clearly trying to flatter Nicholas.

I lowered my head, feeling embarrassed, and he gently lifted my chin with his hand and made me watch him swallow the alcohol. His actions were both sensual and provocatively blatant. "Why?" I asked him in a voice that only the two of us could hear.

He looked down at me, pinched my face, and kissed me passionately in front of everyone. The kiss was wild and unrestrained.

Amid the crowd's laughter, he said to me, "Why not? Since you're severing ties with Pete for me, isn't it only right that I help out?"

His smile was smug, and to onlookers, we looked like a deeply affectionate couple. Pete's gaze toward me was filled with sarcasm. "I'm not doing it-"For you...

His lips silenced my words, leaving me unable to speak. When the kiss finally ended, Pete, with red eyes, uncapped another bottle of vodka.

"I'll drink this bottle. Here's to my recklessness and meddling. From now on, whatever that concerns you will have nothing to do with me."

He spoke while looking straight at me. His eyes were bright and clear. For some reason, his actions made me feel a pang of sadness. I thought of what Silas had said to me on the phone. "Ariana, don't blame Pete. He's under pressure from the Shelman family."

I knew well enough that despite Pete's abilities, the Shelman family was still controlled by his father and older brother. He was merely a pawn in their hands.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

The Shelman family would never go against their own long-time associates. So, I didn't blame him. Instead, I felt sorry for the way my issues had affected him. I genuinely wanted to both thank him and cut ties with him. Until I gained enough strength, no matter which direction I fell, it would be disastrous for those around me. They, including Pete, would all be implicated because of me.