Without Nicholas's restraint, I could uneasily untie the bow with my teeth, but I still felt humiliated as I put on my torn clothes. Wiping my tears, I put on my coat and left Jasmine's place promptly. I texted Yasmine, informing her to not find me an assistant anymore. I could no longer wait and w
As expected, Douglas accepted the job as my assistant without even discussing the salary. He emptied his luggage and filled his suitcase with daily necessities and light clothing.The next day, we flew to Idlewild. The party representative was a highly influential company, and they promptly arranged
The room smelled pleasant, but I nearly suffocated. Nicholas's grip around me was so tight that I was becoming breathless. "Let me go…" I murmured, yet he remained unmoved. "I don't know how you feel about me now, but we don't stand a chance anymore."Nicholas stiffened. However, he continued to ho
I reflexively raised my hand to cover my neck, but it was already too late. Seemingly having anticipated my move, Nicholas grabbed my wrist midair. His grip on my wrist tightened, causing my fingers to turn pale. He was using a lot of force.Petrified, I intended to avoid him and jerked my head asi
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate when I saw Pete's name. Telling Douglas to return to the hotel first, I answered Pete's call under the street's neon lights."Ariana." Pete's gentle voice came through the receiver. "What made you think of calling me? Aren't you busy?" I asked, smiling. "
I could see the moon over Pete's head and a very bright star beside it, but he couldn't see them.In a voice filled with disappointment, he asked, "In your heart, have we always been just two separate individuals? Have you never thought about relying on me?"I felt a bit angry. Pete was speaking to
After sending the message, I felt a huge sense of relief. I wasn't sure if I was telling Nicholas to keep his distance or reminding myself to do so. Every time I was with him, my heart felt uneasy.In any case, I decided that my future was going to be with Pete.When I returned to the hotel room,
"Nicholas, you're absolutely unreasonable!"My teeth were chattering as I spoke. "It's only a matter of time before I end up with someone else. Even if it's not Pete, there'll be another man. Are you going to kill someone every time I start a new relationship?"Why is it that you can have all the wo
My heart tightened. "Nicholas, what do you take me for? You're making it sound like I'm taking your advantage."I lifted my hand and pinched his waist. He cried out in pain and finally let go. I quickly sat up to put some distance between us, glaring at him angrily.Nicholas narrowed his eyes and wr
The cold sweat on my back instantly soaked my nightgown. Upon seeing who was standing in front of me, I felt so drained that I couldn't even muster the energy to glare at Nicholas."What's wrong?" he asked, reaching up to touch my forehead before turning on the bedside lamp. He grabbed a tissue and
Although Nicholas gave me his assurances, I still couldn't fully relax. I lay beside Tabitha, unable to fall asleep. So, I decided to search for information on childhood autism. As soon as I opened my phone, a trending topic popped up with Nicholas' name on it. The headline read, "CEO of Hawk Corp
I went to Nicholas' room to check on Tabitha. She was sleeping soundly, her cheeks flushed a rosy red.She didn't know yet that, tomorrow, she'd have to go to the hospital again instead of going to kindergarten.Other kids her age would be going to school or the amusement park, but Tabitha had to fr
Suddenly, a force pulled on my hand, startling me.My reflexive jerk knocked the bowl, making it wobble noisily against the table. The clattering sound felt louder than the pounding of our hearts."Sorry," I muttered, quickly steadying the bowl. I glanced up at Nicholas. His hand froze midair, stil
As my thoughts ran wild, I somehow drifted off to sleep in Tabitha's room. When I opened my eyes again, the sky was dark.I sat up in a panic, fumbling with the door lock before finally getting it open. The moment I stepped out, the door to the room next to mine opened as well.Nicholas stood there,
Nicholas' bright eyes dimmed instantly, a wave of dejection washing over him."I haven't eaten anything. I've been in back-to-back meetings and barely even had time for water. Can't you just keep me company?"At that moment, I felt the fragile understanding between us was once again on the verge of
I quickly got ready and waited for Nicholas to pick me up. He had called earlier, saying he'd wrapped up work early. He asked if I wanted to join him to pick up Tabitha from school.I immediately caught the hopeful tone in his voice but still turned him down.Lately, Nicholas had been eager to take
Once Tabitha finished her meal and Wendy took her to school, I finally had a bit of time to myself.I sent the prepared documents to Douglas, asking him to help arrange Tabitha's visa for Berland.Once her condition improved, I planned to take her abroad. Since Nicholas hadn't insisted on having Tab