Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)
Chapter 0610

Chapter 0610

I went to Nicholas' room to check on Tabitha. She was sleeping soundly, her cheeks flushed a rosy red.

She didn't know yet that, tomorrow, she'd have to go to the hospital again instead of going to kindergarten.

Other kids her age would be going to school or the amusement park, but Tabitha had to frequent the hospital and endure the smell of disinfectant she hated.

It would be a lie to say my heart didn't ache. I let out a soft sigh and stood up, only to turn around and replace a "wall" blocking the doorway.

Nicholas was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. His tall figure was shrouded in shadows, and I had no idea how long he'd been standing there.

He seemed to have calmed down, his earlier displeasure entirely gone.

I walked over and asked softly, "What time tomorrow?"

7:30a.m., he replied after a pause.

'That's so early.'

Nicholas explained, "Tabitha's cognitive activity is most active in the morning. The test results will be more accurate. If you're too tired, you can sleep in, and I'll take her first." Nicholas' gaze was soft like I was some delicate flower that needed his constant care.

Not willing to back down, I glared at him and retorted in a low voice, "I'm not that lazy. You, on the other hand, should get some rest. Don't delay Tabitha's appointment in the morning!

Nicholas nodded silently, his eyes filled with a helpless bittemess that seemed to silently condemn me.

"Alright. I'm leaving now." I had confirmed the time, so there was no reason to stay any longer.

He nodded again, gesturing with his gaze that I could go.

I couldn't tell if he was doing it intentionally, but he blocked the doorway completely.

He only left me a quarter of the doorway. How was I supposed to get past? To squeeze through the tiny gap he left, I'd have to get really close to him.

I raised a hand to push his shoulder. But before I could, he grabbed my wrist and pinned it against the wall.

He leaned in, his dark eyes filled with unspoken words as he closed the distance between us. The faint scent of tobacco mingled with the subtle citrus fragrance, and I couldn't escape as I inhaled his unique

"Nicholas..

Turning to Tabitha's direction, I protested softly so that I wouldn't wake her up.

He lifted my chin, and I saw the countless helplessness in his eyes as they fixed on my lips. The seconds felt like an eternity. As his lips drew closer, I instinctively shut my eyes, trying to avoid what was about to happen.

My heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out everything else. But the touch I anticipated didn't come. Instead, I felt a warm pressure on my forehead.

Nicholas hot and heavy breath fanned across the top of my head. "Stay here and sleep with Tabitha. I'll grab a nightgown for you.

My heart skipped a beat. Regret swirled in me as I realized I hadn't moved to evade him. I'd simply closed my eyes. Was I expecting something?

I stiffly nodded. Before he left, Nicholas leaned down and pressed another light kiss to my

forehead.

Wait here. With that, he turned and left, his fists clenched tightly at his sides.

I stood frozen at the door, my mind racing before gradually calming down. Even his back seemed dangerous.

Nicholas moved quickly, likely using every ounce of restraint not to kiss me outright. He feared that if he pushed me too far, he wouldn't even have the chance to kiss my forehead in the future.

When he returned, he thrust the nightgown into my hands.

I couldn't help grabbing his sleeve, my voice trembling with unease. "Nicholas, do you think Tabitha's condition can be cured?"