Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

My gaze fell on Nicholas' pants draped over the bed. The loose waistband was twisted into what looked like a crying face. The black phone peeking out from one corner seemed depressing. In our married life, I valued both love and privacy. We respected each other's personal space and never touched each other's phones.

But earlier, I had already searched through his study. Would this make a difference?

I pulled out his phone and swiftly burrowed under the covers. I hid my head as well.

I was nervous.

Nothing good ever came out of going through your partner's phone. I was scared of finding evidence of his and Claudia's dalliance, but I was also afraid of finding nothing and becoming paranoid.

My teeth were chattering as I thought of the rosary beads he liked to wear.

Nicholas, what exactly were you hiding from me?

Whether it was my trembling hands or nervousness, I entered the wrong password several times.

At last, a message appeared on the screen: "Incorrect password. Please retry in 30 seconds."

Was I naive?

I could unlock his safe but not his phone.

With my pounding heartbeat in the background, I mentally went through all the passwords I could think of. My mouth was dry, and I was swallowing air while I counted down the seconds.

Five, four, three, two...

Suddenly, the blanket covering my head was lifted.

"What are you doing?"

Nicholas stood there, and his bare upper body was dripping with water. His eight-pack abs were on display.

his lower half. It gave me a tantalizing glimpse

man after a bath. My attention was fully on his reaction to me holding his

phone in my hands. He scowled at

me. I was like a thief caught in

bobbed as anger swirled in his eyes.

us pressed the shutter button, and there was a "click" that echoed in the room at an inappropriate time. On the screen, I had disheveled hair, tears

the same person who stood in front of the mirror. Just a few hours ago, I had felt like

the phone, and his expression softened slightly. His voice carried a hint

did I realize my body was exposed. I blushed and threw myself into his arms.

looking up at him

26 years I had lived, Nicholas had

the first time I laid my eyes on him from a distance, I had never looked away. My teenage thoughts were delicate, and I

didn't want the faith in my life to crumble. I loved Nicholas with all my heart, and

of his jaw softened slightly. "I have to accompany Claudia for the time being.

cautiously probed him, "How did Claudia get hurt? Why did she

nothing. Just an

a hint of evasion. I felt a pang of disappointment. I knew

be the two

was very tense at that time. They didn't tell me the specific cause of

was wary of me. She only wanted Nicholas to accompany her. Out of consideration for her illness, I

I never traveled alone again. I now realized how unhealthy our marriage was and how

trip abroad? We should try for a baby.

his mother had pumped him with. His brows furrowed and then

to?" He helped me smooth out the hair around my neck, which caused a tingle in my heart. It was a mix of

will be our own country. The destination is Coral Villa in

I

His hands carefully cradled my hips, and we both tumbled onto

was able to turn

both hands and was about to take the next step when his phone buzzed. "Nick!" A message popped up on the notification