Trouble in Paradise

In the restroom, Jasmine blocked my way, refusing to let me leave.

"Ms Jones, there's something I'm not sure if I should say or not."

I hardened my expression and said, "Move. If you shouldn't say it, then keep your mouth shut."

She pressed her back firmly against the door, her face pale as if I had bullied her.

"Nick and I are bound to get married eventually. What he's giving me now.

isn't even a tenth of what he used to give you. I envied you."

Her voice was soft, almost tender, especially when she spoke about the man she loved. Her eyes sparkled with a dreamy light..

"Whatever's going on with you two, it's none of my business."

I reached behind her to unlock the door, but she didn't even budge an inch.

Instead, she said, "I don't want you to hold a grudge against me and target. me because you think that I'm in your way. I have no ill will toward you.

"Nick treats me like his wife, and he wants to give me the best. Today, it just so happens that Jay Caldwell & Co. is yours. If it were any other firm, he'd still offend them to get business for Jassy Associates,

"He said he would take care of me, give me the best, and never let me suffer or get hurt.

Nicholas had said something similar to me once. I was even a little touched. at the time. Now, I realized that saying a few words cost nothing. He could say the same thing to anyone else. There was nothing special about it.

I felt stifled as if a weight was pressing down on my chest. "You're overthinking it. It's just normal business competition."

Yes. Ms. Jones I'm glad you can see it that way. I actually feel sorry for him in thed, he's only trying to atone for what happened to Claudia. Me

accepting that makes it easier for him to find peace."

1 curled my lips in a mocking smile. Jasmine really lived up to her reputation -so understanding and considerate!

Claudia... Atoning for his sins...

I lowered my gaze, unable to stop the memory of Nicholas standing in front. of me, covered in blood. He had threatened me with his health, all for the sake of atoning for Claudia. Atoning for his sins again... Even though I had divorced him, my heart still ached when I recalled those vivid memories. I pretended not to hear Jasmine, not wanting to show my

emotions.

"Does your face not hurt anymore?" I asked.

She instinctively reached up to cover her cheek, giving me the chance to unlock the door behind her. Just as I pulled the latch, someone pushed the door from the other side.Content is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

In a split second, both of us ended up tumbling to the floor.

The man who walked in stood tall,

his broad frame clad in a dark grey suit adorned with tiny sparkling crystals. The crystals were like natural reflectors that highlighted his sharp, striking features. His jawline, in particular, was razor-sharp.

When Nicholas saw me on the ground, a flicker of panic crossed his usually cold eyes. He quickly strode over and pulled me up without a word.

"Did you hurt yourself anywhere?" His hands gripped my shoulders as he looked over my head, checking me for injuries.

Remembering what Jasmine had just said, the sight of him only made me feel even more disgusted. I pulled away from him in irritation.

He stared at his now-empty hands and stood still for a full three seconds.

"You still look so pale," he uttered.

The last time I saw him was on the day we finalized our divorce.

my

I gave a bitter smile. Even since our child was gone, I hadn't had a single peaceful day. I'd worried about the divorce and Jay Caldwell & Co health had never fully recovered.

BUMS

I had put on heavy makeup, thinking it could conceal my exhaustion, especially since I was here to talk business. I didn't expect someone to see through me so easily.

Originally, I wanted to talk to him

about Jay Caldwell & Co. and to ask

veli

him not to take out his anger on the firm because of me. The firm wasn't just mine-it was the result of Yasmine's blood, sweat, and tears, and she had sacrificed far more than I ever did for it.

However, Jasmine had already told me the truth. Nicholas wanted to give her the best, and I was just in their way.

I looked up at him. There was no need for us to talk anymore.

"Nick..."

The restroom door creaked open, and Jasmine poked her head out from behind it, her eyes brimming with tears. "Nick, I'm here..."

He turned to look at her, and I slipped past him without a second glance.

""Ariana!" he called after me.

"Nick, I think I'm hurt..." Jasmine's soft, pitiful voice echoed behind me.