Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Nicholas's gaze instantly dimmed, but his voice remained full of affection. "Why not? We could if you wanted to."

I listened in silence, and Nicholas became even more anxious.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Ariana, I haven't eaten yet. Let's have a meal together. It's been a long time since I've had a proper meal. Can you keep me company?" "Nicholas, you need to eat well to stay healthy and strong enough to fight off negative emotions. Take care of yourself. But I'm not hungry, so I won't be joining you." Suddenly, there was a loud bang from the other end, startling me. It sounded like something had been slammed hard. Nicholas's hand trembled as he gripped the back of his chair.

He said sadly, "It'll only take a little of your time. I really need to talk to you. If you don't want to eat, we can go to a café for afternoon tea. I just feel there's a misunderstanding between us..." "Nicholas," I softly interrupted him. "I'm sorry, but I really have something else to do. If you really want to eat, ask someone else to accompany you."

I had to get to the hospital for my shot. There was no time to waste. Whatever misunderstandings there might have been no longer mattered now.

I clenched my fists tightly as emotions surged within me. What did Nicholas take me for?

When I was constantly worried for him, it wasn't me or the child I carried that gave him hope. He sternly told me that we were divorced. From then on, Claudia was the only family he had left. Now, I had a hospital appointment, but he was only thinking about himself. He didn't care about me or the child at all.

Why would I ever need to see him again? I just spoke kindly to him because he was a patient, and that was all.

I loved him with all my heart and fought against him with all my might. After the divorce, the best way to protect ourselves was to keep a distance, using the pain of the past as a reminder. There was no way I would meet him again.

Nicholas gave a bitter smile.

"Ariana, you've really changed. Do you remember how you used to stay by my side whenever I came home? You always asked if we could spend time alone, whether it was going on trips or having dinner together. You would be happy even if we were just staying in the same room,

Hearing this made my eyes sting. We were divorced, and now he suddenly had such a clear memory.

When I loved him, everything in my world revolved around him. What was wrong with that? But why should I be blamed for not loving him anymore just because I used to rely on him?

I didn't know why Nicholas was

telling me these things, or why his attitude had changed so drastically in just a few hours. Maybe it was because of his illness. Mood swings were normal in his condition

Swno

Douglas had stepped out of the car by then. He walked around to the front and opened the door for me. "Ms. Jones, please get in the car."

Hearing the sounds through the phone, Nicholas anxiously asked, "Where are you going? I'll come find you."

I pressed my lips together and replied in a hoarse voice, "Nicholas, let's leave it at that."

As I said this, I hung up the phone.

A renowned writer once said that those who truly loved each other could never be friends. One glance softened the heart, one embrace led to surrender, and one more look

brought back the desire to have it all again.

swn?

QUMS

So, it was either remaining together for life or becoming strangers.

I climbed into the car and slammed the door shut as if trying to vent something. If Nicholas could face me so calmly and even be friends with me, maybe he never really loved me at all.