?Chapter 0348


    Nichs said, "I want to explore a new field and pave the way for my wife, but the contract is over now."


    As he spoke, his warm hand held mine under the table. His eyes were filled with tenderness. I knew there was truth mixed with lies in his words, but at that moment, his gentleness overwhelmed me.


    Jasmine''s face had gone pale, yet people still praised Nichs for being so kind to his subordinates. She had made a name for herself, and he''d never mistreated her.


    Nichs leaned in, his warm breath brushing against my ear. "Ms. Jones, how about some fresh air? If we stay, your husband might end up drinking too much."Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g!


    My heart pounded. Emotions I had been holding back were threatening to break free.


    Nichs led me out of the television station and had the driver bring the car over. But instead of getting in, he pressed me against the car door and kissed me.


    My fingers trembled as they clung to his shoulder. I carefully kissed him back clumsily.


    I was pretending to be my old self, kissing the man who once meant the world to her. Nichs cupped the back of my head, deepening the kiss. But then, he tasted my tears.


    He lowered his head and rested his forehead against mine. He cradled my face, wiping away the tears with his thumbs.


    "Why are you crying? Was I not good enough today?"


    I shook my head. "Thank you for letting me feel what it''s like to be cherished."


    As I spoke, my soul trembled like a desert finally receiving the rain it desperately needed. There was no escaping it, only to savor and indulge.


    Suddenly, I realized how unkind I had been to myself. Old grievances flooded my heart. The man I had chosen had caused me so much pain.


    Being cherished felt incredible. But that feeling was also like a sharp knife, constantly stabbing into my body and stirring up my most humiliating memories. The hurt was unbearable.


    People could endure long-term suffering, but sudden misfortune could break them.


    Nichs looked up, confused. His voice was hoarse. "What do you mean?"


    I turned, looking into the distance. "It''s enough. There''s no need to act when there''s no camera."


    Nichs frowned. "Do you think I''m acting?"


    "If you hadn''te today, I would have managed. Don''t do this anymore. I might get the wrong idea." Nichs felt a sharp pain in his chest. He finally realized how much his indifference had hurt the old Ariana. They were together back then, but his thoughts were never with her. He had even enjoyed having her revolve around him despite not loving her. At that moment, the boomerang called ''mistake'' finally hit him. His heart ached deeply.


    Perhaps Nichs''s silence was the best answer I could ept. I pushed him away and turned to leave. "I''ll head back to the firm now. I''ll be hometer.''


    As I took a step away, Nichs grabbed my wrist. With a gentle tug, he pulled me into his arms.


    "I want to be good to you. I''m not acting. Can you give me another chance?"


    At that point, I was very clear-headed. "I have given you countless chances before."


    "I know." Nichs''s lips gently brushed my cheek. "But I still want to try. Don''t push away my kindness. Ariana, even if you don''t love me anymore, I believe I can make you fall in love again."