Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 571

"Nicholas! What exactly do you want? Just make it clear already!"

Rain mixed with tears streamed down my face as I shouted. I could barely hold myself together.

Nicholas clenched his fists with a fierce expression. But the redness at the corners of his eyes betrayed him.

"I don't want to see your back anymore. I don't want to watch you walk away before I can say anything. I want you to feel pain because of me, even if it means you hate me! At least that's something—because no matter what I do, you never give me a chance."

Nicholas was hurting too when he said those words.

As a proud man who wielded power effortlessly in Radiant City, it wasn't easy for him to lower himself to care for someone or humble himself to please a woman.

But my heart felt like a sheet of crumpled paper. The pain in my heart was colder than the rain soaking my body. But how would he know I'd never given him a chance?

It was just that time and again, reason had worn it all away. No matter how much compromise, it wouldn't work with someone who wasn't right for me. Now, he and I were living proof of that.

He focused on the consequences, not the root of it all. He was feeling hurt now. But how did that justify using Tabitha to threaten me?

"Nicholas, I'll never forgive you after what you did today."

I raised my eyes, meeting his dark, stormy gaze. They seemed drained of all life.

He seemed to deflate, his energy draining away. "Who cares."

I agreed and nodded firmly.

At that moment, I lost. With Tabitha involved, I didn't stand a chance. As he said, none of it mattered anymore.

"Tabitha misses you. Let's go in together. I promise, as long as you don't try to take her away and stay at Coral Villa, I won't limit your freedom otherwise."

I met his gaze and rolled my eyes. What a generous offer.

"You go in first. I'll think about it." I closed my eyes, letting the rain drench me. It numbed everything—my face, my body, even my heart.

I clenched my fists and punched my arm hard. That was when I brought back some sensation. However, it wasn't enough. I slapped my head, desperate for my mind to clear.

The pain I expected didn't come. Nicholas had caught my hands, his grip firm and unyielding.

"Don't hit yourself! If you want to stand in the rain, I'll stand with you. We'll stay here until you've made up your mind."