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.

It gave me a tantalizing glimpse of his V-line which led to other parts of his body that sparked my

appreciate the sight of a handsome man after a bath. My attention was fully on his reaction to

have his phone in

at me. I was like a thief caught in the act.

anger swirled in his eyes.

reached for the phone. But thinking he was going to hit me, I instinctively dodged. One of us pressed the shutter button, and there was a "click" that echoed

believe this was the same person who stood in front of the mirror. Just a few

hint of teasing as he said, "What's this? Documenting

exposed. I blushed and threw

his waist tightly while looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Honey,

Nicholas had been the center

had never looked away. My teenage thoughts

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

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

hurt? Why did she get admitted to the hospital in

Just an

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

two of us?" I

at that time. They didn't tell me the specific cause of the illness. Back then, to show my generosity and to gain favor with the in-laws, I

time, and she was wary of me. She only wanted

Nicholas and I never traveled alone again. I now realized how unhealthy our marriage was and how there had always been a third person in

should try for a baby. Frances is getting anxious,"

to me, or perhaps he thought of the tonic his mother had pumped him with. His

the hair around my neck, which caused a tingle in my heart. It was

put on a smile and mimicked Claudia's delighted, pleasing demeanor. "Of course, the first stop will be our own country.

his neck. I kissed him

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

I was able to

came on strong, 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