Rift in the perfect picture

Chapter 0103

I smiled softly and called out, “Honey, let’s go back.”

As I walked past Nicholas, his hidden emotions felt like a massive vortex. A gust of wind stirred, lifting the hem of my dress and ruffling his suit.

Just as I was about to pass him, he stepped forward and blocked my path. Having spent four years with him, I had come to understand him a bit.

With his lips tightly pressed together, he extended his leg to block my path. He was demanding an explanation.

In the past, I might have forced my way through. Although the chances of escaping were slim, it would at least show my determination. But now, I walked up to him and gently caressed his cheek.

I began to understand that some struggles were meaningless.

His skin was cold. My touch seemed to make him slightly uncomfortable. He withdrew the leg that was blocking my way and stepped back.

Frowning, he looked at me coldly. “What are you doing?”

I looked up at him and smiled. “A capable man and a woman who wants to depend on him are not mutually exclusive.”

I wasn’t afraid to show him my intentions. I needed him to know that I depended on him, so he would let his guard down.

Suddenly, Nicholas grabbed my hand and pulled me into his arms. His voice was close to my ear. “It’s not mutually exclusive, but your attitude doesn’t make me feel like you want to depend on me.”

His dark eyes glimmered with intelligence. He held my chin, forcing me to look up at him. For a moment, I almost felt like he had seen through me.

Being this close to him was something I had once dreamed of. But now, in this setting and at this time, any more intimacy felt like a grave transgression. Yet, I didn’t pull away.

I wrapped one arm around his shoulder, stood on tiptoe, and gently kissed his chin. Is this enough, honey?”

I looked at him with adoration. He seemed pleased by my gesture, and I smiled along

• 35 BONUS

with him. I released my hand and prepared to leave. I still needed to send Mom off

for the last time.

Just as I was stepping away, he pulled me back by my waist. His fingers wandered slowly and suggestively across my side, as if toying with a favorite plaything, or perhaps he was testing my boundaries.

“So, you think I’m more capable than Pete?” he suddenly asked.

His eyes burned with intensity, and his palms grew hotter, making my blood boil. After realizing Pete’s feelings for me, Nicholas‘ past warnings took on a new meaning.

I couldn’t help but wonder if he actually cared about me.

Suddenly, a sharp pain in my waist brought me back to reality. I noticed the cor me. It

displeasure in his eyes. I woke up from my hopeful thoughts. He didn’t care for me. It was merely possessiveness at play.

I moved his hand from my waist and held his palm in both of mine as I told him, “Yes, you’re better than him.” There was no falsehood in my words.

Nicholas was the man I had fallen in love with at first sight. No other man could compare to him. No one could match the young man who once played a solo on the piano.

My eyes grew misty as Nicholas led me away. He didn’t say anything further, and his. emotions were perfectly concealed.

While Pete was paying respects to Mom, Nicholas led me into the adjacent room. I was confused. Just as I was about to ask him what he was doing, he pressed me against the wall. My struggles were silenced as he kissed me deeply.

“Shh. Don’t speak. If you do, he’ll know it’s you.”

His hot breath brushed against my neck, and he bit down.

“Hmm…” I pressed my lips together and let out a muffled groan.

“Who’s there?” Pete’s voice called from the other room. “Who’s outside?”

My body tensed. With a smirk, Nicholas gripped my chest and toyed with my body. His tone was mocking as he said, “Yes. Stay like this. You’re so tight.”