Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

After months apart, Pete, who was in front of me, was no longer the fearless boy who rushed headlong into battle. His once-bright face now bore traces of maturity.

He had faced considerable struggles recently, dealing with both internal and external pressures. He and Annie were preparing for divorce, so he needed to stabilize his brand's position internationally. It was a significant test for him. "Why are you back? Have you sorted everything out?"

He shook his head. "There are some things that still need your help."

I nodded, assuming it was the same as before. "Funding isn't an issue."

Pete chuckled softly, his warm hand gently ruffling my hair. "Look at you, all grown up and ready to shield me from the storm."

I smiled faintly, savoring the moment of warmth.

Pete continued, "Yasmine asked me to pick you up. She said she's worried."

"I'm fine. It's just a flight. You're busy enough as it is."

He looked at me with a serious expression. "I'm worried too."

I was once angry with Pete. I was upset that he didn't tell me I wasn't divorced. But when Nicholas declared he wouldn't let Pete off the hook, I couldn't stand by and do nothing. Some grievances just faded with time.

Pete wrapped an arm around my shoulders and began to lead me back the way I came. I immediately stopped and nervously looked up at him.

"Rest assured, my people have already taken control of the situation outside," he said.

It was only then that I realized the noise outside had faded to an eerie silence.

In that case, I thought I did not need to appear in front of Nicholas again, but Pete seemed determined to take me out and have a look.

Just a few steps away, Nicholas was back in my sight. He also saw me through the crowd in one glance.

When he saw me, his expression cracked. He moved forward as if to close the distance between us, but it was futile.

He was surrounded by several people in black. The reporters were separated on both sides. It was to protect them while controlling them.

Pete cleared his throat and said to

the reporters, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am Pete Shelman, the second son of Shelman Group. Today, I would like to share some good news with everyone."

There was a murmur among the crowd, but no one dared to ask loudly. "Didn't Pete Shelman get married abroad?"

"Yes. Why is he holding Mrs. Hawk in his arms?"

"The affairs of these wealthy families are too juicy! I'm glad I chased Nicholas to the airport. I need to hear all this!"

At that moment, Pete seemed to regain some of his former self. He grinned as he said, "The good news is... congratulations to my Ariana! She is finally single again!"

As he spoke, flashes from cameras illuminated my and Nicholas's faces.

Nicholas mumbled, "Your Ariana? Ariana is yours?"

His body shook violently. "Let her go! Ariana is mine! Mine!"

The impact of Pete's words was more devastating than any drug scandal. His eyes were red, disregarding his image as he shouted desperately, "Ariana come here! Don't go with Pete!"

I whispered to Pete, "Let's go. Don't provoke him. He's unwell."

Pete shrugged. "What does his death have to do with me? Besides, I'm just stating a fact. If I don't shatter his dream, he might really think you will always be his wife!"

I lowered my gaze, suppressing the

pain in my heart. I felt a sense of loss for the Nicholas I remembered, now reduced to such a pitiful state before me. But we had been through so much. I couldn't tell the truth and didn't know what to believe.

"Pete, I want to leave." I insisted.

"Really, I want to go now!"

...

I slept for a few hours on the plane, but Nicholas haunted my dreams the entire time. In my dream, I saw him kneeling on one knee, trembling and begging me not to leave. "Ariana! Ariana!"

I lost count of how many times he called my name. I could only remember that at the last glance, the pills in his hand were scattered all over the ground.