Trouble in Paradise

"Ariana!" Nicholas' voice was restrained and calm. It sounded like he was calling out to someone insignificant. Yet, there was an underlying despair as if he was trapped in a nightmare. The hand on my shoulder tightened, and Pete's body trembled slightly. He whispered to me, seeking my approval. "Ms. Ari, don't look back, okay? I'll take you somewhere nice to eat." Me looking back? Where could I even go back to?

After circling around with Nicholas for so many years, all I had left were some fake, beautiful memories. There was nothing worth returning to.

I raised my eyes, staring blankly ahead, and let out a helpless laugh. "Do your still have money in your pocket?"

Behind me, Nicholas called my name again. This time, I left first, leaving him. behind to savor the sight of my resolute departure.

At the entrance of the TV station, there were many people around. His shouting had attracted a lot of attention, with some even pulling out their phones to record.

Only then did people start to understand that just because one showed off their love online didn't mean they'd be the first to let go.

In the video, Nicholas' face had a complex expression. His eyes were red, and he didn't care about the people around him as he kept calling my name over and over.

He tried to chase after me, but Jasmine, who had followed him out, grabbed

his wrist.

By the time Pete and I were completely gone, a light drizzle had begun. Nicholas still stood there, staring in our direction.

His once tall and imposing figure seemed to have thinned, and with a sense of utter collapse, he violently shook off Jasmine's hand and stumbled into the rain.

haughed as the wins and can puferet im sooty membing fer something in the eyes seemed to dissole mote downour the online SUTTITTETTES Lester there was a demain andkenness about im Che user et me & SATITETT, SLLesing me to keep making my exhusian

thesome everything else because they lover watching in

Benucked, and Pete sranched my phone away heading this stuff while eaing will give yOU STOTECT STOKED

He had ondered a ton of food and was now devouring it like a starving man. He told me that to get back, he red santes everything valuable he had onfim and priced the tore clearer to board the ship his watch alone had

With a confidem smirk, he declared No one can stop me from being with your

I considered throwing cold water on his enthusiasm. 1 never said I'd be with you

Upon hearing this, he slammed his for down, reached across the table with his long arm, and knocked on my head.

Through gritted teeth, he asked, "You're doing this on purpose, are you? Are you trying to make me lose appetite by saying that?

Resting my chin on one hand, I looked at him. I only said I'd think about it. I really do need to think it over."

I remember when Yasmine asked me as a child, "Would you choose the one or the one who loves you?", without hesitation, I replied, "Of course, Id

Now, that dilemma was staring me

in the face. Rete's love for me was wild, bold, and unrestrained as if love could conquer all. He was just like the younger me, who recklessly chose Nicholas without a second thought.

On the outside, I appeared calm, but underneath the table, my hand was clenching the fabric of my dress tightly.

Pete reached out to ruffle my hair and said, "Don't stress about be immature and did a lot of things to bully you, but I swear, all was to protect you. I won't push you like that anymore." used to

ever wanted

He raised his hand up to his face and vowed, "If my being here doesn't bring you happiness, then I might as well not be here at all."All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Standing up, he straightened his clothes and added, "I wanted to spend more time with you, but I realize I have a lot to sort out. I'm going back to deal with them.

"The next time we meet, I promise I won't let my family's issues cause you any more trouble. Will you wait for me?"