Trouble in Paradise

king straight ahead. "A gift for

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2011

I had never received flowers from Nicholas before. He bought flowers for his mother and his sister, but never for me. My hands trembled as I held the bouquet.

Back then, I consoled myself by thinking that he just wasn't the romantic type. However, he clearly could buy flowers!

I wanted to throw the bouquet at the back of his head and tell him that it was too late for gestures! Nonetheless, my arms felt too weak to lift up the bouquet. I couldn't bear to do it.

Even as I got out of the car, I held onto the bouquet. I didn't let it go from the start of the car ride until the end. I really liked the flowers very much.

But a bouquet of roses wasn't enough to make me forgive him.

Nicholas grabbed me before I entered the house. "Ariana, let's talk."

I stood before him with the bouquet in my arms. We stood like two silent statues. We were feeling unsure of how to deal with. this unexpected situation.

He finally spoke when my patience grew thin. "Claudia noticed that something has been going on with us. Don't let your personal issues affect my relationship with her. What would she think about me?"

I really wished to ask whether he even cared about what I thought.

However, there was no point in arguing after seeing the accusatory look on his face.

I smiled politely at him and said, Thanks for the flowers, but I still think separating is the best solution. I will have my friend send the divorce agreement to your office. Make sure that your secretary checks and receives the papers." I wasn't joking. I was serious about the divorce.

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When I opened the door and entered, I was surprised Claudia waiting for me in the living room. She greeted me enthusiastically like a little puppy. She rushed over to bring me my slippers when she caught sight of me.

Her sudden movements might have caused her wound to hurt, so Claudia lost her balance and fell to her knees in front of me.

She clutched her backside and winced in pain. At that moment, Nicholas walked in. She stuck out her tongue in

embarrassment. "I got too excited to see you both return and just lost my balance."

Nicholas extended his hand, but Claudia flinched and shied away from him. She avoided meeting his gaze as she said, "It's alright, Nick. It doesn't hurt."

She stood up on her own and brought slippers for Nicholas and me.

My expression darkened, but I wouldn't stoop to argue with a child. I smiled and thanked her.

Pleased by my praise, Claudia happily poured me a cup of tea.

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11. 2011.

However, I didn't take it.

I used to enjoy watching melodramas on television. I was wary that she might pull some tricks, like spilling the tea to burn herself when I reached out to take it.

I gestured to the bouquet in my arms and spoke calmly, "Just put it on the coffee table. I'll drink it later.

I wanted to look for Wendy to give her the tonic, but Claudia kept chatting away while clinging to me. This seemed to be the first time in four years that Claudia paid me so much attention while Nicholas was present. Amongst the three of us, I was clearly in the right. I was

justified to feel aggrieved and mistreated, but I found myself unable to respond gracefully with Claudia fawning all over me.

Even if I did not express my anger or indifference, I still felt like I was bullying a child. Surprisingly, it gave me a sense of guilt, despite Claudia not being that young anymore.

I tried to soothe her. "Claudia, I'm tired. Let Nick keep you company."

"Oh, okay. I'll come find you to play later."

When I headed to the kitchen, I overheard Claudia talking to Nicholas behind me, "Nick, I told you Ariana would like the roses. Look, she's holding onto them so tightly! So, shouldn't you praise me?"

My throat closed up and I felt choked. It felt as if the couple behind me were tightening their hands around my neck. My

cheeks were flushed with anger.

I threw the bouquet in the hallway trash bin. The lingering scent on my hands smelt like filth. It repulsed me now. As I washed my hands, I noticed my reddened eyes in the mirror and quickly lowered my head.

Wendy was in the kitchen when I handed her the herbs for the tonic. "You don't need to make lunch. I'm giving you a few days off. Once I'm settled, I'll give you the address of my new place. Have you unpacked my luggage from yesterday?"