Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 555

The next day, Douglas and I attended a dinner party. It wasn't for anything specific—just a chance to meet people and network.

It had been ages since I drank this formally. With me being a new face to most, curiosity brought a steady stream of people holding up their glasses to me.

Tonight, I didn't need to worry about Tabitha, so I accepted every drink offered.

Having lived for so many years, everyone here clearly knew how to liven up a gathering. Toasts and small talk flowed effortlessly, but no one revealed anything meaningful.

We shook hands, clinked glasses, and exchanged vague promises of "next time, for sure".

The adult world worked like this. With a quick calculation of pros and cons, one could magically gain a circle of new "friends" overnight.

Somewhere between drinks, my mind began to wander. I couldn't help but think of Nicholas leaving in silence last night.

When I'd accused him of exposing himself on social media for Claudia, he offered no explanation. He didn't even say goodbye. He just left.

This morning, when he came to pick up Tabitha, he was distant, unlike the warmth he'd shown me days before.

I hadn't felt much about it last night, or this morning, but maybe the alcohol was hitting me harder now, and I was feeling its weight.

I chalked it up to "human nature". Nicholas had his flaws, and I had mine. Acknowledging it for what it was, I indulged in a few more drinks.

I wouldn't lose control in public. I went to find Douglas when I felt the alcohol catching up to me. Douglas nodded, promising to send someone to escort me soon.

I straightened up, walking in a perfectly straight line out of the venue.

"I can't!" the man said coldly. "If you hadn't had so much to drink and could sit still, I wouldn't need to tie you down so tightly!"

Tears welled up and spilled over without warning. Unable to wipe them away, I felt utterly pitiful.

"Get out! I'll find another driver! I'm not paying you a dime!"

The man's gaze darkened as he sighed. "Stop crying. I'm taking you home.'

I didn't listen and kept yelling, "Let me go! Let me go! It hurts... It really hurts…"

At some point, the seat belt came off. I was pulled into a warm embrace. I remember talking a lot, tears streaming uncontrollably. Drowsy and dazed, I couldn't tell if I was drunk or dreaming.