Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 579

Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them. I quickly looked away, blinking to force them back.

"Wendy, let's go," I said casually, trying to act as if nothing had happened.

"Shall we take my car?"

"Alright," Wendy replied hesitantly.

She glanced between Nicholas and me, clearly uncertain about how to handle the tension. She didn't even know what had sparked the argument this time, so she simply ducked into the car without saying another word.

As I reached for the door, a strong arm wrapped around my waist. Before I could react, my feet left the ground.

Nicholas had parked his car a distance away, likely to avoid being seen following me. He carried me for quite a way without a word, and I didn't resist. It was just one of his usual tactics, and by now, I was used to it.

Once he placed me in his car, he didn't start the engine right away. He rested his arms on the steering wheel, his head lowered. His voice trembled as he spoke.

"I was just worried about you."

The air inside the car felt stifling, almost too quiet. I could hear both of our heartbeats—his rapid, mine calm as still water.

A depressed mood was contagious. Hearing his rapid breathing, I became extremely irritated. I turned my gaze to the window and sighed softly.

"I get it. Just drive."

Nicholas suddenly lifted his head, his reddened eyes visible in the rearview mirror.

Before he could say anything, I cut him off. "Just drive. I don't want to argue with you. Honestly, I don't think there's anything left for us to fight about."

Nicholas ignored my words and reached across the console, pulling me toward him. The awkward angle made the embrace uncomfortable. I shifted slightly, but his grip tightened even more.