Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

I gritted my teeth and shook my head, trying to shake off the tears on my face. I was 30 years old. How could a woman my age still cry over being scolded? How melodramatic! I wouldn't give him another chance to scold me. "Nicholas, do as you please. I won't meddle in your affairs anymore."

But as soon as I said that, his grip on my arm tightened, squeezing me to the point that it hurt deep in my bones. Even my breathing hurt.

I struggled in desperation, completely losing my facade. I acted like a naive girl tasting the bitterness of love for the first time.

"Don't touch me!" I tried to stay calm, but something inside me could no longer be suppressed.

From the moment I returned and saw Nicholas, he had looked at me with an air of superiority, his gaze dripping with disdain. It felt as if I had already become his toy, to be played with however he pleased. Even though I stood on guard with all my thorns, he still held my hand and hugged me whenever he wanted. He could summon me with a wave of his hand and dismiss me with a flick of his wrist.

I shouted at him, "Nicholas, why? Why do you think you can treat me this way? Can't I come back to my country? Is it a crime for me to come back? Am I not allowed to return home?

"We should have continued our own paths. Our lives are miles apart. If you don't show up in front of me, would we even cross paths?

"Douglas is in charge of the company. Why did you specifically call for me? You are the one who insisted on finding me, how did I become the pathetic one?"

Nicholas gripped my shoulders and turned me around to face him. I looked into his deep black eyes, watching his thick lashes tremble as if I could almost feel the cold gust they stirred between us. He grabbed my hand and guided it to his collar, leading me to undo the buttons.

One button, then another. His collar parted wide like a mask of restraint being torn away. It revealed the veins pulsing on his neck, inviting thoughts of what lay beneath.

His chest rose and fell, his breathing heavy. All my anger transformed into a stirring feeling I hadn't experienced in three years.

I snapped back to reality, clenched my fists, and refused to cooperate. His dark eyes locked onto me, his low voice trembling as he asked, "Do you want to know why I'm pushing you away?"

I pressed my lips together, letting him weaken my grip until I felt the firmness of his chest beneath my palm. I quickly averted my gaze.

He called my name, "Ariana, look at me."

Nicholas lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. "If you want to cut ties with me, then why are you wavering?"

As he spoke, he pulled his shirt collar back, revealing his strong arms.

His dark eyes suddenly dulled, filled with an emptiness that was suffocating. "You should have left decisively when I told you to go, just like before."

Nicholas released me, pulling his

hands back to remove his shirt. He scoffed lightly. "You could take care me

of me once or twice, but can you

take care of me forever? This minor injury means nothing."

One of his arms was exposed, and I covered my mouth in shock.

"You ask why I keep showing up in front of you? Because I'm done watching you walk away. Even if you leave, I should be the one who tells you to get lost."

He tossed his shirt to the ground and asked, "See this? Do you know why I want you to get lost?"

His right arm was covered in a

network of scars, every inch of his skin written with pain and struggle. The Scars on his left arm were perfectly concealed, but...

His bloodshot eyes locked on mine as he reached out with his left hand, gripping my throat.

"My tattoo... It's your face."