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“Malicious intent? Nicholas echoed. After a moment of consideration, he asked, “Who was responsible?”

“Mr. Hawk, it was Mr. Shelman. He mentioned he had a close call today and wanted to see how difficult driving really is. Unfortunately, he lost control of the steering…” Beth’s voice tapered off.

“Mr. Shelman wanted me to inform you that he found it quite challenging.”

Nicholas remained silent as he fixed his gaze on me. After a moment, he stepped closer and spoke more clearly into his phone.

“There’s no need to arrange for repairs. I’ll deliver the cars to him with my wife on another occasion.”

He hung up and gave me a sideways look, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. “I’m curious. How did you two get in touch?”

His smile caught me off guard. His features softened with his smile. However, I was aware that his tranquil demeanor concealed a gathering storm. A chilling intensity was simmering beneath his gentle exterior.

Nicholas edged closer, reaching for the phone in my hand. With nowhere to step back, my back thudded against the wall. Yet, I barely registered the pain. I stopped him, asking, “Are you going to check my phone?”

“Well, didn’t you check mine too?” Nicholas retorted.

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Micholas strolle purgeonfully to by front door, swiftly

umwacking the smart tack with hunger. The door chimed and swung open, and he canned me jade and dumped me on the

en an mutant he pressed down on me, his kiss burning with tervar and trendy Wy cheeks burned as he persisted, kissing The roughly until he felt my tears on his lips before he slowly pulled back

Then the confronted me with a ferry of accusations. You bucked fun and deleted all your messages, didn’t you? Are you seeking someone else to stand up for you because you Teal winged my presence

Notolas finished speaking and apped a tear in my new outfit. The menanty in his eyes grew as my sin became visible through the treat

screamed, holding onto the neckline of my shirt and scrambling away I shook my head and pleaded, “Nicholas!

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Please don’t do this.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“What?” He pointed to his head, his voice filled with frustration. “How did Pete treat you all those years? Ariana, do you have a thing for being abused? Why is it that now you’re about to cry just because I’ve been a bit rough?”

Nicholas undid his belt and continued, “I used to hesitate before acting like this. I do understand women’s feelings to some extent. But since you seem so interested in other men, perhaps I should quench your desires.”

He placed his hand on the back of my neck, making me kneel before him.

Terrified by what I saw, I shook my head. “Nicholas, you’re talking nonsense. Nothing’s happening between Pete and me!” “Do you realize how expensive it is to repair those cars in my garage? Why would he shell out that much if it weren’t for you?. Yet, you’re still denying anything’s going on,” Nicholas retorted.

“I saw you watch without flinching while I got hit. You drove Claudia to the hospital, so why can’t I accept a ride from Pete?” I demanded.

Nicholas paused, taking a deep breath. “Claudia’s downstairs waiting for us.”

He let go of me and fastened his pants up again. His voice turned stern as he warned, “Listen carefully.

“First, remember you’re still Mrs. Hawk. I’ll confront him without hesitation if I see you with him again! And second,

never provoke Claudia with your words again. This is more serious than you think.”