Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

I ran out and bumped right into Pete, who had been searching for me. He steadied me, his gaze drifting over my head to glance behind me. I subtly glanced back, relieved not to see Nicholas anywhere. Pete clenched his fist behind his back. His voice was deep as he asked, "Did you see him?"

I knew I couldn't hide this from him, nor was there any need to, so I nodded honestly.

He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something. But after a few tries, all that came out was a single sentence.

"Go wait for me on the second-floor terrace. I'll be right back."

Pete turned to leave, but I grabbed his arm and shook my head. "Pete, there are too many guests today."

He lowered his head, standing still without looking back.

I added, "Douglas is handling the guests who plan to stay over. It's chaotic out there. Just come upstairs with me for some fresh air."

Pete slowly turned around, and I felt relieved that the once arrogant and reckless young man had finally grown up. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had a chance to stop him.

The moonlight fell over us, casting its glow on the varied emotions stirring in the night. Suddenly, Pete pulled me into a hug. His chin rested on my head, and his voice resonated in my mind.

"Ari, is it because I've been divorced? I swear, the only time I ever kissed that woman was during the wedding. I never crossed any line with her. My heart, my body... They've always been yours." His heated confession came so unexpectedly that I grew nervous and tried to break free. "Pete, don't do this."

But he only held me tighter, like we were lovers sharing a tender moment.

He murmured, "If you don't mind my past, then what's wrong with us? Ari, I'm scared you'll end up making the same mistake again.

"If you truly don't like me, I'll hand you over to someone I trust to take care of you for the rest of your life. But Nicholas is not the right man for you. How can I let you go?

"There will never be anything between me and Nicholas."

Upon hearing that, Pete released me, smiling softly.

Men understood men better than anyone else. While I couldn't decipher the look in Nicholas's eyes, Pete could. Yet, how could he bear to tell me such harsh truths?

He sighed. "Let me take you home. Tabitha is waiting for you. I was too impulsive. I shouldn't have brought this up now."

After all, I would be leaving the country soon. We still had time together. Once I was abroad, Pete was sure he could wait for me to come around.

"Pete."

I looked up at him. He was successful now, calm and gentle. The boyish side of Pete only surfaced when I called on him, bringing back glimpses of our past.

Having someone like Pete by my

side, I knew I should be content. But as he said, there was something off between us. If I had to dig deep, the real reason was that we had missed our chance once before.

The courage to love someone came just once in a lifetime. Once missed, it was hard to rekindle that chance.

"Pete, Deena is planning to study in

Grance. She said I should go find her, which will help with Tabitha's ongoing treatment. Once I wrap up my affairs here, I won't be leaving with you. I'll visit when I have the chance."

Pete froze. "Ari, don't joke with me. You and your friend have no contacts in Grance. What are you even going there for? There's no way I'm letting you go alone." "Pete, I've held you back for so many years. I can't hold you back for another one."