Trouble in Paradise

When did I become so important to Nicholas? Was it when I asked him with red eyes to choose between me and Claudia? Or was it when I submitted to him, obedient and seductive? Was it when I repeatedly insisted on a divorce? Or was it when he realized I could shine in other ways, attracting the attention of other men?

Not even Daniel left such a profound mark on his life, yet I, that woman he once dismissed, managed to do it.

I told him, "The dead can't protect the living!"

Perhaps, Nicholas still had someone he wanted to protect. He was willing to endure pain and keep living for her. He didn't want her to get hurt. Nicholas walked down from the rooftop with his legs that had long turned stiff.

When Claudia saw him, she threw herself into his arms. "Nick! I knew you couldn't bear to leave me!"

Nicholas looked down at her and gently pushed her away. He warned her indifferently, "Never do anything illegal again in this lifetime."

Claudia was lost in the joy of having someone to rely on again. Greedily, she wanted to breathe in more of the air filled with his scent.

She closed her eyes in ecstasy and whispered, "Got it, Nick. As long as you're alive, I'll always be your lovely sister. You need to let Ariana know that you're better off without her.

"Take care of yourself. When you're better, let's see how long she can be so arrogant!"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

The moment I saw Nicholas coming down from the rooftop, I was overjoyed and wanted to cheer! But when I tried to speak into the phone, I realized it had been hung up at some point. I didn't even know for how long the screen had gone dark. But it didn't matter. Nicholas must have heard me, especially since I shouted so loudly.

Neal patted my shoulder. "Let's go. Where do you want to go? I'll drive you."

Clearly, he also heard me saying, "I'll wait for you at the place to start anew." He chose to respect my decision and gave me his blessing.

How could I let Neal drive me in a police car? I wanted to get out first and call a taxi or have someone pick me up, but he wouldn't let me.

Standing on the rooftop, Nicholas saw a police car slowly backing away. A look of sorrow crossed his face. He thought I was really leaving without hesitation.

The phone in my hand suddenly

rang. When I accepted the call, I heard Nicholas's dry, hoarse voice. "Ariana, I can't die. I have someone I want to protect. I will try to live. Don't..."

"Don't walk away too fast. Wait for me to find you..." these were left unspoken as Claudia cried and rushed into his arms.

"Nick, I knew you would always protect me! Can you find someone to unlock these handcuffs on my wrist first? My wrist hurts so much!"

I had thought of several encouraging words for him. I knew that those struggling mentally needed support the most.

But at that moment, it felt like my

heart had been sliced open. It wasn't an unbearable pain. It was just a sense of helplessness as if I was filled with strength with nowhere to release it.

I hesitated, finally just giving a soft "alright" before hanging up. I couldn't hear Nicholas's voice on the phone anymore. All I could hear was

Claudia's coquettish voice.

I felt pathetic. Every cell in my body suddenly became sensitive, even breathing felt painful. But that was enough, wasn't it? I just wanted him to live, didn't I?

No matter what his motives or original intentions were, as long as he didn't lose hope and could live well, wasn't that enough?

Claudia looked down at the street and pointed at Nicholas. "Nick, look. Ariana is gone. She doesn't care about you at all..."

Nicholas stared at the phone in his hand that had long been disconnected. He was lost in thought for a long time before saying, "Yeah. She doesn't care."