Trouble in Paradise

In the evening, just before bed, I heard scratching sounds at the door. I thought it was a lost kitten or puppy from somewhere, but when I opened. the door, I found Nicholas standing outside with his neck slightly arched. His Adam's apple was bobbing up and down, and his eyes were red and swollen. The smell of alcohol mixed with the humid air immediately enveloped me.

I took a step back and opened the door, and his body fell to the ground with a thud when he lost his support. He seemed not to feel any pain. He just stared at me blankly without saying a word.

He used to be more restrained, seldom indulging in smoking or drinking. I was more accustomed to looking up at him rather than from a vantage point where his despair, grievance, and confusion were so clearly visible. I heard him say, "I didn't mean to disturb you."

His voice was hoarse as he struggled to stand up. He leaned against the door frame with his head lowered, and, with a desolate smile, he said, "Close the door."

I couldn't see his expression, only the wet strands of his hair as he shivered from the cold. I sighed and said, "You should go back."

His voice was barely audible. "I drove here. I can't leave."

"How did you get here then?"

"I drove here."

I paused. Annoyed, I was about to close the door when he held it open with one hand. "Could you make me a cup of tea?"NôvelDrama.Org owns all © content.

1 gripped the door handle tightly. "I'll have Ms. Gardner come pick you up."

He smiled sadly and said, "I just want a cup of tea to help with the alcohol. I'll leave after that."

"I don't have tea."

I didn't have the habit of drinking tea, and the skill of making it was

something I had developed for him. Now that he was gone, there was no tea set left, only lingering sadness.

"Just warm water will do then." He stifled, his voice carrying a note of grievance. "Ariana, it's freezing outside.

Perhaps it was the darkness that made my heart sensitive, or maybe I wasn't good at refusing his requests. I felt exhausted but still agreed. "Wait here for me."

I didn't want to see him. I thought that if I stopped pursuing him, we would have no more connections.

But why did he keep appearing in my life, making my heart a tangled

mess?

en

I had already made up my mind. How long would it take for me to completely move on and not let him affect my emotions?

I handed him a glass filled with warm water. His hands were as cold as ice, sending a shiver through my heart as they brushed my fingers.

I didn't say anything more. After he was done, I closed the door. From outside the door, he said, "I miss you, but you don't want to see me." Yes, I didn't want to see him! I wished he would leave quickly and get out of my house!

I found his actions now ridiculous. Had his father recovered? Had Claudia been sent abroad? Wasn't he flirting with Jasmine still? Why did he come here amid all this?

My hand was trembling against the door, and sleep was out of the question. I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

In the morning, I received a call from the building management, asking if I needed help with someone lingering outside my door.

Could it be that Nicholas hadn't left yet?

I was so frustrated that I sat up abruptly as if to verify something. I didn't even bother to put on shoes and simply ran barefoot to the door.

While I stood in front of the door, my

heart raced uncontrollably as I yanked it open. Nicholas seemed to be fast asleep, not even triggering the corridor's. motion-sensor light.

Helpless, I lowered my hand that was holding the phone, unsure of what to do.