Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 541

"But Claudia begged you. I heard her." I casually spoke, lightly tapping the screen with my fingers.

It didn't matter how many times Nicholas tried to bury the trending topics surrounding Claudia online—I'd find a way to bring it back up.

It was better to confront him than to keep lingering in uncertainty. I needed to know when he would finally act on it.

Nicholas' gaze turned colder. He flicked on the turn signal and pulled the car to the side before slamming the brakes.

"Do you know how many people ask me for favors every day? Do I look like I have nothing better to do?"

He was trying to imply that he had no relationship with Claudia. Even if she begged him, she'd be not even close enough to make the list.

I rolled the window down slightly, turning my face to catch some fresh air. "She's not just anyone to you."

Nicholas rubbed his thumbs against the steering wheel, unusually quiet.

I still misunderstood him. Even after all his explanations, his heartfelt confessions, kneeling before me in tears, and even following me like a dog—none of it seemed to matter. No matter what he did, I still believed he and Claudia were involved.

He let out a bitter laugh, cursing himself silently. It was his fault for having no boundaries with Claudia in the past. He had made me misunderstand him for years.

He couldn't blame me for not trusting him. But what if I never trusted him? Would I leave him again?

His thoughts spiraled, though he quickly dismissed the idea. That couldn't happen.

We had Tabitha now. As long as he kept her in Radiant City for treatment, I couldn't leave. I wouldn't go anywhere.

Nicholas' hands trembled violently on the steering wheel, the disappointment in his heart surging like a tidal wave.

The suffocating feeling made his entire body shake. Taking a deep breath, he asked hoarsely, "Can you drive?"

Nicholas shoved his fist into my palm. "No need. Just warm my hand. It'll pass."

Under the dim interior light, his large hands enveloped my smaller ones. Together, they looked oddly solemn, almost like a prayer.

"Did I scare you?" Nicholas' voice was low.

I shook my head. I massaged his joints with little emotion, softly asking, "Does this happen often?"

Nicholas bit his lip, the small finger that had regained some sensation subtly curling around mine. "No. Only when I'm sad."

I shivered slightly and closed my eyes.

So, he was sad. That meant the distance between us shouldn't remain as close as now. Otherwise, it would only lead to more pain.