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.

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

couldn't appreciate the sight of a handsome man after a bath. My

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

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

as anger swirled in his eyes. "Ariana

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

the mirror. Just

expression softened slightly. His voice carried a hint of teasing as

exposed. I blushed and threw myself into his

the bed and held onto his waist tightly while looking up at him with pleading

26 years I had lived, Nicholas had been the

him from a distance, I had never looked away. My teenage thoughts were delicate,

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

head, 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

"How did Claudia get hurt? Why did she get admitted to the

Just an old

usually cold and firm gaze, I unexpectedly saw a hint of evasion. I felt a pang of disappointment.

it just be the two of us?" I asked

didn't tell me the specific cause of the illness. Back then, to show

still underage at the time, and she was wary of me. She only wanted Nicholas to accompany

how unhealthy our marriage was and how there had always been

take another honeymoon trip abroad? We should try for a baby. Frances

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

to?" He helped me smooth out the hair around my neck,

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

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

me back. His hands carefully cradled my hips,

I was able to

He grabbed my ankles with both hands and was about to take the next step when