Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 566

Nicholas' words pierced my heart like needles, making even breathing painful.

I struggled to catch my breath. After taking a deep breath, I lifted my gaze and stared at him intently.

"Nicholas, you once said that at your age, you didn't want to hear about love from me. Now, I'm at the age you were back then, and I think I understand your state of mind. So, let's not talk about those things anymore."

"I…" Nicholas' eyes filled with desolation and despair. He looked like he'd been struck by an invisible blow, his figure trembling slightly.

"How can you punish the present me for who I was in the past? Ariana, you're generous with everyone—except me."

I laughed bitterly, tears blurring my vision until they spilled uncontrollably. Taking a deep breath, I wiped away my tears, forcing a carefree smile.

"Nicholas, if you still care about Claudia, you should find someone to properly treat her legs. After all, if she ends up disabled, that's for life."

Nicholas' voice came weakly. "Why would I care about her?"

A sharp pain suddenly shot through my palm. I hadn't realized when my nails had dug into my flesh, drawing blood.

I no longer cared. He didn't need to lie anymore. Sparing Claudia from legal punishment while choosing private, extreme measures to reprimand her only proved he couldn't let her go.

I pursed my lips and spoke after a long pause. "Let's end it here. I'm tired, I want to go home."

Nicholas seemed exhausted too. He wanted to keep me but feared I might say something more heartless. He wanted to cover his ears, to turn back time to yesterday when I wasn't facing him with only my back.

Trembling, he leaned against the wall. He was consumed by an overwhelming fear he couldn't escape.

Back in my car, I slumped against the steering wheel, utterly drained. In the end, I called Yasmine, asking her to drive me home. I didn't trust myself to drive safely in this state.

Having Tabitha had changed me. I cherished my life now. I still had Tabitha to take care of, and I couldn't afford any accidents.

I felt a pang of sadness. Nicholas didn't seem to think the same.

Whether it was Tabitha or me, neither was on his mind. He was doing reckless things, not thinking about the consequences.