Rift in the perfect picture

The house had changed once again since I left.

On the coffee table was a bag of half–eaten potato chips, and magazines were scattered messily on the couch. One of the magazines, open to a page, featured at close–up of a male celebrity’s face.

I peeked over and saw a young–looking guy didn’t recognize. i wasn’t into celebrities, so I didn’t know him.

Back in school, whenever someone recommended their favorite celebrity to me, I’d privately scoff, thinking no man could be better–looking than Nicholas.

I looked around and noticed Claudia’s belongings cluttering the living room. They were even on the floor. The place looked chaotic. I frowned in displeasure.

Just as I walked upstairs, I saw Nicholas carrying Claudia through the door. Shel wore a bright pink dress with white stockings, and in Nicholas‘ arms, she looked like a large doll.

I observed them while leaning on the stair railing. Nicholas‘ type seemed easy to guess–obedient, gentle, and endearing.

I wasn’t sure if I was endearing back then, but I could always manage to be obedient and gentle.

Reverting to my old ways wasn’t difficult. The moment I walked into the villa, memories from the past resurfaced.

Claudia waved to me from downstairs. Her smile was particularly bright. In the past,. I’d have found her innocence charming, but now her smile seemed to carry a hidden

meaning.

After half a month apart, it felt like we had both forgotten things, and some matters had become unspoken understandings. She felt that what was past was gone and had become bolder.

“Ariana, I thought you weren’t coming back. The master bedroom is filled with my things now. I’ll move them out later.”

I curled my lips into a gracious smile. “The master bedroom has better sunlight. If you like it, go ahead and sleep there. I’ll just get some things and move to another

room.”

+26 BONUS

As I turned, I felt a cold gaze from downstairs. I remembered how he used to teach me to walk slowly, so I controlled my pace to hide my emotions.

I

The sunlight in the bedroom was glaring, so much so that my arm shook as IThis is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

shlolded my eyes.

My pillow, which had a matching pillowcase with Nicholas‘, had been tossed to the floor and replaced by a pink, Ince–trimmed one.

The bed was large enough for two people to turn over comfortably, yet that pink. pillow was pressed tightly against Nicholas‘ pillow.

I couldn’t help but wonder if Nicholas had been sleeping so closely with Claudia during the countless nights I was away.

I bent down to pick up the pillow, threw the pillowcase into the laundry basket, and went downstairs.

I found a guest room and moved from the top floor to the first floor. Coral Villa was so large that I didn’t run into them until dinner time.

Wendy was initially happy to see me, but as she pulled me into the kitchen, her expression soured.

“Madam, you should really come back and manage Ms. Claudia. She’s a grown woman but spends all her time in the master bedroom in pajamas. It’s quite inappropriate, but we can’t say much. Mr. Hawk says Ms. Claudia is ill and needs. care, but people gossip, and I’ve already heard some of it.”

Wendy’s grip tightened on my hand, and she abruptly stopped speaking. “M–Mr. Hawk.”

I turned to see Nicholas standing behind us. His dark eyes were sharp as he said. harshly, “Just make a list for Ariana to fire them.”

Holding a bowl of soup, I turned and smiled gently. “Alright.”

He was the one living a profligate life. Yet, he was afraid of others gossiping.

At dinner, everything seemed to return to normal. Nicholas sat at the head of the table, with Claudia and I on either side of him. We appeared as harmonious as a family.

After dinner, I left them in the living room and went to my room alone. I was exhausted from the day’s events.

When I was done washing up and about to turn off the lights, a figure suddenly appeared in the doorway. He pushed me against the wall.

“I didn’t sleep with her.” His words were edged with a biting tone.