Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

"Ariana Jones! Do you even realize what you're saying?"

For the first time, Pete yelled my full name. His face contorted, unable to hold back his emotions any longer.

He grabbed my shoulders tightly and shook me. "Did Nicholas say something to you? Did that bastard threaten you!"

"No, he didn't..."

I shook my head, unable to bear seeing such a proud man fall apart in front of me. My vision blurred when I noticed the tears in his eyes. I had no idea what to do anymore.

The better Pete was to me, the more guilty I felt. I couldn't return the same feelings he had for me. It was unfair to him.

Because whenever I saw Nicholas, the emotions he stirred were far stronger than anything I felt for Pete. I hadn't moved on from the past. Whether it was love or hate, those feelings weren't for Pete.

"I see you as a brother, a friend. If you're willing, I..."

Pete slammed his fist onto the balcony railing. His eyes were red as he cut me off, "Ari, have I not been good to you? Do you think I'm not good enough for you? After all this time, can you really bear to sever ties with me like this?" He was unwilling to let go. He knew we had a chance.

"It's because you've been so good to me that I..." I couldn't finish the sentence. No matter what I said, it would be cruel to him.

I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, but I didn't feel the pain. If I could, I wished I could take all the hurt from him and bear it myself.

"Ari, what kind of lousy excuse is that?" Pete laughed helplessly. "Are you trying to friendzone me now?"

"Pete, let's talk about this tomorrow when we've both calmed down. Right now, neither of us is thinking clearly."

I looked up at the moon and sighed. "Are you going back to the Shelman residence, or should I have Douglas arrange a room for you here?"

"Ari, I've never been more clear-headed than I am right now. Even if I were drunk, nothing would sober me up more than what you just said!"

I lowered my gaze and said in a low

е

voice, "I'm sorry, but I meant every word. When Tabitha gets a bit older, I'll bring her to visit you. Please take care of yourself.

"You still have your father, Marcus, and Lucia. One day, you'll find someone who truly loves you. Don't waste your time on me anymore."

"Who the hell wants your apology?! If you told me you had fallen in love with someone else, fine! I would

wish your happiness! Your parents et

are gone, and I would be your brother, personally walking you down the aisle with a smile! As long as you're happy, there's nothing I can't let go of!

"But damn it, Ari, that man messing with your head is Nicholas! You're not letting me down-you're letting yourself down, and you're letting Tabitha down!" "Pete, it's not because of—"

He cut me off. "Don't say anything

now! I don't want to hear you lie to me. You know better than anyone whether it's true or not! And no one's hoping more than me that it@sn't."

swr

With that, Pete turned and ran off. I didn't try to stop him because I knew I couldn't. Perhaps it was best to let him cool down now.

Not even five minutes later, I got a call from Douglas. "Ms. Jones, M-Mr. Shelman dragged Mr. Hawk into the elevator!"