Trouble in Paradise

I kicked Nicholas' arm with my foot. His arm went limp and slid down to the ground as if it had no bones. He was having a fever, and his forehead was burning hot.

I slapped his cheek a few times, and he opened his eyes. His dark eyes were sharp, but they softened when he recognized me, looking at me as if he were in a dream.

Just as I was about to speak, he suddenly hugged me tightly and murmured, "If only time could stop at this moment forever."

Back when we were briefly close, I too had such unrealistic fantasies. At that time, I had in-laws who loved me, a mother who cared for me, and a man I cherished deeply. But now, I had nothing. "Nicholas, you're too selfish," I said while tilting my head slightly, my voice reaching his ear.

His fevered body seemed to cool a little, and he slowly let go of me. "Ariana, I didn't want to disturb you."

I stood up, took a deep breath, and said, "If this isn't disturbing, then what is? A proper ex should remain in the past, not frequently appear in my life."

His Adam's apple bobbed, and his eyes were filled with hurt.

"Ex?" he said painfully., "Ariana, why are you always so rational? Compared to you, I feel like an insane fool!"

I figured he probably hated who he was now. I didn't like it, and neither did he. He was always a controlling man, once so confident in balancing the relationship between his stepsister and me. Now that he realized everything had slipped out of his control, how could he not be in pain?

The issues between us were never resolved, and he still avoided them. Even now, he was trying to keep up appearances with me.

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"Drinking doesn't even get me drunk anymore. Instead miss you more. But you keep avoiding me.

it just makes me

"I shouldn't care whether you hate me or not, so why does it hurt so much now that you're staying away from me?"

His eyes were misty and his voice choked up. "Ariana, can you tell me what's wrong with me?"

"Ha!" I let out a helpless laugh while staring at him without any expression." Why should I discuss this with you?"

These were answers he should discover on his own.

"It's too late now. Stop bothering me," I added.

He leaned against the wall and struggled to stand. His eyes were bloodshot as he slowly reached for his phone in his pocket, lighting up the screen. "It's still early. Are you going out? I can give you a ride."

I replied softly, "No. I wasn't talking about the time."

Later, when I went to the TV station, Nicholas was still at my door, not having left. He asked if he could use the bathroom, and I let him.

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Jasmine cleared everyone out of the dressing room. She stood beside me, looking at my reflection in the mirror with a mocking smile

en

"It was Nick who gave me this opportunity to come here as the host," she said.

Even if she hadn't mentioned it, I would have known.

I looked at her through the mirror and answered, "Without Nicholas, you're nothing."

I calmly stated the fact. Her red lips curled up as she waved her hand. dismissively and said, "Yes, and you're so capable. If you can get everything

en your own, why are you still fighting rep for a man?"

I was already divorced. I turned around, confused by her use of the word"

fighting

So, I said. "If I really wanted to fight, you wouldn't even have the chance to stand here and talk to me.

"Mrs Hawk, oh, Mrs. Hawk," she said

playfully, tears welling up in her

eyes. Ms. Jones, I have a boyfriend abroad, but he left me when he found out I couldn't have children.

Tm not as foolish as you, still talking about love at your age. I only need. Nick to feel guilty about me. I hope you won't cling to him anymore."