Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 568

Setting everything else aside, Nicholas' attitude was like a ticking time bomb.

Today, he might argue with Claudia and ignore her. Tomorrow, if they made up, Yasmine could easily become collateral damage in his efforts to please her.

Someone like Nicholas, who had no limits, could do anything just to coax a smile out of Claudia.

Yasmine had already been dragged into my mess with Nicholas once, enduring something no one should ever have to experience. I couldn't let it happen again.

Seeing her attempts to reason with me were futile, she dropped me off at home and left. She was visibly upset the entire ride. I knew she was mad at me, but there was no way I could explain things to her any further.

At home, the breakfast Nicholas had prepared was still on the table. Without a second thought, I dumped the entire plate into the trash.

It wasn't appealing when it was warm, let alone cold—it only made me nauseous now.

I called Wendy, asking her to bring Tabitha home. At least that would buy me some time and minimize my contact with Nicholas. But all I got in return was the busy tone.

Wendy's phone wouldn't connect, and an unsettling feeling crept into my chest. Even if Nicholas and I were at odds, he wouldn't take it out on Tabitha, right?

The more I thought about it, the more anxious I felt. By the third failed attempt to reach Wendy, I couldn't sit still anymore. I grabbed my car keys and rushed out.

I didn't know when the clouds rolled in and darkened the sky. Feeling a growing sense of urgency, I sped up. Moist air seeped through the slightly ajar window, chilling my palms.

A drive that usually took over half an hour was cut down to 20 minutes.

I thought I could pick up Tabitha soon, but I didn't expect to be stopped by the bodyguard at the gate of Coral Villa.