Trouble in Paradise

*25 BONUS

I cut again, and my fallen hair flew onto him like a broken shackle. No matter how many strands there were, they could no longer bind us together. Eventually they fell uselessly to the ground.

As my fingers ran through my hair to the ends, an emptiness echoed in my heart.

"It's fine," I thought to myself.

With a new hairstyle, new makeup, and new clothes, I would live a life without Nicholas. I was about to cut more, but he grabbed the scissors and threw them away.

Usually composed, he now seemed agitated..

"Ariana, I forbid it! You are destined to be entangled with me for life."

What a vicious curse that was! Despite it being aimed at me, someone else reacted more strongly.

"Nick!" Claudia rushed forward to separate us, but Nicholas glared at her, making his intentions clear. Ignoring his glare, she grabbed his hand and pulled him away. He was still holding my hair, and the sudden tug made me cry out briefly.

That short cry seemed to awaken him. He let go, stepping back as if regaining his senses, and put some distance between us. His eyes were filled with confusion, which was quickly masked by his strong will. He must have regretted his words.

His gaze was unfamiliar. It was as if he no longer knew me or couldn't reconcile the current me with his memories. I wanted to ask if he had ever felt a shred of sympathy or even sadness for me..

I saw sadness in his eyes and wondered if it was for me or if he regretted the momentary shift in his feelings. With that in mind, I suddenly laughed.

"Nicholas, can't you bear to let me go? It was just an arranged marriage. Did you actually take it seriously?"

I expected him to mock me, but he didn't. He quickly returned to his usual calm demeanor. With a resigned expression, he extended his hand to me.

"Alright. You've made your point by cutting your hair. Come on. Let me take you home, Ariana."

I felt only disdain at the moment. I slapped his hand away and turned my head contemptuously, not wanting to look at him.

In my peripheral vision, Claudia held his hand to her cheek and tenderly asked, "Nick, does it hurt? Let me blow on it for you."

Then I heard the sound of her blowing, one breath after another. What a disgusting pair!

I refused to look at them anymore, so I turned my back and sat down, coldly saying, "You can leave now."

"Let's go, Nick," Claudia urged. "I don't want to stay here any longer."

Nicholas ignored her and kept his gaze on me. "Ariana, since you've cut your hair, I'll keep my word. I won't trouble you anymore, and Claudia won't hold this against you. Let's move past this." He claimed he wouldn't hold a grudge, but every word felt like an accusation.

"No need for that. The police will clear my name. I dont need forgiveness from any of you!" I turned to him and added indifferently, "Instead, I expect an apology from you two!"

His face darkened at my refusal, but that had nothing to do with me..

"Get out!" I yelled.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

To emphasize my point, I picked up the hair scattered on the floor and tossed it into the air. Acting crazy seemed to work.

Nicholas raised his hand and instructed his bodyguards, "You all leave first. Claudia, you too."

The sound of shuffling footsteps followed, and then there was only silence..

Even though he said nothing, I could feel his heated gaze locked on me from behind. I hugged my legs tightly to stop myself from trembling as if this was the only way to find warmth.

I had always wanted to be alone with Nicholas, to have our private moments. I never imagined this dream would come true in a detention room.

Lost in thought, I was suddenly embraced in a warm hug. Yet, I still felt cold. The faint scent of tea on him no longer comforted me. Instead, it felt like a trigger for my anger.

I struggled violently and shouted, "Don't touch me!"

His broad body enveloped me completely. As he spoke, his lips brushed against my ear. "Ariana, have you ever taken our relationship seriously?"