Trouble in Paradise

I had already run out of patience with today's conversation. The task was already completed, and it was time to bring this pointless dialogue to an end. "Don't worry, I've already spoken with Nicholas about- "Ariana!" Nicholas interrupted sharply.

"About what?" Claudia asked.

"We're almost there," he said abruptly.

Claudia noticed his darkened expression and chose not to ask. more questions. She spoke tenderly. "Let's park at the college entrance. We can take a walk and check out my new campus."

The Hawks' car had full access to campus, but knowing she preferred to walk, we didn't mind joining her. After all, today was all about ensuring her happiness.

Nicholas exited the car and gallantly opened Claudia's door. She smiled broadly and threw herself in his arms, hinting at a reconciliation between them.

They seemed ready to enjoy their time together, while I prepared to embark on my journey. It felt rather liberating.

I opened my door and stood on the other side of the car, observing as their conversation unfolded.

"Nick, is it possible for me not to stay on campus?"

"This college is quite a distance from home. Daily commuting would be tough."

"We could look into houses near the campus, and you could move in with me," Claudia suggested.

I was shocked, and my thoughts froze momentarily. I needed someone to help me understand the boundaries of sibling relationships.

I couldn't help but chuckle, which drew Claudia's curious look and Nicholas' disapproving frown.

Clearing my throat awkwardly, I was about to speak when heavy footsteps suddenly echoed behind me. A disheveled, homeless man burst forth from nowhere, brandishing a knife. "Ariana, watch out!" Claudia shouted from the other side of the

car.

Instinctively, I sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the homeless man's knife as it tore through my clothes and embedded itself in the car door.

"I'm coming for you rich folks!" the homeless man snarled.

A small figure appeared before me as the man pulled his knife from the door.

"Claudia!" Nicholas yelled in alarm. He knocked the homeless man aside with a powerful kick, while the driver restrained him and called the police.

Claudia collapsed limply into Nicholas' embrace. His eyes were rimmed with red as he urged, "Ariana, get behind the wheel!"Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

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As I saw the blood spreading from Claudia's sleeve, I wished that blade had found me instead. It wasn't pity I felt for her, but a sinking realization that this debt of gratitude would be mine to settle. How could I ever fulfill it? Nicholas' piercing stare made me fear that even giving up my life wouldn't suffice.

He scooped up Claudia and yelled at me, "Why are you just standing there? Drive to the hospital!"

Nicholas' eyes never met mine, and he didn't even ask if I was alright. My clothes were torn as well. Watching him with Claudia felt like watching a stranger.

He carefully settled in the backseat with Claudia in his arms while I gritted my teeth and climbed into the driver's seat.

"Nick, it hurts so much."

Nicholas was worried about her blood loss, so he pressed his hand against her wound, causing her pain. "Claudia, hang in there. I'm here with you. We're almost at the hospital!"

I had never experienced such gentleness from him before. I couldn't help stealing glances at him in the rearview mirror.

After Nicholas spoke, he glanced up at me, our eyes meeting in the rearview mirror. He let out an impatient sigh. "Faster, please!"

I held

my breath and looked away, unsure of what to say.

Claudia's face p

and trembling as she asked, "Ariana, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I responded impassively.

"Just stay quiet and save your strength," Nicholas said, treating me as if I were something repulsive.

It seemed he feared that any further conversation with me might exacerbate Claudia's bleeding, potentially leading to her death.

He gently pressed his finger against Claudia's lips, urging her to remain silent.