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
Seeing Nicholas appear out of nowhere, my mind went blank.Pete's heart-wrenching expression as he pushed me out of the car was still fresh in my memory. One was suppressing his heartbreak, while the other's voice trembled, barely able to question me. Caught between them, I felt like an invisible h
The night breeze tousled my hair, but I didn't bother to fix it. As soon as Nicholas asked that question, my heart started racing.His dark eyes seemed to deepen, fixated on me with an intensity that left me trapped."Yes. She's the daughter you didn't want!" I retorted, my voice rising.Tabitha was
Christopher hosted a banquet, insisting that I couldn't miss today's lunch after skipping last night's dinner. He claimed it was prepared just for me and was exceedingly luxurious.The restaurant was extremely private, catering only to esteemed guests. Even Douglas had to wait outside. After what h
"Oh?" Christopher chuckled softly. "Ariana, you really do resemble Mr. Jones."His words sounded complimentary, but his tone made me uncomfortable. The way he laughed reminded me of a snake with broken fangs flicking its tongue. It didn't bite, but it was unsettling all the same.I felt a wave of fr