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 that sparked my

I couldn't appreciate the sight of a handsome man after a bath. My attention was fully on his

me to have his phone

like a thief caught in the act.

bobbed as anger

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

of the mirror. Just a few hours ago, I had

slightly. His voice carried a hint of teasing as he said, "What's this? Documenting your first time wearing

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

held onto his waist tightly while looking up at him with pleading eyes.

had lived, Nicholas had been

had never looked

the faith in my life to crumble. I loved Nicholas with all

and the hard lines of his jaw softened slightly. "I have to accompany Claudia for the time being. After that, I can consider bringing you on

hurt? Why did she

Just

Nicholas' usually cold and firm gaze, I unexpectedly saw a hint of evasion. I felt a pang of disappointment. I knew he didn't want

just be the two of us?" I asked

time. They didn't tell me the specific

me. She only wanted Nicholas to accompany her. Out of consideration for her illness, I didn't

now realized how unhealthy our marriage was and how there had

should try for a baby.

Nicholas remembered his past debts to me, or perhaps he thought of the tonic his mother had pumped him with.

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

pleasing demeanor. "Of course, the first stop will be our own country. The destination is

hooked my arms around his neck. I kissed him fiercely as my legs entwined around

my hips, and

able to

flimsy clothes came off swiftly. He grabbed my ankles with both hands and was about to