Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0357

“Alright! Everyone stop arguing! I nearly shouted.

“Pete, this choice is indeed difficult. If I were in your shoes, I might choose to protect my family as well. I understand you, but I’m also grateful to you. Because of your choice, the guilt I feel has eased a little.”

I gave a bitter smile, feeling a pang of sadness. “To be honest, my guilt toward you is overwhelming. Your gave me a glimmer of warmth when I was most helpless and desperate.

“I regret that we never had a proper beginning and that I didn’t even get to say goodbye. At least today’s meeting can make up for some of the regrets we have.

“No!” Pete’s chest heaved heavily. “I don’t wanna say goodbye. I have too many regrets. Ari, you’ll stay with me, won’t you?”

Nicholas’s voice was icy. “Stop dreaming! You know you and her are never going to be together!”

“Nicholas, don’t interrupt.”

I walked toward Pete and held his wrist.

I heard you’re planning to settle abroad and that you’re seeing a nice young lady from a good family. Pete, I wish you happiness.”

Pete’s body swayed, his face turning pale. “You… you knew?”

“Yes. I found out recently when I met your dad. He talked to me about you.”

Pete forced a bleak smile, his gaze fixed on where Nicholas and I were holding hands,

His voice trembled as he said, “Even if Nicholas is scheming against you, you’re still staying with him?”

“You should have read the news today. His hands were injured because of me. Out of fairness and empathy, I need to take care of him.”

I tilted my head slightly to look at Nicholas.

“Besides, I promised him just now that I would stop rejecting him. I would give him another chance, and see where it goes.”

Pete smiled bitterly. “Just now? Have we finally missed our chance?”

I nodded. “Yes. I wish you find your own happiness soon.”

ou

Pete swayed as if he had been hit hard, nearly collapsing. “Alright. Anyway, you and he are-”

“Pete! Nicholas interrupted. “The three minutes are up. You should leave now.”

Pete forced a smile.

“I saw the house in Lexton City. It’s beautifully decorated. Was it done according to my preferences? Since I’m about to go abroad, I won’t need it. You can keep it and stay there occasionally.”

“No need,” Nicholas spoke abruptly. “That house was decorated according to your preference, not Ariana’s. I won’t leave any trace of her for you.”

Chacter 0357

+25 BONUS

“Alright… alright…” Pete murmured, his eyes red when he looked up again. “Ari, let me hug you one last time, as a goodbye.”

I released Nicholas’s wrist and walked over to Pete, opening my arms. “I wish you every happiness.”

Pete also opened his arms to hug me back. “I’ll always wait for you.”

Nicholas had already opened the door wide, practically ushering Pete out. After he left, Nicholas immediately shut the door.

He came over and tried to hold my hand, but I pulled away. “That was just a show to make him let go. Nicholas, I need to reconsider our relationship.”