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.

wrapped around his lower half. It gave me a tantalizing glimpse of his V-line which led to other parts of his body

first time, I couldn't appreciate the sight of a handsome man after a bath. My attention was

hadn't expected me to have his phone in my hands. He scowled at me

like a thief caught in the act. I didn't know what to say to break

as anger swirled in his

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

hard to believe this was the same person who stood in front of the mirror. Just a few hours ago, I had felt like a seductress

the phone, and his expression softened slightly. His voice carried a hint of teasing as he said,

realize my body was exposed. I

the bed and held onto his waist tightly while looking up

lived, Nicholas had

never looked away. My teenage thoughts

in my life to crumble. I loved Nicholas with all my heart, and

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

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

nothing. Just

hint of evasion. I felt a pang of disappointment. I knew he didn't

the two of us?" I

the specific cause of the illness. Back then, to show my generosity and to gain favor with the in-laws,

me. She only wanted Nicholas to accompany her. Out

I now realized how unhealthy our marriage was and how there had always been a third person

trip abroad? We should try for a baby. Frances is getting anxious,"

of the tonic his mother had pumped him with. His brows furrowed and then relaxed, and finally, he

country do you want to go to?" He helped me smooth out the hair around my neck, which caused a

put on a smile and mimicked Claudia's delighted, pleasing demeanor. "Of course, the first stop will be our own country. The destination is Coral Villa in Radiant City,

I

carefully cradled my hips, and we both tumbled

was able to

and my flimsy clothes came off swiftly. He grabbed my ankles with both hands and was about to take the next step when his phone buzzed. "Nick!" A message popped up on