Trouble in Paradise

In the bustling hospital, Nicholas stood out effortlessly. Tall and strikingly handsome, his presence commanded attention even as bloodstains marked his attire. Keeping a low profile. was out of the question.

I had always believed Nicholas treated me with aspect. His manners were impeccable, especially in public. But now, I could sense his seething anger for him to push me aside like. that. Those curious gazes fixed upon me left me feeling utterly exposed as if I had been stripped bare. I felt completely. vulnerable.

Even though I understood life wasn't always black and white, I'd always held a strong sense of morality. Yet, Nicholas' misunderstanding was glaringly evident to me and cut the deepest amidst everyone else's misconceptions of me. I stared into his eyes, clutched his sleeve, and emphasized each word as I explained, hoping he'd feel the sincerity in my words. "Nicholas, this isn't my fault. It was an accident. I never expected such a sudden attack. Regardless, I had to wait until Claudia was safely out of surgery. At the very least, I needed to straighten things out with. Daniel and Frances.

I continued, "Let me go back. I can explain everything to Frances and Daniel. You were there too. You know exactly what happened."

His tone remained flat, devoid of any emotion. "Be sensible.

Mom and Dad aren't up for dealing with you."

He sounded remarkably cold-hearted. Feeling wounded, ! replied, "I won't bother you guys.

Nicholas burst into laughter, moving nearer until I could hear his suppressed breaths. "Do I need to spell it out for you?"

"What?" I was at a loss for words.

"You escaped without a scratch. How did you react so fast to avoid it if this wasn't aimed at you?" Nicholas asked.

I was dumbfounded, and my mind momentarily went blank. With anger boiling inside, I faced him squarely. "Nicholas, are you saying I should be the one injured?"

"Yes!" His answer was sharp. "It was all to settle the score for that slap on your cheek, wasn't it?"

His hand tightened around my neck, his eyes locked onto my profile, and his fingertip traced the outline where the mark had faded.

Nicholas' fingers had always been graceful. I used to quietly hold his index finger after he fell asleep, finding solace in that simple gesture to ease myself into slumber. But now, his finger made me shiver as though it possessed the ability to ruin me. "Or are you mad because I made you the middle person? Ariana, take it up with me if you're upset. Don't direct it at Claudia. You're being vicious!" With that, Nicholas shoved me aside with sudden force.

I stumbled, trying desperately to regain my balance, but ended

up collapsing onto the ground. My hand grazed the floor, the sharp sting pale against the ache in my chest.

"What do you mean? Do you think I orchestrated an attack on Claudia? Nicholas, you need proof to back up such

accusations."

"Proof? When Claudia hurt her finger, you injured, our finger deliberately. When Claudia needed help applying ointment, you conveniently fell down the stairs at home. When self- injury failed to attract attention, you turned to hurting others. Aren't these incidents enough proof? What more do I need?"

Nicholas looked down at me with a chilling smile. "You're responsible for all of this!"

wasn't me!" I shouted.

Feeling unfairly accused, defeated, and furious nearly pushed me over the edge. I wanted to ask him why he never trusted me, but I held back. Deep down, I knew nothing I said would change his judgment. Nicholas didn't look at me again, but his face contorted with scorn. "My family used to sing your praises for both yourContent protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

character and academic achievements. Even my friends spoke highly of you.

"But marrying you was a mistake. I shouldn't have given your that chance. You've deceived us all."