Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 540

Some things wouldn't change whether spoken aloud or left unsaid. Nicholas didn't understand. He had already explained himself. What more did I want from him?

The hope in his eyes dimmed as he said, "You clearly care about me, so why won't you let me get close?"

No matter how good-tempered Nicholas was, his patience had its limits. So, when his expression darkened and his words turned into a sharp question, I wasn't the least bit surprised.

I only felt a cold shiver in his embrace, as if I was trapped in an ice cellar. The oppressive atmosphere was so heavy that even breathing became difficult.

"Stop making everything about you. Can you at least show me some respect? Do you randomly grab women off the street and hug them?"

Nicholas narrowed his eyes, his voice frosty. "Are you saying that, to you, I'm no different from the men on the streets?"

"I'm close to Pete, but even he doesn't touch me like this," I shot back. We were nothing like how he and Claudia behaved.

He let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Close to Pete? Just how close were you two?"

He gritted his teeth and held back whatever words he wanted to say next, flashing me a mocking smile that didn't reach his eyes.

I knew there was more he wanted to say, but I had no strength left for a fight. I simply pressed my lips together and stayed silent.

Nicholas hesitated for a moment before finally letting go. "Fine then. I won't touch you without your permission. I'll give you the respect you want."

It felt less like a promise and more like charity.

The atmosphere grew unbearably awkward. As I reached the door, I heard the crash of plates shattering in the dining room.

When Nicholas was in a good mood, he teased me. When he wasn't, he smashed things.

I stumbled my way out in the dark. But before I got far, Nicholas caught up to me. He said coldly, "I'll take you home."

I curled my fingers into a fist in his palm, feeling a pang of bitterness. Coral Villa was a place I'd come to despise. Every time I was here, it felt like an invisible hand was squeezing my heart, indifferent to my well-being.

Inside the car, silence fell between us. Leaning weakly against the window, I pulled out my phone, expecting to see nothing new. To my surprise, Nicholas hadn't done anything to help Claudia.

The online storm was still brewing, and the story about Christopher's involvement in the "naked feast" was still spreading. The rumors were a chaotic mess, some even suggesting that Claudia was the naked woman mentioned.

The reason was simple. She liked older men, especially those over 50.

The trending topic had been all over the news, but Nicholas remained silent about it. I had assumed he had already dealt with it for Claudia, so there was no need for further discussion.

For some reason, I found myself asking, "Why aren't you handling the online situation?"

Nicholas' anger hadn't cooled. He shot me a sideways glance. "Are you out of your mind? Why would I waste my time on that?"