Trouble in Paradise



Chapter 0586

Pete froze for a moment before letting out a relieved laugh. He ended the call and immediately sent a video request.

Seeing Pete's name flashing on the screen stirred up a flood of memories. There was a time when we would share bits of our lives through video calls. But that was years ago-those moments were fleeting and short-lived.

Looking back, we were both so nalve. We knew the obstacles ahead, yet made impulsive decisions that couldn't sustain us through what was to come. The dopamine rush of new beginnings crumbled quickly when met with heavier challenges.

I answered the call. Pete's freshly washed face appeared on the screen, looking clean and refreshed.

"Ari," he greeted with a smile. Even through the screen, I could almost catch the crisp scent of his aftershave.

I chuckled. "How long has it been? Feels like forever since I last saw you. You're looking great -did you knock five years off your age?"

"Just five? These days, young college girls think I'm about their age!" Pete joked, touching his cheek smugly.

"Lucia recommended these skincare products. At first, I refused-what kind of guy uses that stuff? But Marcus pinned me down on the couch and made me use them.

"Honestly, he's such a doting husband. But, anyway, I gave it a shot, and the results weren't bad. I was thinking of sending some your way.

"Lucia knows her stuff, and our company is thinking about expanding into that market. If you try it and like it, let me know. It could help with our research."

I smiled and replied, "Sure, I'll give them a try. Looks like you've patched things up with Marcus and Lucia.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

Pete nodded.

We have. At the end of the day, we're family. Blood's thicker than water. Being abroad has changed them a lot-maybe it's the lack of all those suffocating chains we had back home.

"My dad and Marcus don't work anymore. They've taken up deep-sea fishing, living a peaceful life. They're much more easygoing now."

'That sounds nice," I replied.

"Enough about me. What about you? How are things?" His gaze shifted slightly, taking in the space behind me. He hesitated. "This doesn't look like your own place."

I didn't hide it. "I'm at Coral Villa.

"Oh, that's great.." Pete's smile wavered, his eyes glistening slightly. "So, you and Nicholas have cleared up the misunderstanding?"

His smile faltered, strained at the edges.

In moments of helplessness, people often busied themselves, talking more than usual. Pete suddenly began tidying his desk, He lowered his head, avoiding my gaze.

That's great, Ari. Seeing you happy means more to me than anything else. All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy. Nothing else matters. I'd give anything for your happiness..."

He trailed off, his words becoming a bit jumbled.

"Ari, I'm really grateful to you. I've been too afraid to disturb you all this time. To be honest, I regret a lot. I don't know if I stepped back because I thought it was for your sake or because I felt so powerless, seeing how easily Nicholas could take all your attention.

"I didn't fight for you. I left the choice to you, hoping that, maybe one day, you'd come to me and say you chose me. Even though you didn't, I'm still grateful that you called to tell me you and Nicholas are okay now. Otherwise, I don't know how much longer I could have held onto those fantasies.

"Now I understand that stepping back wasn't just cowardice. Seeing you happy means more to me than anything else. More than anything."