Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0040

Nicholas let me go, not because of our past, but because Claudia was expecting him. He commanded, “Dry your tears. Watch your words when we get back.”

The journey back to Hawk Manor was silent, with none of us saying a word.

I sat in the passenger seat, while Claudia, clearly scared, huddled into Nicholas‘ arms, appearing almost lifeless.

She clung to him as usual, their bodies pressed together. Nicholas‘ hand rested on Claudia’s head, their interaction intimate and familiar.

A profound sadness engulfed me as I reflected on my passive role in their relationship.

Suddenly, I noticed that the rearview mirror was angled oddly. When I glanced up, Nicholas caught my eye.

There seemed to be a strange connection between us, our gazes meeting more frequently than mere chance would allow. Even with his dear Claudia in his arms, he continued to steal glances in my direction. There was a distinct contrast between the atmosphere in the backseat and my solitary space. Yet, Nicholas tried to bridge it by stealing glances at me.

The unsettling vibe left me breathless, its heaviness bearing down on my chest like a weight I couldn’t shake off. I shut my eyes and leaned against the car window to avoid his gaze. Yet, his voice still reached my ears.

“Your professor informed me that missing more classes could jeopardize your graduation. No one from the Hawks has ever Tailed to graduate from college.

“I’m sorry, Nick,” said ClaudiaContentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“I’m considering transferring you to another college.”

Claudia’s head dropped upon hearing his words. I assumed. she felt ashamed over her poor grades, but she suddenly sat up straight. Her voice quivered with emotions as she asked, ” Ariana, is it your idea for me to transfer to another college?”

Her sudden question caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless. I opened my eyes, finding Nicholas casually crossing his right leg over his left, seemingly unconcerned about explaining himself.

I made myself seem innocent. “Claudia, why would you even assume that?”

Staring at me, Claudia suddenly exclaimed, “Ariana, why did you change outfits?”

Her surprise was palpable in her eyes. The directness of her question made me feel a twinge of shame as if I was the other woman and had committed some indiscretion with Nicholas upstairs just moments ago.

I turned to meet her gaze squarely. “I just decided to change. my clothes. Is that an issue?”

I had boundaries and couldn’t let her keep pushing me around.

“N–Nothing… I’m just curious why Nick is suggesting I transfer to another college. I thought you guys preferred having me away from home,” Claudia said, tugging at Nicholas‘ sleeve. She avoided meeting my eyes and instead turned to him with an innocent expression.

Nicholas eventually said calmly, “It’s not about anyone else. You know the reason.”

Claudia’s hopeful look faded as he failed to give her a satisfactory explanation. She said, “Nick, I’ve already handled that guy.”

Nicholas gave her a stern look. “Tell me the truth.”

“Nick-”

“Remember our promise? No lying to me.”

Nicholas‘ words made me reflect. While there was no promise between Nicholas and me, there was one between him and Claudia. The identity of the guy they mentioned remained

unclear to me.

Claudia seemed burdened by something she found difficult to talk about. She covered her face with both hands, let out a sorrowful sob, and lapsed into silence.