I quickened my pace, disappearing from Nicholas's sight. When I looked back, he was already out of view.My heart raced unnaturally fast as if each step I took pulled me further away from my past. I stopped and leaned against the wall, panting slightly. All my attention was drawn to the corner wher
After months apart, Pete, who was in front of me, was no longer the fearless boy who rushed headlong into battle. His once-bright face now bore traces of maturity.He had faced considerable struggles recently, dealing with both internal and external pressures. He and Annie were preparing for divorce
Three years later, on a stormy night, the Coral Villa was shrouded in darkness, with only a faint light illuminating the living room.Nicholas sat in a recliner by the window. He narrowed his eyes as he scrolled through today's trending videos on his phone.In the first year, Pete had set a trap tha
Claudia stepped barefoot on the floor, her footsteps quick and sticky. When she saw Nicholas's back, she couldn't help but call out, "Nick!"Nick, you're finally willing to see me.""Stop."Nicholas looked at Claudia, who was nearly naked. His gaze was as cold as ice. "Wipe yourself clean," he said
At the celebration banquet, Pete made a grand announcement that he had officially hired me as a special legal consultant for his company.Someone chimed in with flattery, "Ms. Jones is truly remarkable. Ever since your success a year ago, I bet many have tried to hire you!""Of course! The title of
Pete wanted to continue comforting me, but I stopped him. "Pete, I'm going back home."He stood frozen in shock, his expression frozen. It took him a moment to process before he forced a smile. "Ari, you said you never wanted to go back."Three years ago, he had flown back to bring me home. At the a
I saw Nicholas again at the welcome banquet Douglas had arranged for me.I, who had hurriedly left the country as Mrs. Hawk, was now back. Despite having once been ruthlessly criticized because of him, I had become the center of attention, the person everyone wanted to please.In the early days afte
"Long time no see, Nick!"A strong, yet restrained voice interrupted us, drawing both Nicholas's and my attention. The next second, a large hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me into a warm embrace.A girl gasped. "Isn't this the legendary Mr. Shelman? He's famous both at home and abroad!"I look
Everything in Coral Villa remained unchanged. I hadn't been forgetful to that extent. I still remembered those days when I stayed by Nicholas' side, feeling at peace with it all.At that time, I thought, "What's the big deal if I stay with him for the rest of my life?" We had already found some kin
"Ariana!"Nicholas caught up with me from behind, his warm hand grasping mine. I wasn't sure if it was from nervousness or the heat, but his palm was damp."Ariana, don't go back to Tabitha's room. Sleep in a different room instead."I rolled my eyes in my mind. After all this time, he was still thi
I didn't want to stay under the same roof as Nicholas, so I took my laptop and went to sit in the courtyard.A while later, Nicholas found me. As he approached, the cool summer breeze swirled around him, carrying it to where he sat beside me."Tabitha finished eating, and her little belly's all roun
Back at Coral Villa, Tabitha had also returned.I carried Tabitha upstairs and started unpacking her things from the suitcase. She was thrilled.Nicholas walked over and squatted beside her. "Tabitha, Daddy and Mommy prepared these for you. Do you want to kiss Daddy and Mommy?"Tabitha stared at him
Nicholas held one of Tabitha's outfits in his hands. It was so small it seemed no larger than a face towel he used to wash his face. He handled them with such care that his overflowing fatherly love seemed to seep into the fabric.I looked into his eyes earnestly and said, "You still have time to be
I pulled Nicholas' hands off my shoulders and turned silently to look out the window.The reflection in the car window showed his pain. I saw him open his mouth, but in the end, he said nothing.When we arrived at Coral Villa, the driver parked in front of the gate.As if eager to please me, Nichola
The drive back was silent and suffocating. Nicholas and I were separated by an invisible barrier, and neither of us dared to say another word to each other.His phone rang, breaking the oppressive quiet. After a few brief responses, he hung up and turned to me. "The police said her injuries are too
The sky had grown dark. A heavy feeling settled in my chest. I wanted to step out and get some air.Nicholas was still seething with anger at Claudia. But he refused to let go of me, holding my hand tightly.In a hoarse voice, I shook my head and said expressionlessly, "I'm not interested in her apo
Nicholas snapped, "Are you done yet?"He grabbed the vase next to him and hurled it at Claudia.The vase, though empty of flowers, still held water. It shattered against the wall with a crash, and shards of glass and water poured over Claudia's head.Claudia barely managed to hold her breath. She co