Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 576

Nicholas kept explaining in a low voice, "I really know I was wrong."

His words made my breath catch, and for a moment, it felt like my heart had stopped. I forced a light, mocking laugh. "So, does that mean you'll actually let me take Tabitha and leave?"

Nicholas was too feverish to immediately grasp the meaning behind my words. He stared at me, confused. Why was it that every time we met, all I ever talked about was leaving? If I wasn't telling him to go, I was saying I wanted to leave.

He pressed his lips together and shook his dizzy head, trying to clear his thoughts. But in the end, he said nothing.

How could he? Now that I was back, how could he let me leave again? As long as I stayed, he thought he had a chance to make amends.

Seeing his silence, I couldn't help but frown. Then, I instantly felt a strange sense of clarity.

Some people's so-called "I knew I was wrong" was nothing more than empty words.

"You keep me by your side and apologize with words. You lower yourself and say everything I might want to hear, but what's the reality? You're domineering, arrogant, with no sense of right or wrong. You're selfish to the core!"

An uncontrollable wave of anger surged within me. It wasn't just fury—it was the humiliation of being played, of almost believing in his sincerity.

For a brief moment, his sincerity had seemed genuine. I almost believed he truly understood his mistakes. If he had let me take Tabitha and Wendy and leave, I might have remembered him as someone not entirely bad.

But the truth? He was beyond redemption.

"Get out of my way!" I couldn't bear to look at him anymore. My hands shoved his shoulders with all my strength.

Caught off guard, his tall figure stumbled. He tried to steady himself, but his feverish body failed him. The world spun, and he collapsed to the floor.

I followed Wendy to the dining room, but even my favorite oatmeal could only go down in a few forced spoonfuls. The thought of another bite made me nauseous.

Wendy didn't press me further, peeling a few grapes instead. "Your appetite's probably off. Just suck on these if you can't eat."

I nodded and accepted them, feeling a little numb.

Seeing me eat something lifted Wendy's spirits, and she started chatting more. She told me about Tabitha's recent days at Coral Villa, sharing how Tabitha had begun accepting the presence of multiple maids in the room without fear or screaming. That was the best news I'd heard in days.

In moments of despair, having someone like Wendy—caring and maternal—was a balm. Her words comforted me, melting away the tight knot of emotions I'd been carrying.

Nicholas Hawk—a name that had been part of my life for over 20 years. I refused to believe I couldn't overcome this.