Trouble in Paradise

Dressed in a black coat, the hem of Nicholas' garment billowed as he took a long stride forward.

He walked toward me, his dark eyes seeming to hold an infinite power. At the moment our gazes met, a sense of calm washed over me.

Only Nicholas made me truly think of this word. He was my calm, but he was also my turmoil.

Lowering my eyes slightly, I took a deep breath to suppress my emotions. Then, I felt a strong arm wrapped around my shoulders. Nicholas asked again, "Are you done?"

His voice was cold, carrying a sharp edge that made his words seem forceful.

Nelson's expression shifted, but as someone who had weathered many storms, he maintained his composure and even managed a smile.

"Mr. Hawk, what insights do you have to share?"

Nicholas glanced at me briefly before locking eyes with Nelson again. "Whatever my wife wants, I will provide. There's no need for you to trouble yourself. If my wife wants that piece of land, I'll make sure she gets it.

"But I have a condition. The bidding from the first half will be nullified, and there should be no starting price set. Whatever my wife desires, I'll win it for her."

"That's..." Nelson hesitated.

"Rest assured, I will give you a satisfactory price," Nicholas said, emphasizing each word for greater impact.

Nelson wavered. "Words are just words. Why should I trust you?"

"Do you have a better option?" Nicholas replied coldly.

The two of them stared each other down for a full ten seconds before Nelson reluctantly signaled his secretary to push him back.

"You knew all along?" I asked, my voice catching in my throat as I looked at Nicholas.

"I'm sorry was late," he said, pulling me tightly into his embrace. His arms encircled me with a strength that seemed to say he wanted to meld me into himself, conveying his deep anguish. en

"How did you find out?"

"I looked at your phone. Why didn't you tell me when you were hurt?"

I opened my mouth, trying to speak, but ultimately chose to remain silent. It wasn't just because I didn't want to bother him—it was more because I didn't know how to bring it up

Those kinds of photos... faced with such an incident, how much courage would it take to confide in someone? Anyone would mind, wouldn't they? Forcing a light-hearted tone, I looked up from his embrace and gave him a small smile. "It's nothing serious. I can handle it myself."

Nicholas stared at me, frowning disapprovingly.

"Let's go back. The second half is starting," I said, turning to leave.

But my wrist was suddenly caught. He gently but firmly pulled me back into his arms.

Nicholas cupped my face and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. "I once thought you had a child with Pete. I was insanely jealous. I believed I'd draw a line between us and never look back. But the truth is, I'm always drawn to you. Do you

know what that means?"noveldrama

I shook my head, bewildered. My vision blurred with unshed tears, and the man before me became hazy, his voice taking on a dreamlike quality.

"It means that no matter what happens, you remain beautiful-inside and out. And besides, some things aren't your fault. It's others coveting your beauty." "Thank you," I whispered.

At that moment, my mind relinquished control to my heart. I hugged him tightly and then bowed my head, letting my tears fall freely.

I didn't remember how I returned to my seat in the auction hall. All I remember was the faint scent of tea lingering by my side, rich and comforting.