Trouble in Paradise



Chapter 0583

Wendy quietly appeared behind me.

'This is the first time you've seen a scene like this, right? But the people in this house have gotten used to it. Over the years, Mr. Hawk has developed a habit of drinking.

When I asked him why, he first said it made his body lose control, so he wouldn't have the impulse to hurt himself. Later, when his health improved, he still drank. He said it helped him forget about you.

"He became more distant, his business tactics harsher. He gained so much, yet still drank. He said it helped him sleep deeply, that he could sleep for hours. And when he dreamed of you, he never wanted to wake up.

These are things I managed to get him to say while he was drunk. He would never tell me this otherwise. Ari, drunk people would never lie. I truly believe Mr. Hawk's feelings for you are real. His heart is full of you only you.

"You both have suffered so much. If there's any misunderstanding between you, maybe it's time to sit down and talk openly.

Whatever it is, clear the air. You're both such good people. Even if you've hurt each other in the past, why can't you clear the air and move forward? Love can overcome anything. God really knows how to test people. It's cruel.."

I listened without expression, unsure how to respond. I understood the reasoning behind her words, but when everything was happening to me, I couldn't just think about logic or grievances. I was the only one who could truly feel the bitterness and heartache.

Even the one who tied the knot cannot untangle it. Just like Nicholas said, nothing he did seemed to matter. How much power a few words could hold?

Love might overcome all obstacles, but what if love had already been worn down by too many struggles?Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Seeing Wendy wiping her tears made my heart ache unbearably. Yet, I still forced myself to stay composed as I opened the door to Nicholas' study.

"Help me get him to the bedroom," I said.

Nicholas was a limp, lifeless heap. Wendy and I couldn't manage to support him on our own, so we called for help. A few people stumbled in, finally managing to get him to his room.

Wendy went to the bathroom to wring out a cloth, intending to wipe Nicholas' face. I was about to step away from his side, but then I noticed Nicholas tightly gripping the hem of my sleeve.

His brow had softened slightly, as though he'd found some semblance of peace in his sleep and refused to let go. Upon seeing this, Wendy was on the verge of tears again. I had no choice but to take the cloth from her.

"I'll do it."

Wendy nodded, quietly leaving the room. This bedroom, where I had spent the last four

years, was now just him and me.

The warm cloth gently traced Nicholas' features. Once, he had told me, "Ariana, take me home."

A tear blended into the darkness, and the heavy atmosphere felt suffocating.

Suddenly, Nicholas' eyes snapped open. His dark eyes glearned under the soft light. For a moment, our gazes met, completely unexpected.

I froze, still holding the cloth in my hand. It took me several seconds to snap out of it. I stood up to leave, but I forgot that Nicholas was still holding onto my sleeve.

The force pulled me back

The world turned upside down. Nicholas moved swiftly, pressing me onto the bed. His lips brushed against my neck, kissing and caressing me without any real direction,

"Don't go... Don't leave me.."

He was both sober and drunk, his voice trembling with an almost desperate intensity." Ariana, talk to me, say something... Why are you so cold to me, even in my dreams?