I gritted my teeth and shook my head, trying to shake off the tears on my face. I was 30 years old. How could a woman my age still cry over being scolded? How melotic! I wouldn't give him another chance to scold me. "Nicholas, do as you please. I won't meddle in your affairs anymore." But as soon as I said that, his grip on my arm tightened, squeezingto the point that it hurt deep in my bones. Even my breathing hurt.
I struggled in desperation, completely losing my facade. I acted like a naive girl tasting the bitterness of love for the first time.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Don't touch me!" I tried to stay calm, but something insidecould no longer be suppressed.
From the moment I returned and saw Nicholas, he had looked atwith an air of superiority, his gaze dripping with disdain. It felt as if I had already bechis toy, to be played with however he pleased. Even though I stood on guard with all my thorns, he still held my hand and huggedwhenever he wanted. He could summonwith a wave of his hand and dismisswith a flick of his wrist.
I shouted at him, "Nicholas, why? Why do you think you can treatthis way? Can't I cback to my country? Is it a crforto cback? Am I not allowed to return home? "We should have continued our own paths. Our lives are miles apart. If you don't show up in front of me, would we even cross paths? "Douglas is in charge of the company. Why did you specifically call for me? You are the one who insisted on finding me, how did I becthe pathetic one?" Nicholas gripped my shoulders and turnedaround to face him. I looked into his deep black eyes, watching his thick lashes tremble as if I could almost feel the cold gust they stirred between us. He grabbed my hand and guided it to his collar, leadingto undo the buttons.
One button, then another. His collar parted wide like a mask of restraint being torn away. It revealed the veins pulsing on his neck, inviting thoughts of what lay beneath.
His chest rose and fell, his breathing heavy. All my anger transformed into a stirring feeling I hadn't experienced in three years.
I snapped back to reality, clenched my fists, and refused to cooperate. His dark eyes locked onto me, his low voice trembling as he asked, "Do you want to know why I'm pushing you away?" I pressed my lips together, letting him weaken my grip until I felt the firmness of his chest beneath my palm. I quickly averted my gaze.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe called my name, "Ariana, look at me." Nicholas lifted my chin, forcingto meet his gaze. "If you want to cut ties with me, then why are you wavering?" As he spoke, he pulled his shirt collar back, revealing his strong arms.
His dark eyes suddenly dulled, filled with an emptiness that was suffocating. "You should have left decisively when I told you to go, just like before." Nicholas released me, pulling his hands back to remove his shirt. He scoffed lightly. "You could take careofonce or twice, but can you take care offorever? This minor injury means nothing." One of his arms was exposed, and I covered my mouth in shock.
"You ask why I keep showing up in front of you? Because I'm done m watching you walk away. Even if you leave, I should be the one who tells you to get lost."
He tossed his shirt to the ground and I asked, "See this? Do you know why I want you to get lost?" His right arm was covered in a
network of scars, every inch of his skin written with pain and struggle. The Scar's on his left arm were En perfectly concealed, but... His bloodshot eyes locked on mine as he reached out with his left hand, gripping my throat.
"My tattoo... It's your face." X