Trouble in Paradise

During my legal studies, I had come across many cases like this.

It was quite common for an ex-boyfriend to intentionally make their ex-girlfriend's photos public after a breakup. Women who were frightened often faced threats and extortion, leading to a cascade of problems.

I never imagined such a thing would happen to me, and I couldn't believe Nicholas was that kind of scumbag.

Claudia's face showed a hint of satisfaction as she thought I was intimidated. "Ariana, let's just forget about this. If something serious happens, I don't know how we'll maintain our home."

"Our home?" I found her choice of words amusing.

"Nicholas and I are the ones who are married, not you and me, and certainly not you and him. What home are you talking about?

"Don't be ridiculous, Claudia. If you want to be with Nicholas, do your best to push him to divorce mel

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I kicked Claudia's hand away from my pant leg. "Defamation carries a sentence of up to three years in prison. Distributing obscene materials can also lead to severe penalties. If you and Nicholas want to break the law, let's see who comes out on top." Despite my bravado, I kept my guard up. Nicholas had always been distant with me in that regard, and we certainly didn't have any photos of that nature

The only time I might have had nude photos taken was when I tried to wear lingerie to keep him. I accidentally pressed the camera button while trying to sneak a look at his phone.

But would Nicholas keep it? If he wasn't involved, then it was likely that Claudia had seen something on his phone.

She was quite clever. If she posted the photos online and found a scapegoat, I'd be completely defenseless.

My serious expression might have frightened Claudia. She sat back down, and tears flowed out like a faucet that had been turned on full blast.

Instantly, I had a bad feeling. As expected, the next moment, Claudia cried out, "Nick!"

Nicholas strode over with an air of authority. He jolted my shoulder, causing me to stagger back a few steps before regaining my balance.

He then carried Claudia back to the bed. When he turned to look at me, his face was twisted into a sneer.

"What are you doing, Ariana? I've told you before. Claudia didn't do it. Why are you still harassing her?"

My lips twitched. "Maybe she's trying to harass herself

Seeing them embrace each other didn't bother me as much now. I no longer cared whether they were inseparable siblings as Frances claimed, or if there was something more between them.

picturesque. Seriously.

1 lowered my head and pressed my nails into my palms. Yet I didn't feel any pain. I said calmly, "Nicholas, let's talk outside."

The sight of them under the sunlight filtering through the window was almo

I walked out of the ward first and waited on a bench in the hospital corridor. After nearly five minutes, Nicholas finally arrived, likely having spent time calming Claudia.

When he emerged, he paused at the door of the ward to look around. Only after spotting me did he begin to walk toward me.

His steps were slow and deliberate, and his demeanor was aloof, as though he were looking at a pitiful stray dog.

When we were newlyweds and our relationship was relatively cordial, he once told me to never rush in negotiations and always control the pace.

He said I should walk slowly to let others hear the sound of my heels hitting the ground. It was a form of torment that would gradually drive them mad.