Trouble in Paradise

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I should thank these two women. They'd given me a new perspective on my marriage. What I possessed, which was something others admired, wasn't what I truly desired. Despite my efforts to explain, they never trusted me and kept their distance.

I gazed at them, realizing that words were futile, and asked, "How about I introduce you to him?"

It was more of an offer than a question. It was a rare chance for them, and I was sure they wouldn't refuse.

I hoped they could connect with Nicholas, perhaps even forge a deeper bond. Whoever ended up with Nicholas would have my blessing.

I guided them over to Nicholas' side and quietly slipped away. It amused me to see Nicholas and Claudia both suddenly become displeased at the same time.

Once I slipped away unnoticed, I returned to the banquet hall and resumed mingling, handing off business cards to everyone I met. Everyone around me wore smiles and showered me with flattering remarks.

In a daze, my mind drifted back to four years ago when I married Nicholas. Our wedding in Radiant City was a dazzling display of opulence that was unmatched back then.

Unexpectedly, I began to see Nicholas in a different light. He had shown me every kind of respect I could wish for, except love. The true mistake was my unwavering devotion to him. Realizing this brought me a measure of comfort.

I was taken aback when I noticed Claudia deep in conversation with Nelson. It struck me as unusual that they knew each other.

Nelson appeared more attentive than Claudia, swiftly turning when he sensed my gaze. His years had marked lines around his eyes. Yet, they hadn't dulled their keenness.

His piercing gaze made me instinctively retreat a little. He eased up upon recognizing me. I pondered whether Mom and Nelson had sorted things out.

He didn't approach me as if waiting for me to approach him. We held each other's gaze from afar, the silent tension nearly overwhelming.

As I debated whether to steer clear or to approach Nelson to greet him, Claudia said her goodbyes to him. His focus finally shifted away from me, relieving the tension I'd been feeling.

When Claudia approached me, I found myself noticeably more at ease. She was in a fluffy. pink dress, locking adorable like a princess. Her eyes were watery, her lip chewed in distress as she stood before me. Peering into her troubled gaze, I felt a deep, contained turmoil.

"Ariana, after Nick transferred me to a different college, I'm ready to concentrate on finishing my last years of studies. After graduation, I plan to pursue postgraduate studies abroad," Claudia said.

"Having a plan is a good thing. I'll come with you tomorrow. Both Nicholas and I want what's best for you," I reassured her gently, mindful of the tasks Nicholas had assigned me.

Holding Claudia's hand, we walked back to Hawk Manor together.

That night, Nicholas carried me to the bedroom under the watchful gaze of Frances and Daniel, their attention on my abdomen. They were eager for a grandchild, but Nicholas, mindful of his promise to keep his distance from me, left swiftly.

I wondered where he had gone. Perhaps he was across the hallway in Claudia's room, though I couldn't be certain.

The following morning, I woke up to find his side of the bed devoid of warmth. He remained absent when I had my breakfast.

Part of me silently hoped he wouldn't show up. It would have made taking Claudia to college a lot easier. Yet, my hopes were soon dashed.

Nicholas had always cared deeply about Claudia's matters. As Claudia and I got into the Hawks' car, Nicholas was already seated in the front passenger seat, waiting for us.

I noticed a brief sparkle in Claudia's eyes as she opened the car door, but it quickly faded, leaving her looking lifeless.

I wasn't sure what had happened between Nicholas and Claudia the previous night. She seemed even more downcast than she had been at the banquet yesterday.