Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 686

The next day, I returned to Radiant City, hoping to see him one last time. To my surprise, I was turned away at the entrance.

A small note was handed to me by a police officer. On it were Nicholas' strong, determined words.

"Wait for me to atone for my sins. Wait for me to come to you."

Staring at the note, I felt an unexpected calm wash over me. I stopped rushing around, no longer flailing helplessly to pull strings. Instead, I simply visited the detention center every day, waiting to see if he had sent another note.

"The weather's getting colder—dress warmly, and stop coming here so often."

"It's New Year's Day today. I'm eating well."

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to spend the festivities with you and the kids this year."

"On New Year's Eve, at least I can watch TV here."

In truth, with his resources, he could easily avoid being detained, but he chose otherwise, insisting on accepting the full legal consequences. I knew he was doing it for me.

Three months later, Neal brought me the latest updates.

Frances' original sentence remained unchanged. Claudia was convicted of homicide, and further investigation revealed her involvement in Nelson's illicit dealings.

As a close accomplice, she was sentenced to death, with her execution scheduled for the same day as Nelson's.

Nicholas confessed to falsifying evidence, which constituted obstruction of justice. Because he voluntarily surrendered, pleaded guilty, and accepted punishment, his sentence was reduced. He received seven months in prison.

That day, for the first time, his note carried two lines.

"I'm a little scared. Maybe you shouldn't wait for me."

When I saw that note, it felt like my heart had been wrenched apart. The walls I had built around myself came crashing down.

If he truly loved me as deeply as he claimed, how much pain must he have endured to tell me not to wait for him?