Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Pete looked at me in surprise. He reached out and gently ruffled my hair. Then, he said to Nicholas, "Ari and I have something to attend to, so we'll leave now. Let's catch up another time." He bent down and whispered into my ear, "Tabitha is waiting for you at home."

My heart softened thinking of Tabitha. But I didn't forget to question him, "Who told you to come? This is absurd!"

Pete didn't offer any explanation. He just looked at me with a faint smile. There was nothing I could do. I knew I couldn't control him.

So, I sighed and said, "Let's go, I want to go home."

I gave Nicholas one last glance. He had his eyes closed, looking utterly fed up. I nodded lightly, regardless of whether he noticed or not. I walked away with Pete, ignoring the murmurs from those around us. My task was complete, and I trusted Douglas to handle everything else.

Nicholas watched helplessly as Pete and I walked away together. He wanted to leave too, but his feet felt as if they had been nailed to the floor. He stood in front of me, unable to figure out how to take that first step.

It seemed like, somewhere along the way, he had lost the ability to walk away first whenever he was around me. He always found himself watching my back. It was the same at the airport, the same when standing on tall buildings, and now. The first to leave never feared being laughed at. And those who once questioned my choices now had their answer.

I didn't regret anything. I had someone by my side, and I was happy. I had built a stellar reputation. Countless companies sought my legal expertise. I was outstanding, and Pete had also made a name for himself abroad.

So, what did Nicholas have left?

His arm throbbed with pain. Was he only left with these scars? With difficulty, he finally moved his feet and left with his companion.

el?

Outside the banquet hall, I looked at Pete with exasperation. "You didn't need to come. I'm just helping Tabitha adjust to life here. If she can't, I'll take her back."

"I know, I know. But I miss her too. You can't stop me from seeing Tabitha You're so bossy!" Pete replied jokingly. "Wait here. I'll go get the car. Let's hurry home. Tabitha's waiting for her mom!"

I smiled resignedly. "You're impossible. Of course, Tabitha misses you too."

Pete raised his eyebrows triumphantly and leaned down to whisper, "What about you? Do you miss me?"

The warmth of his breath made the air between us a little tense. I closed my eyes briefly before kicking him in the thigh.

Pete laughed and pointed at me, "Wow, Ari. Is this how you set an example for Tabitha?"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Go get the car. It's all your fault for being inappropriate."

"Yes, Ms. Jones!" Pete grinned and walked off. As he turned, the smile faded from his face.

There was no need for any hesitation. How could he possibly give up on everything that was within his grasp?

He never took me as an option. To him, I was his everything. Every effort he made was for the sole purpose of having me. Nothing else mattered.

Not far away, a dark figure stopped abruptly. Nicholas was about to walk over and separate us, but he couldn't believe what he had just overheard.

Pete had just said I had a child, a

a

child with Pete. At that moment, pain gripped his heart so tightly that he could barely breathe. Was he too late?

He realized now that he no longer had the right to be with me.