Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 501

"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.