Rift in the perfect picture
Chapter 72

Chapter 0072

+25 BONUS

What great news! When Claudia handed me the document, I eagerly reached out to take it. However, just a glance told me that I couldn’t sign this divorce agreement.

She returned to her chair, and after seeing that I hadn’t moved for a while, exclaimed in surprise, “Oh dear, Ariana. I just remembered that I didn’t bring a pen. What should we do?”

She opened her mouth slightly and pressed her hands against her cheeks in a shocked expression. “Nick, should I call someone to bring a pen?”

Nicholas shook his head. “Ariana, haven’t you always wanted a divorce? You can bite your finger and use blood to sign. After all, you often do things to harm yourself.

His gaze was icy and ruthless, like a blade glinting with cold light, seemingly about to carve a hole in my body.

A chill spread in my heart, and even breathing felt difficult when I heard him say this.

The entire detention room echoed with Claudia’s innocent voice, which said, “Don’t be so fierce, Nick. Oh right, I have a little knife in my bag.

“Ariana, if you’re afraid it will hurt to bite your finger, you can try the knife. Better a short bout of pain than a long one.”

She rummaged through her furry bag and actually pulled out a pink knife. She walked up to me with her back to Nicholas with an eerie smile. Her youthful face, devoid of expression, sent chills down my spine.

“Put the knife down!” I shouted, feeling the danger.

She continued approaching with the knife in hand and said, “Ariana, though I don’t want to let you go, you’ve disappointed Nick and me too much. Come on, sign it! Haven’t you always wanted a divorce?” She clapped her hands, and several black–clad bodyguards rushed in from outside, closing in on me step

by step.

I staggered backward. “I will never sign this divorce agreement!”

I stood up and distanced myself from them. With cold eyes, I watched the pair of siblings, who now felt

like strangers..

The past four years, when we were as close as family, replayed in my mind like old photographs. My husband was gentle and courteous while my sister–in–law was endearing and playful.

All of that was gone, replaced by hurtful words and feigned innocence.

Thad thought that even if my father left me, the Hawk family could fill the void of love I was missing. I was naive. My mother probably didn’t even know I had been detained for so many days.

Although Nicholas‘ parents cherished me, they never inquired about my whereabouts. Once their facade of kindness was stripped away, their true feelings were disappointingly lacking.

“Are you reluctant to give up the title of being my wife? Nicholas‘ eyes were cold, a shadow of malice passing through them.

10

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0072

“No,” I interrupted him and simply said, “The property division here is Incorrect. This entire section here is my assets.”

I lowered my eyes in frustration after speaking. The real estate under my name was given by my father before he passed away. Even my mother didn’t know much about it. Yet, Nicholas dared try to take half of

It.

Calmly, I added, “My property was notarized. You can’t take a penny that doesn’t belong to you. Besides, you cheated during the marriage. You are at fault, so you should compensate me more.”

Ruthless, he replied, “Since you want a divorce, shouldn’t you pay a price? Or do you think freedom isn’t worth that money?”

He added, “Ariana, this is the only chance I’m giving you.”

I laughed, and tears started streaming down my cheeks. What a perfect plan.

Pretending to be understanding, Claudia urged, “Nick, I know you’re upset about what Ariana did to hurt me and want to stand up for me.

“If you really can’t bear to part with her, I’m okay with it. I’m willing to let her continue being my sister–in- law as long as you’re happy.”

Nicholas ruffled her hair and quickly made up his mind. He ordered his bodyguards, “Hold her down and make her sign it!”

In a flash, several men in black had me pinned down. Before I could react, my fingertips were already growing cold.

Blood dripped steadily from my right index finger, splashing onto the ground and blooming into beautiful red flowers.

“This is against the law!” I shouted, my vision blurring. The pain from my fingers was so intense that I could barely speak. “Let go! Let go of me!”

Desperation was all I could feel… No matter how I struggled, I couldn’t break free from the bodyguards‘ grip. At that moment, who could save me?

Nicholas Hawk! Nicholas Hawk! The man I had loved for so many years was hurting me the most!

“Make her sign that paper!”

They forced my finger onto the agreement.

“I won’t do it!”

Summoning some unknown strength, I tore the signature section off and stuffed it into my mouth. No one could take what was mine! The paper was bitter, and my face was drenched with tears.

Someone, please help me…

With a hoarse voice, I cried out, “Nicholas Hawk, you’re a murderer! You’re the executioner! You’ve killed the Ariana Jones who loved you for 20 years!”

I couldn’t hold on any longer. I collapsed to the ground in tears, my hand clutching my chest. My hands