Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 629

The timing wasn't right. No matter what Nicholas said, I couldn't hear a word of it. Right now, all I could think about was how I'd face him tomorrow or every day after that.

Everything happening now was too much for our current relationship. I couldn't be sure if he'd want to take things further after this. And if he wanted more, what should I do?

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my waist. Nicholas' restrained voice followed.

"Are you even listening to me? I feel so defeated when you lose focus at a time like this."

"What do you mean, 'at a time like this'? You're the one doing this, not me!"

I covered my face in frustration, my voice tinged with an unintentional sob. "Nicholas, can you hurry up?"

I couldn't wait to leave the examination room.

Nicholas said pitifully, "I can't take it if I make it too fast."

I was speechless. It seemed as if to match his own words, even the sound of fabric rubbing behind me slowed down. Everything became gentle as if he were tenderly caring for something precious.

"Ariana, I'm sorry for what happened in the past. I promise to keep my distance from other women. Everything that made you misunderstand or hurt you won't happen again."

"Nicholas, don't say anymore." The sounds behind me stopped completely. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer.

I placed my hands on his arms, my nails digging in. His strong, firm arms weren't my support, yet they still held me tight.

The sight of red where my nails pressed against his scars made my heart clench. He didn't even flinch, as if he were used to this kind of pain. But I let go anyway, unable to hurt him like that.

My eyes filled with tears, unsure if it was because of his suggestive actions or his honest words.

I opened my mouth to tell him to let me go, but no words came out.

"No, I need to say this. Because after now, it's going to be hard for you to stay with me and hear what's in my heart. You keep telling me to look forward. But if you forgive me, you won't turn your back on me. Ariana, I feel so terrible. Can you turn around and help me?"