Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 562

An undercurrent of tension brewed in our gazes.

Perhaps neither of us could convince the other to stand unwaveringly by our side, leaving both with a sense of disappointment.

To me, Nicholas was being utterly unreasonable! Comparing this situation to what happened with Pete was absurd—they were worlds apart.

Yet, as his voice rose with every question, the raw pain in his tone was unmistakable. He believed I was the one at fault.

Nicholas' despair was palpable as his fingers gripped my shoulders tightly, his voice heavy. "Ariana, you were the one who liked me first. So, why is it that you can be so forgiving with Pete but hold me to an impossible standard?

"You don't care about my intentions or whether I'm trying to make you happy. You only care about the results—if they don't align perfectly with what you want, you condemn me without a second thought."

He laughed bitterly, the sound laced with self-mockery. "I thought things were finally getting better between us, that you were willing to let me back into your life. Do you have any idea how happy I was last night when you fell asleep next to me?"

I bit my lip, staring at my reflection in the vanity mirror. My face was pale, and my disheveled hair made me look like a ghost.

If Nicholas squeezed any harder, I was certain my bones would break. But he kept shaking me, demanding answers I didn't know how to give.

For a moment, I doubted myself. Was I truly in the wrong?

"Oh, wait!" Nicholas abruptly froze. His conflicted expression cleared as if something finally clicked.

He released me abruptly. "Because it's me, isn't it? Nothing I do will ever matter because you simply hate me. Isn't that right, Ariana?"

I shook my head helplessly, my vision blurring. I couldn't even focus on his face anymore.

It felt like he had a megaphone in his mouth. Even though he was right next to me, his voice seemed distant, like it was coming from far away.

Nicholas turned toward the door, his tone steeped in bitterness.