Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

I wanted to ask Nicholas why he was here, but my throat felt dry and sore, almost on the verge of burning.

Nicholas didn't seem to be in a hurry to speak either. He lowered his eyes and lit a cigarette.

Since his recovery, the black suit and pants had become his signature look. Had Claudia stopped dressing him?

He looked like a huge shadow, making me recall unpleasant memories of the past and the helplessness I felt when Tabitha was born prematurely.

A pang of bitterness filled my heart as I quietly clenched my fists. I masked my feeling of loss and smiled faintly.

"Mr. Hawk, is your company facing some trouble that requires my legal help? Seeking favors at someone's home seems rather improper, don't you think?" Nicholas didn't show any emotion, his gaze fixed on the cigarette he held between his fingers. He took a deep drag and exhaled the smoke to the side.

I couldn't tell if the wind was swirling with the smoke or if the smoke was just drifting away. They twisted upward together before dissipating quickly.

I couldn't help but feel that this silent reunion was hardly worthy of the carefully orchestrated encounters we had before.

Nicholas suddenly spoke up. "Aren't you and Pete living together?"

I was taken aback for a moment, realizing he must have misunderstood my behavior with Pete at the banquet.

But on second thought, it wasn't exactly a misunderstanding. I was single, and so was Pete. Even if we were together, it would be a natural development.

I didn't mind deepening his misunderstanding. "I was craving a cheeseburger, and Pete went to get me some late-night snacks. Were you looking for him, Mr. Hawk?"

He frowned, almost letting out a concerned remark. In the past, he had never suggested that I eat that kind of food.

But he almost forgot that I was someone else's partner now. I had already had a child with another man.

After learning my address, he initially just wanted to see me from afar. But before he knew it, he had already knocked on the door.

He tried to comfort himself by

saying that this was my choice. He just wanted to see how I was living

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and whether I was doing well without him. He told himself it was just a visit and that he wouldn't get involved.

Nicholas's expression darkened. The next moment, an unbearable ache shot through his shoulder. He grabbed my shoulder and pushed me inside before stepping into my house. "I'm hungry too."

Even in the darkness, he knew the layout of the house well. He took a seat in the same spot he had occupied eight years ago when he came to discuss our wedding.

The simple act of sitting down seemed to leave us momentarily lost in thought. Clearly, we both recalled the past.

"I never bought you late-night snacks," Nicholas suddenly said.

My nose stung like I had just been punched. I couldn't figure out where the blow came from, only that his presence surrounded me from all directions, suffocating and dangerous.

I forced a casual tone as I said, "Mr. Hawk, what really moves people is never just a late-night snack.

"We haven't seen each other in ages, and I'm afraid I can't offer much hospitality. Please leave after having a glass of water. It's not convenient for you to stay here.

In the dark I poured him a glass of

water. I was afraid to turn on the lights as I worried that Tabitha would wake up and see someone downstairs, or that someone downstairs would see her.

Nicholas didn't pick up the glass. He rested his hands on his knees and let out a scornful laugh.

"Yes. I heard that Ms. Jones left your position as the president just to go abroad and help Pete with his lawsuits-two lawsuits that have dragged on for three years. Anyone would be touched by that."