We were both tainted… Nicholas said that we were both tainted. But in his eyes, just how filthy did he think I was? If I were so filthy, who was the man holding me so tightly right now?I sighed silently, noticing the redness in my eyes reflected in the window. "I've never thought of myself as taint
Nicholas laughed suddenly after hearing what I said. His eyes were red, and his voice held a tinge of despair. "Yes, I'm filthy. I let another woman climb on top of me. I wish I could tear off this skin of mine. But Ariana, if you truly don't love me anymore, why would you care if I'm filthy or not
I abruptly lifted my gaze and met Nicholas's dark, almost dreamlike eyes. A mocking smile spread across my face as I stared at him.Tugging at my clothes, I glared at him provocatively. "What else can you do besides threatening women, Nicholas? I'm 30 now. Do you really think threats like these stil
Nicholas's gaze was intense. It seemed like if I didn't make this call, I wouldn't be able to leave. But what did he mean by saying he would take care of Tabitha? Unable to hide my sarcasm, I asked, "So? Are you planning to take responsibility now?"Sweat beaded on his forehead. He closed his eyes
Nicholas's sudden reprimand startled me, and my fingers accidentally hit the answer button. In the next second, Pete's anxious voice came through the phone."Ari, where are you? I saw your car and have been waiting outside. Why haven't you come in?"I bit my lip, afraid to make a sound. I wanted to
In just a few seconds, time seemed to stretch unbearably long. I had no idea what Pete was thinking during that moment.His fists were clenched so tightly that even his shadow trembled. His right foot lifted and dropped multiple times as if he was fighting the urge to approach the car and find out w
Pete must have assumed something happened between Nicholas and me. But even if I tried to explain, I wasn't completely innocent.I didn't know what to say. Facing Pete, I had never been so tormented as I was now."No. That's not what I meant." Pete suddenly looked a little flustered when I stayed si
I grabbed Pete's hand. "No. It's not that I wanted to avoid you. Maybe… Maybe I'm just not used to it yet. How about we try again?"I tilted my face up slightly and closed my eyes. This time, I was sure I wouldn't back away.But Pete didn't kiss me. Instead, he playfully ruffled the hair he had just
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
I fixed my gaze calmly on Claudia. "Alright. Go ahead. I'm listening."Nicholas abruptly shot to his feet, as if a dagger were pressed against his back. He stormed toward Claudia, his anger so palpable he looked ready to strangle her with his bare hands.I quickly pulled him back. "I promise, if any
Upon hearing Nicholas' words, I couldn't deny the twinge of emotion that stirred within me.Was this the misunderstanding Pete had hinted at between Nicholas and me? So Nicholas had actually cut ties with Claudia long ago?A bitter smile tugged at my lips. Had Nicholas not been with Claudia during t