Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Nicholas paused for a moment but did not answer the phone. His lips descended on mine again. The scent of hormones mixed with his own smell created a strange, indescribable aroma. The tea fragrance he usually had was gone. It was replaced by a faint smell of blood and disinfectant. In just a moment, my thoughts and reason crumbled under his almost frenzied demands. This kiss was far from gentle, but it felt like a redemption he had waited a thousand years for.

There was no more hesitation or aggression. When he sensed I was not resisting as much, his movements gradually slowed. His lips pecked mine lightly, over and over, like a victor stamping his seal.

Then he collapsed on top of me before burying his face in the crook of my neck. He held me tight like I was a pillow he could not let go of. I was about to push him away when my outstretched hand froze midair.

Something warm was trickling down my neck. It was Nicholas's tears. The tears slid down my neck and into my collar, burning my heart. Nicholas was crying.

I had seen him tear up occasionally before. Everyone had moments of emotion, and I guessed Nicholas was no exception, but he always tried to hide that softer side and did not want others to see it.

But now, he was really, truly crying. His voice was all choked up. "My future is pitch black. I can't see anything anymore."

What was he talking about? He was the youngest, most successful CEO in all of Radiant City. Getting divorced would only make him the most eligible bachelor. How could his future possibly be dark?

I awkwardly lowered my hand. Shifting my body up a bit, I remained silent. When Nicholas's phone rang again, he finally remembered what embarrassment felt like.

He did not even dare look at me as he turned his back to fish out his phone. But I still saw the name flashing on the screen-Claudia. He rejected it and opened WhatsApp to search for Claudia's name, sending her a message. "Claudia, I'm busy right now."

Claudia replied quickly, "Nick, come back soon. How can you go out so late?"

Nicholas texted, "It's fine." After that, he tossed the phone back into his coat pocket.

...

Meanwhile, in a white building in the suburbs, Beth received a hard slap from Claudia. "If anything happens to Nick, I'll make you pay with your life!" she snarled.

"Mr. Hawk's condition isn't so severe

that he needs to be confined in a place like this. Being here will only make his condition worse. Some appropriate social interaction would be beneficial for him..."

Before Beth could finish, Claudia kicked her in the back of the knee. It made her kneel on the ground.

"Who knows better, you or the doctors? Nick ended up like this because he had too much contact with Ariana. You're just trying to hurt him!"

"You're talking nonsense. I consulted the doctors. Leaving him alone here will only make him overthink everything!"

Claudia sneered. "I think you're the one who's mentally unstable and talking nonsense. Why don't you stay in the room next door? I'll let you see how good it is for Nick to stay here!"

She clapped her hands, and two men in white coats stepped out from behind her. "Nick's secretary seems to have caught his mental instability. Give her a sedative shot every day and throw her in the next room."

One of the men in white coats responded, and they grabbed Beth's arms before dragging her out. She struggled and received a hard punch to the stomach, then was dragged away like a dead dog.

The men returned shortly. Claudia asked, "How did that woman get in? Wasn't this hospital supposed to be all our people?"

The man lowered his head. "She climbed the wall. I'll tell Mr. Fisher to send more men and increase patrols!"

"Useless! You can't even watch one person!" Claudia snickered. "Mr. Gardner is really loyal to Nick." "Yes," the man agreed.

Claudia let out a low and sweet chuckle. "But I can't stand anyone being loyal to Nick. No one is allowed!"