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.

half. It gave me a tantalizing glimpse of

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

his phone in my hands. He

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

anger swirled in his

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

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

His voice carried a hint of teasing as

I blushed and threw myself into his

waist tightly while looking up at him with

had lived, Nicholas had been the center

time I laid my eyes on him from a distance, I had never looked away. My

loved Nicholas with all my heart,

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

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

Just an

firm gaze, I unexpectedly saw a hint of evasion. I felt a pang of disappointment. I knew he didn't

the two

tense 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 agreed to their request to take Claudia with us abroad for

only wanted Nicholas

traveled alone again. I now realized how unhealthy our marriage was and how there had always been a

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

his mother had pumped him with. His

He helped me smooth out the hair around my neck, which caused

demeanor. "Of course, the first stop will be our

arms around his neck. I kissed him

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

I was able to turn

flimsy clothes came off swiftly. He grabbed my ankles with both hands and was about to take the next step when his