Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)
Chapter 620

Chapter 0620

I opened my mouth but couldn't replace the words. All I could do was stare at him, completely at a loss, Nicholas looked even more disappointed when I didn't immediately deny his accusation.

"Do you have any idea how much I want you? Or why have I been holding back all this time?'

Nicholas pinched the bridge of his nose as if someone had forced him to swallow a bitter medicine. The bitterness was so overwhelming that he couldn't even lift his head.

"If we're together, I want it to be because we both want it. It should be happening naturally and willingly, not due to any external reasons, not even for Tabitha!" His tone was firm. "I won't agree to this!"

I didn't expect Nicholas to think this way. I was so shocked by his straightforward words that my body trembled slightly. But his resolute rejection filled my gaze with sadness.

"When I was abroad, I took Tabitha to see many doctors. They always spoke so casually, saying things like, 'Your daughter is still young. You and your husband could try for another child. Two children growing up together would be good for both of them'."

Nicholas clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over as he cursed, "They're idiots. Utter nonsense!"

"Let me finish," I interrupted, shaking my head and placing my hand over his.

"To those doctors, having two kids in a family is normal. Besides, there are substantial subsidies for having children abroad.

"Most people there don't mind the idea, so the doctors just throw out those suggestions without a second thought. But after hearing it over and over, it started to stick in my mind."

He let out a sneer, low and self-deprecating.

"So, the reason you came back wasn't just to return home. You were also considering having another child, weren't you? That's why you acted so proactive that one time. If Pete hadn't shown up unexpectedly, you'd have gone through with it, wouldn't you?"

Nicholas' voice grew heavier with every question, his usual low, magnetic tone now tinged with hoarseness.

"You don't know me at all! No matter what, I would've stopped! Do you think I see you as some casual fling? Or that I'm that kind of man?*

I stayed silent. Because Nicholas was absolutely right about that. I really didn't understand him. And yet, it felt like he could see right through me, and I could never outsmart him.

He could easily read my thoughts through my actions. And the truth was, I really did think that way at the very beginning.

"Nicholas, calm down. Let's be rational about this. We're doing this for Tabitha. You want what's best for her too, don't you?"

His eyes turned hollow, his tightly clenched fists pale at the knuckles.

"Of course. I should've known long ago. I don't matter to you. I'm just a Facebook post you've deleted, a man so worthless that even 20 years of sunk cost wouldn't make you stay.

"Soon, you'll move out of Coral Villa. I knew that too. Yet, I was still foolishly hoping you'd fall for me again during this time."

Nicholas nodded heavily. "Fine. I'm calm now. Let's have another child, so they can also grow up in a broken family. Right?'

I rubbed the tip of my nose, the ache in my chest spreading as if I'd taken a heavy blow.

I didn't know what to call the indescribable feeling his words stirred in me... Was it a heartache? I wasn't sure.

He should've been the person I hated most. So, why did my heart ache for him?

"Nicholas, plenty of doctors suggested I have another child, but I've never considered anyone other than you."