Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 478

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.