Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 544

Nicholas' secretary had dropped by, leaving my hands full of his belongings. She wore an apologetic expression.

"Mrs. Hawk, it's late, and I need to hurry home. I won't go upstairs to hand these to Mr. Hawk myself. Could you take them up for me?

"Oh, there's also some medication for treating bruises and sprains in the bag. Thank you for helping out."

I'd seen this secretary before during my visits to Nicholas' office. She worked under Beth. I didn't bother correcting her form of address. It wasn't worth explaining to someone I hardly knew.

"Where's Ms. Gardner?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," she replied, frowning in confusion.

"It was so sudden. They said she was promoted, but there wasn't even a celebration. Everyone in the department knows—being by Mr. Hawk's side is the real 'promotion'. Don't you think so, Mrs. Hawk?"

I shook my head and sent her off. Compared to Beth, this girl was livelier and chattier, but Nicholas needed someone more composed. No wonder I'd seen him alone so often lately.

I climbed the stairs slowly, stopping in front of my bedroom door. Normally, I could find this room with my eyes closed. But knowing who was inside made me hesitate.

It took a full minute before I finally knocked. "Nicholas, can I come in? Your secretary brought your clothes."

"Come in." Nicholas' response sank into my chest like a heavy stone.

He used to spend hours in the study at Coral Villa. Back then, whenever I went to find him, it was the same short reply.

I shook my head sharply, refusing to dwell on those simple, warm moments. No amount of nostalgia could outweigh the pain he'd caused me.

"Ni…" As soon as I looked up, I froze.

The scene before me was so shocking. It felt like a bolt of lightning striking out of a clear blue sky, leaving me utterly dazed.

The movement made his already lean waist appear even longer, leaving little room for imagination about what lay just beyond view.

My cheeks burned, and I quickly averted my gaze. "You know I wasn't talking about that. I meant your upper body."

Unbothered, he replied, "I don't have spare clothes or pajamas. Try sleeping like this sometime—it's comfortable."

"Who wants to discuss this with you?" I snapped, trying to sound indifferent. But the tremor in my voice betrayed me.

I dropped his clothes at the door. "Here. The medicine's inside. Apply it yourself."

I nearly bolted out of the room, desperate to escape. But just as I turned, his voice stopped me.

"Bring it here. My back hurts. I can't move."