Trouble in Paradise

Pete was already in his 30s. No matter how happy he felt, he could calm down within seconds.

He set me down but didn't immediately let go of me. He leaned down, intending to place a kiss on my forehead.

"Pete Shelman," I called his name.

Upon hearing his name, his movement froze, replaced by deep affection in his eyes. In that moment, it surged forth, no longer hidden.

"Ariana, I'm a man. It's completely normal for me to have desires for you. I want to hold you, kiss you, and truly have you. I've waited over 20 years for this. Don't make me wait too long, okay?" Pete's voice was tender, filled with love as he looked at me.

Maybe it was the faint influence of the alcohol, or perhaps the struggles of the past years were finally giving way to a glimmer of hope, but I started to question whether I had truly moved on from my failed marriage and if the fear of starting another relationship still held me back.

Pete received no response. He straightened up as disappointment washed over him. He didn't say anything more, casually ruffling my hair like he always did.

"Get in the car. I'll drive you home."

With that, he turned to walk away, and I instinctively reached out, grabbing the hem of his shirt. I pulled him closer, my voice trembling.

"Pete, my last relationship was far from perfect, so I've heard a lot of empty promises. My failed marriage has also made me stop expecting love. So, when you speak sweet words to me or do things for me, it all seems less significant. Don't you think that's unfair?" Pete tightened his hold around my waist, pulling me toward him.

"When you gave birth to Tabitha, I knelt outside the delivery room, praying for your safety for five hours. I would trade my life just for you two to be safe.

"After Tabitha was born, I was there for everything-whether needed or not, I was hands-on.

"Ariana, I'm not seeking credit for anything. I just want to ask you, do you really believe that my feelings for you consist only of patience and love? Even if you see them as less significant, can't you see thatmy

love is still evident?

"You should understand why I waited so long, and why I don't want to wait any longer. I choose this moment to confess, and yes, I admit I have selfish motives. I'm afraid when you see Nicholas.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

"I haven't forgotten how you looked past me when you were wheeled out of the delivery room. Although I hate to admit it, you've been waiting for him-waiting for Tabitha's father, haven't you?

"But you saw him today. There's no

need for me to tell you how

indifferent he is. He knows about Tabitha but hasn't said a single caring word. Do you still want wait for him? Or let me ask you this, do you want to keep entangled with him?"

I shook my head vigorously. "No, I don't want to."

Pete cradled my face in his hands. "Then don't run away from me."

As I stared at his handsome face, my heart skipped a beat. I realized I was done with my disappointment in Nicholas. I closed my eyes and lifted my face slightly, waiting for a new imprint to erase the memories of Nicholas in my heart.

A black MPV suddenly barreled toward Pete and me, blaring its horn.

Pete hugged me and pushed me to the side, and the car just brushed past his back. I opened my eyes to see Nicholas's grim face behind the windshield.

"Nicholas, are you out of your mind?" Pete shouted at the back of the car before turning to me. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"

I shook my head, my gaze following the black car as it sped away. Beth's news arrived soon. Nicholas had truly lost his mind.

"Mr. Hawk, there is indeed a child under Mrs. Hawk's name. The child's name is Tabitha Shelman. It's possible they haven't registered their marriage since Mr. Shelman just got divorced."

Nicholas sneered, his voice devoid of any emotion. "So you're saying that while Pete was still married, they were already together? Are you implying that Ariana loved Pete so much that she became a homewrecker?" Beth fell silent. After a long pause, she replied, "Otherwise, there's no way to explain Tabitha's last name..."