udia rested in Nichs'' embrace, wiping her tears away. Yet, he remained resolute in his decision.N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    I lost interest in watching further, but I was intrigued by the guy Nichs had mentioned and his rtionship with udia.


    Would someone as influential as Nichs even tolerate udia mentioning another guy when he wouldn''t let me talk to a guy I''ve known for over 20 years?


    Upon reaching Hawk Manor, udia quickly exited the car and hurried inside. Rather than immediately following her, Nichs circled to my side, opening the passenger door and gently helping me with my seatbelt.


    "Brenda''s presence is unsettling my dad. You must send her away today!" Nichs muttered.


    I only realized then that everyone outside the manor was watching us. He deliberately grazed his cheek against my lips and said audibly enough for others to hear, "Sweetheart, there are a lot of eyes on us. Let''s save that kiss forter when we''re alone in our room." "You should start the divorce proceedings sooner rather thanter. It''s for the best," I whispered.


    "I paid you over 80 million dors. Isn''t that more than


    generous for you to y along? I wouldn''t shell out that much even for a top celebrity. What makes you think you deserve it, Ariana?"


    Chaster 0041


    Nichs'' cold voice brushed against my ear, sending a chill down my spine. Finally, those words escaped his mouth.


    Frustration simmered inside me, and I discreetly hit him, though to observers, it appeared to be yful banter between a couple.


    Brenda finally felt relieved when she saw Nichs grasp my hand as I got out of the car. She intertwined his hand with mine, patting mine so firmly that it quickly red after just two taps.


    "When you didn''t returnst night, I thought Ari was causing trouble for you again! Nichs, if this happens again, don''t entertain her. We don''t need that kind of drama!" Brenda eximed.


    Nichs scratched the back of my hand with his index finger and cast a flirtatious nce my way. "Brenda, she''s quite the character, and that''s good."


    Surrounded by onlookers, his subtle actions didn''t go unnoticed. When Frances stifled augh behind her hand, I was about to pull my hand away in annoyance, but he tightened his grip, saying, "Alright. Ariana''s feeling a bit shy now." "Okay, time to scatter. I''m exhausted too. Let them fend for themselves for a while," Daniel said, waving his hand wearily.


    I wanted to see Mom off and discuss the money she owed Nichs, but before I could, he grasped my wrist firmly and dragged me into the room. His face was grave, and he


    +25 RONUS


    released my hand almost instantly.


    "If you''re tired of these random interrogations, then stop ying these games with me. Pretending with you is exhausting." Nichs said.


    I felt a pang of sadness as I watched him quickly head to the bathroom to wash his hands.


    "How much longer must we continue like this?" I asked, but Nichs stayed silent. The only sound in the room was the running water.


    "I don''t love you anymore. And you don''t love me!" I couldn''t help but stress again. "What''s the point of remaining in this loveless marriage?"


    In fact, Daniel''s health had deteriorated. The maid had just told me he came back from the hospital today. His kidneys were failing and needed frequent dialysis. At best, he might only have a couple of years left.


    My heart skipped a beat. Perhaps there was hope for Nichs and udia to be together if they truly loved each other. As long as Daniel was out of the picture, Frances would assume control of the household. I asked tentatively, "Is it a matter of waiting for your father..."