Trouble in Paradise



Chapter 0573

If Nicholas thought standing in the rain could earn my forgiveness, he couldn't be more wrong. It was all an act. I wanted to see how long he could keep it up.

'Close the door. Ari is weak and can't stand the cold wind!" Wendy said, her voice filled with concern.

All the maids were newly hired by Nicholas. I didn't know them, but they recognized Wendy as a long-time staff of the household.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

As the one who took care of Tabitha and earned the trust of both Nicholas and me, Wendy's words carried weight. Yet, shutting him out into the rain left them hesitant.

"If you won't close the door, go stand outside with Mr. Hawk! Don't miss the chance to show your loyalty!"

Her sudden burst of anger surprised me. It was the first time I'd ever seen her like this.

I knew she was upset with Nicholas for my sake, but our tangled mess wasn't something even we could sort out. I didn't want Wendy to get involved and risk backlash from jealous staff who might gossip to Nicholas later.

I gently pulled Wendy aside. My things were still in the bedroom I once shared with Nicholas. I asked Wendy to bring me a change of clothes and moved my essentials to Tabitha's room instead.

When Tabitha saw me, her eyes lit up with rare clarity. She stared at me for a long moment before reaching out her arms for the first time.

'Mommy, hug."

I used to be the one always eager to hold Tabitha. I never realized that, in her little world, she wanted to be held just as much. She needed me too.

A sob escaped my throat as tears fell uncontrollably. The moment I saw Tabitha, all my pain felt worth it. Nicholas made me move into the Coral Villa, but he never specified where I should stay. It didn't matter anyway- as long as Tabitha was safe and sound, that was all I cared about.

Her lips quivered, and tears welled in her eyes. She started crying too, fear flickering across her small face.

My heart broke. But I couldn't hold her-not while I was soaked through. I crouched before her, coaxing softly despite the tremor in my voice.

"Mommy is all wet. If I hug you, you'll get wet too. You'll feel cold and uncomfortable, sweetheart."

Wendy stepped in quickly, scooping Tabitha into her arms and offering her a favorite toy to distract her.

I stood and headed to the bathroom. I turned on the faucet before letting myself cry freely.

When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I barely recognized the pale, red-eyed woman staring back. It had been years since I felt this wronged. Three years, to be exact.

I closed my eyes, memories of Nicholas playing the piano on stage flashing in my mind. Was meeting him a blessing or a punishment from fate?

I didn't know how long I stayed there until a soft knock interrupted me.

*All done?" Wendy's voice called softly.

"Yeah, I'm done." I hesitated to leave, knowing my swollen eyes would betray how hard I'd cried. At 30, it felt foolish to be so affected by my emotions.

I opened the door and tried to smile at Wendy to reassure her, but I couldn't. Instead, I lowered my head. 'Tabitha's asleep. Come downstairs and eat something before you rest," Wendy said softly.

"I'm not hungry. I just want to sleep. I'm exhausted," I replied.

Anything involving Nicholas drained me completely.

When he tried to make amends, I had to steel myself not to fall for it. He hadn't truly changed, and I couldn't allow myself to forget that. I had to stay rational, analyze everything, and keep my distance.

When he turned to threats and manipulation, I had to muster every ounce of strength to fight back-to resist his overbearing presence, reject his so-called love, and struggle for the space to breathe.

It was utterly exhausting.

Wendy hesitated as if wanting to say more, but I stopped her. "Just leave me alone for a while."

She nodded and left the room.

Lying beside Tabitha, I felt a rare sense of peace. But as I closed my eyes, an accidental glimpse out the window replayed in my mind.

Through the dim rain, I saw his dark figure still standing there. The sight made my chest ache unbearably.