Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)

Chapter 0584

The ceiling was a book without words. I'd been reading it for four years, yet I still hadn't finished it. Tonight, this book began to make a sound.

The sound was slow and thick with the haze of drunkenness. Each word was carefully enunciated, as if he were afraid I wouldn't hear or that I might reject him.

My neck felt damp. I couldn't tell if it was from his kiss or the moisture at the comer of my eyes.

I wanted to ask him, "If you knew it would be like this now, what were you doing back then? Why did you push our relationship to this point?"

But he was drunk, and even if I asked, he wouldn't understand. All I could do was smile and let it go.

"Ariana, you smiled... You smiled at me... I know you don't want me to be sad. You look so beautiful when you smile."

Nicholas' voice was filled with joy, soft, and pleasant to hear.

In the past, hearing such a compliment would have made my heart flutter. But now, no matter what he said, I would never be swayed by him again.

He kept grinning foolishly. He was no longer the aggressive figure from earlier who had wanted to hold me close. Now, he was devoid of any threat, and I could finally let my guard down.

I no longer needed to summon all my strength to resist or defend myself. It was a rare moment where I could actually feel at ease next to him.

I lay next to him, waiting for him to fall deeper asleep before I left. Just as I started to feel bored, my phone in my pocket rang.

"Ariana, am I disturbing you?" It was Neal.

It was a bit late for a call, and I could sense his hesitation. I didn't want to add any burden on him. I glanced at Nicholas, who was asleep beside me.

Worried that my voice might wake him, I spoke softly. "No, you're not disturbing me. I haven't fallen asleep yet. What's up?

Neal spoke quickly, his concern evident in his voice. "I heard a group of people attacked you today. Were you hurt?"

I paused for a moment before replying, "I'm fine. I had someone with me who protected me." Neal was quick to catch on. "It was Mr. Hawk, right?"

Yes, you're well-informed. This shouldn't have bothered you."

Neal stood by the window, the moonlight casting a soft glow on him as he pondered for a moment. "Because it's about you, I'm paying extra attention."

"Neal," I said, my tone a mix of helplessness and distance. "Thank you."

Hearing the seriousness in my voice, Neal chuckled. "I'm just looking out for you as a friend."

I nodded silently in the dark, hearing Neal continue.

"I found out because there was a lot of pressure from above. Mr. Hawk requested a thorough, expedited investigation. Since it's related to you, I handled it personally. If you have any questions or need more details, I can share them with you."

"No need, Neal."

I thought back to what had happened in the study with Nicholas earlier and apologized to Neal.

"I didn't read the documents that were faxed over. The truth or the lies aren't that important to me. I don't care."

I closed my eyes, Nicholas' shocked and hurt expression playing over and over in my mind. Just thinking about it left me exhausted.

Neal laughed softly. "I think I know why Mr. Hawk was in such a hurry."

I smiled silently, not denying it. Given how much he had helped me in the past, it wasn't surprising he could understand my thoughts.

"I can send someone to have Mr. Hawk walk through the formalities. It won't avenge you for being framed or detained, but it might help you feel a little better."