Trouble in Paradise

"I thought the first thing you would ask me is about how Yasmine is doing," Nicholas slowly turned around, stepping closer to me with each word.

"Since when did Pete become more important to you than Yasmine?"

Even Nicholas's shadow seemed to carry weight. For a moment, I felt like I could barely breathe.

As he closed in on me, I felt my body trembling. Trapped between the wall and his chest, I had no strength left to resist.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"You're shameless! How could you go through my phone!"

He raised an eyebrow, completely indifferent. "I can only save one-Yasmine or Pete. Who do you choose?"

When Nicholas asked this question, his heart was pounding just as hard. He could handle arguing with me or our relationship being strained, but he also couldn't accept me falling for someone else during this time.

He had overestimated human nature. Pete had liked me for so many years. Now that he had the chance, there was no way he would let me go.

But luckily, it wasn't too late. As long as I chose Yasmine, he wouldn't mind doing Pete favor, as long as I still belonged to him.

I stared coldly at Nicholas. "So, are you admitting that you're behind what happened to Yasmine and Pete?"

Nicholas remained silent, his lips pressed together. Jasmine's words suddenly echoed in his mind. Maybe he should push her to make a choice. He spoke softly. "Ariana, have you had enough fun? It's time to come home."

My straight back bent even lower as Nicholas's head leaned closer. Just as he was about to kiss me, I pushed hard against his shoulders.

My heart pounded loudly in my chest. "If I choose one, does it come with conditions or not?"

When it came to me, Nicholas had all the patience in the world.

He let his hands fall before slowly adjusting his jacket. "It depends on your choice."

"I choose Yasmine. I want her released immediately. I want her and her parents to return to Radiant City.

"Also, the issues at the seminar need to be properly resolved so they don't affect their retirement."

Nicholas froze. He grabbed my chin, lifting my face to look at him. Then, he said with a mocking tone, "Ms. Jones, you should count how many demands you just made."

I couldn't tell what Nicholas was hinting at. Was he accusing me of pushing my luck, or was it just a casual tease? The dim lighting in the room made it impossible to read his mood through his eyes.

I only knew that, without Pete, it would be nearly impossible to get Yasmine out of this mess on my own, let alone help with her parents' situation. No one understood the power of public opinion better than I did.

I gave in and mustered the courage to meet his gaze. "One."

I meant it, utterly seriously. Nicholas remained silent for a moment, perhaps contemplating.

"Fine. But from now on, you can't contact Pete anymore. Can you do that?"

His large hand reached out, easily enveloping my hand which was holding the phone. He raised his hand, shaking it firmly in front of my face.

"All contact information must be deleted, no exceptions."

He let go, but my clenched fist remained in front of me, my body stiff as a board. I shook my head, unwilling to hurt Pete's feelings. "Absolutely not!"