Rift in the perfect picture
Chapter 43

Chapter 0043

+25 BONUS

Nicholas‘ voice was husky, with a hint of danger lurking beneath. I stiffened immediately, my body reacting sharply to his touch.

His fingertip trailed down my spine, sending a warmth through me. I couldn’t suppress a gasp as he delicately pressed against the small of my back. Then, I heard the faint zip of my gown closing behind me.

When he spun me around, I saw that he too was dressed in blue. His crisp white shirt was paired with a silver tie featuring a scale–like pattern, matching my attire perfectly.

“Gorgeous,” he said.

The stylist covered her mouth, stepped back, and closed the door behind her.

His unexpected compliment caught me off guard. Just yesterday, he and I were stuck overnight at Hawk Manor. Even though we shared a bed, we never exchanged a word.

“Nicholas, Claudia will see us if we leave this room together. If you don’t want her to get the wrong idea, you should replace a way to slip away. Promise me a divorce, and I won’t say a word to your parents,” I urged.

When Nicholas realized we were alone, he loosened his hold on me. A soft chuckle escaped him as he said, “You’re quite generous.

I met his eyes directly. “You threw a lavish banquet just to

+25 BONUS

cover up her lies. I’m nowhere near your league.”

Nicholas‘ smile vanished swiftly, his demeanor turning distant. “If you hadn’t provoked her with your words, she wouldn’t have clashed with someone else. I don’t want to continue bringing up your mistake.”

His gaze bore into mine as he added, “You’re not as innocent as you claim.”

As we faced each other in silence, the door unexpectedly swung open. I hadn’t expected Mom to arrive as well.

She looked stunning and poised. When she saw me, she crossed her arms and lightly tapped her forearm, her nails painted a bold shade of red.

Nicholas nodded subtly and excused himself to make a call, allowing us a chance to reconnect.

Mom’s smile dimmed immediately. “Isn’t your husband just splendid? This whole banquet is in your honor. The other women here are quite envious that I have such a wonderful son -in–law.”

I pursed my lips, uncertain of what to say. Typically, when a daughter felt wounded, she sought solace in her mother’s embrace and leaned on the strength of her family. If only I had someone quietly rooting for me, I wouldn’t have felt so exposed and tempted to flee.

It all stemmed from my inability to measure up to Claudia in every way, prompting me to keep my defenses up and stay cautious.

+25 BONUS

“I’ve noticed you and Nicholas have been getting along,” Mom said. “In the future, try not to make mountains out of molehills. Running the company keeps me busy enough. Who has time to waste like you?

“He’s just a guy, after all. Try to be gentler and offer him more kindness. You’re Mrs. Hawk, his legal wife.

“Men usually replace their way back to their families eventually. If you can’t wait, having a child can often bring about an

immediate change in men.

“Don’t let your emotions cause strife between our families. Daniel’s health is too fragile to handle any additional stress.

“Besides, the success of our family business reflects on your status within the Hawks, doesn’t it? Without our company’s backing, could you even afford to marry into the Hawks and live comfortably? Remember, it’s important to return favors.” Mom talked a mile a minute, and I got where she was coming from, but why did it always have to be me giving everything up?

“Say something, for God’s sake!” Mom’s frustration rang clear in her voice.

I lifted my head, tears glistening in my eyes.” Mom, do you see me as your daughter? Have you ever thought about what I’ve been through with the Hawks? It seems like all you care about is what I can do for you!”