Trouble in Paradise



Nicholas didn't come after me. He had more important things to attend to. Claudia was still waiting for him.

Neal and I said our goodbyes at the entrance of the detention center. As I turned to leave, he called out to me.

"Ariana."

I turned back and saw his sharp jawline tensed, his beautiful eyes hidden under the brim of his hat. I paused, a smile spreading across my face.

"I owe it all to you this time. Once this is over, I'll treat you to a meal. I just don't know if a busy person like you will have the time."

"Hmm. I'll have time," he replied softly, his eyes shining brightly.

I smiled knowingly. "Great. Make sure you bring your colleagues. My treat."

"I didn't help you for the meal," he said with a hint of helplessness in his tone while shaking his head slightly.

"Of course, I know that. Otherwise, I wouldn't have thought of you in my time of need. You've been a great help, and I genuinely want to thank you."

Perhaps sensing my sincerity, he nodded lightly.

"Ariana," he called me again, his eyes showing a painful confusion. "Didn't you say you wouldn't be in this line of work anymore? How did you end up getting involved again?"

I was at a loss for words, suddenly unsure of how to respond. After my internship ended, the defendant's attention shifted to the senior lawyer who had taken me under his wing, and naturally, I no longer needed Neal's protection.

I had treated him to coffee at a cafe near the school as a way of thanking him and saying goodbye. I thanked him for his care during that time and told him that since the intership was over, he wouldn't have to waste his time on me anymore.

I thought he would be happy and relieved, but he said that as long as I became a lawyer, trouble would be inevitable, and he would continue to protect me.

It had been so long that I had forgotten about it until he brought it up. Back then, he had tanned skin from constant training, and his bright smile left a deep impression on me.

Because of Nicholas, I had said that I wouldn't pursue a career as a lawyer and that I would get married after graduation and become a full-time housewife, no longer needing his protection.

My family had arranged for me to end my internship once my engagement to Nicholas was confirmed.

"Didn't you say that doing the job you love would make you happy?"

During the many nights when we walked back from the law firm to school, I would endlessly ask Neal about criminal investigations, but he was just a rookie and couldn't answer all my questions.

Eventually, it tumed into me venting to him one-sidedly. I thought he wasn't listening, but now he was using my own words to question me

"Marrying someone I love will also make me happy."

Back then, I was so happy that it felt like I was going crazy. Becoming a lawyer was a dream I had in high school, but liking Nicholas was a habit formed since childhood. I didn't need to hesitate at all.

"Happier than being a lawyer?"

"Yes."

The certainty in my mind was as solid as a rock, more resolute than my desire to become a lawyer. But now, Facing Neal's confused expression, I didn't know how to answer him. I no longer had the firm answer I once did.Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

My fingers clenched tightly behind me, and thinking of Nicholas brought me pain. I looked up and forced a nonchalant smile.

"Neal, those were the old days."

He looked at me for a moment before responding with a faint nod, and the sharpness retumed to his eyes. He hailed a taxi and watched as I got in, thoughtfully reminding the driver to drive carefully.

"I'm not as weak as you think. I don't need your protection."

His faint voice traveled in through the closing car door, dissipating before I could fully grasp

it. I leaned against the window, watching him smile and wave at me.

The driver, a talkative man, smiled and asked, "Young lady, you're lucky to have a police boyfriend, aren't you? You two don't get to meet very often, do you? The young man seemed quite reluctant to part with you. Ha ha ha!"

Sir, you've misunderstood. We're just friends."

I frowned and looked back, but Neal was already out of sight. The driver must have been mistaken.

The first thing I did when I got home was to charge my phone, which had been dead for a while. Then, I quickly took a hot bath.

I remembered hearing a story as a child that said if you were having bad luck, taking a bath could wash it away.

As I finished my bath and heard the sound of the smart lock opening, I realized that some bad luck couldn't be washed away with just a bath.

Iran over to try and lock the door from the inside, but it was too late.

With a cigarette dangling from his mouth, Nicholas walked in. He took the cigarette out and blew a puff of smoke right into my face.