Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas)
Chapter 621

Chapter 0621

Nicholas' previously dejected expression changed instantly upon hearing my words.

He abruptly looked up at me, his dark eyes gleaming with emotion. They resembled vast, relentless waves crashing against the shore.

In the next moment, he pulled me into a crushing embrace as if he wanted to merge me into his very being.

"Ariana, do you still have me in your heart?"

I let out a quiet sigh in my heart. Even the strength to push him away seemed to have vanished. My hands rested weakly on his shoulders as I let him hold me.

Did I still have him in my heart?

At this moment, I felt scared by Nicholas' raw and direct reminder. I laughed bitterly in my heart.

He had hurt me so many times, and I'd made countless resolutions to draw a clear line between us. Yet, whenever he showed even the slightest sadness or vulnerability, I couldn't help but feel an aching pain for him.

At this moment, it felt like Nicholas was the doctor. I was diagnosed by him that I still had him in my heart.

I didn't know how to respond to him. I didn't want to admit it. I was afraid. After all, the pain of the past was all real.

I used to pride myself on being straightforward. I'd always admit when I was in love, and if I wasn't, I'd say so without hesitation. But now, I couldn't do that anymore.

I felt conflicted, unable to express an opinion. When I looked at Nicholas, I dared not let any unnecessary emotion show.

As adults, some decisions left no room for retreat. Acting on impulse could lead to regrettable choices. I knew that, at this moment, my every action had to be governed by reason.

"Our personal matters can wait. Right now, I want to talk about Tabitha. Can we have a proper discussion now?" Nicholas leaned his heavy head against my left shoulder. The weight pressed into me uncomfortably as he spoke.

"Ariana, I love your rationality because you didn't blindly choose someone else for Tabitha's sake. But at this moment, I also hate your rationality."

He slowly let go of me. His gaze softened and was not as resistant as before.

Nicholas took my hand and held it in his palm. I tried to pull away, but he didn't allow it. A trace of smugness curled at his lips as he said, "Go on. I'm listening."

I wanted to speak, but the way his thumb gently caressed the back of my hand made it impossible to focus.

I bit my lower lip and forced myself to endure it, although my voice trembled despite my efforts.

"Even if we have a second child, their birth won't carry the label for Tabitha'!. They will be a child we both wanted, born from our shared hopes. The love we give them will never be less than what we've given Tabitha. I can promise that, and I believe you can too."

Nicholas had always been someone I knew, even long ago, would make an amazing father. That hadn't changed,

even now.

Perhaps it was because I had witnessed so many of his interactions with Claudia growing up. On this matter, my confidence in him bordered on blind faith.

I gave him numerous examples, including CEOs I had met recently in business circles and celebrities in the entertainment industry. Separation between couples was not uncommon, but their love for their children never diminished.

I had seen children happily say things like, "My mom has a boyfriend, and my dad has a wife'. To them, it simply meant there were more people to love them.

Nicholas gripped my shoulders, his expression serious as he looked me in the eye.

"Your suggestion is tempting. I've always regretted not being by your side during your pregnancy. I wasn't there to take care of you properly, or to fulfill the responsibilities of a husband after the birth.

"I missed out on so many precious memories in our lives. If you were to get pregnant again, I'd cherish it with all my heart.

"But there's one condition, Ariana. Will you remarry me?"