Claudia's words sent a chill down my spine. Nelson's strange preferences were a poorly kept secret, but as for his interest in me… How could Claudia know anything about those past events? Instantly, I sensed danger. Taking a deep breath, I spoke slowly. "Claudia, it's one thing for you to get invo
Christopher hesitated, stroking his chin. He glanced at Claudia and asked, "Can I trust you?""Mr. Newton, you can absolutely trust me. I'm right here. Where could I possibly go?" Claudia replied.Christopher turned his gaze toward me and suddenly burst into laughter. "Ariana, I promise I won't make
The car jolted violently a few times.I must have been heavily drugged because it looked as if a fist had sprouted on the window. The door flew open with a powerful pull, and Christopher was hurled out right before my eyes.The thud of his body hitting the ground made my heart race. Although I could
My body felt like a boneless rag doll as Nicholas turned me over in his arms, inspecting me thoroughly. Then, as if I were trash, he dropped me beside him without a second thought.He let out a heavy sigh, pressing his trembling hand against his brow. He shot me a sidelong glance, muttering under hi
When Nicholas reached out to embrace me, the touch of his skin felt almost magical, as if it peeled away my soul from my body. My spirit floated above, watching the two people who should never have intersected, now tightly wrapped in each other's arms.To make me more comfortable, Nicholas adjusted
But when someone genuinely cared about me, and that happened to be Nicholas, I didn't feel like crying as much anymore. I wasn't Claudia, and I wasn't good at showing weakness in front of him.I wiped away my tears and pulled up a chair to sit across from the bed. I took in everything I once knew so
The doctor smiled kindly as if he didn't notice anything."Mrs. Hawk, your head may still feel a little dizzy today, but it's nothing to worry about. After a light meal to regain some strength, you should take a walk and get some fresh air. You'll be feeling fully recovered soon."As he spoke, he st
Nicholas wasn't done yet. He kept adding more details. "This morning when I was trying to sleep, she wouldn't stop yelling. The whole house was trying to calm her down, and no one could. I got fed up and shoved her out the door. She has probably really been picked up by the garbage truck by now.""
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