Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0003

Nicholas had his phone propped up on the watch display cabinet and nestled between two watch boxes. One hand

gripped the edge of the cabinet, while the other moved swiftly. below his waist.

Not far from him lay the gray bath towel he had kicked aside. Although most of his body was obscured, it was easy to guess what he was doing.

Soon, the walk-in wardrobe was filled with the unmistakable. sounds of groaning. It oozed sensuality.

My toes curled against the wooden floor. A cold wave washed over me and froze me in place as if by some spell. I couldn't move a muscle.

Nicholas quickly grabbed a few tissues. I thought he was done, but to my dismay, he started all over again.

Only now did the real pain set in. Every motion of his arm felt. like a knife to my heart.

Claudia's few photos could pull my husband out of our bed and make him jerk off to them over and over again while ignoring me, the living, breathing woman right here with him. At that moment, a deafening realization hit me: Nicholas was cheating on me!

His actions shattered my world and confirmed my worst fears. I was betrayed by the one I loved most. My dignity had been trampled on, and it all became painfully clear. +25 BONUS

I didn't understand why I was smiling even as tears streamed down my face.

I didn't confront him. Instead, I returned to our room alone, shut the door firmly, and had a quick cry. Then, I quickly washed my face and put on makeup.

I needed to get to the hospital and see Claudia before he did.

The court wouldn't grant me more in the divorce simply because my husband masturbated to another woman's photos. I needed more concrete evidence.

In the hospital room, Claudia was playing on her phone. When she saw me, a range of emotions flickered across her face. Her emotions seemed more vibrant than a traffic light. "Ariana, you're here!"

She had always spoken with me casually. I used to think it signified closeness, but now it left a bitter taste in my mouth.

I smiled faintly as I walked over and sat beside her bed. I gently stroked her cheek. "I heard from Nicholas that you were in the hospital. I wanted to check on you. What happened? Tell me."

If I couldn't get answers from Nicholas, Claudia would be the weak link.

Claudia blushed as she was likely too embarrassed to mention anything so private. She nuzzled her cheek against my palm. and assumed her usual coy behavior.

125 BONUS

"Oh, Nick is so annoying! I told him not to tell anyone. I didn't want you to worry."

She giggled and continued her playful antics. She clutched her chest and started whining, "Ariana, my heart hurts. I want to eat an apple."

to find evidence of Nicholas' infidelity, and I didn't intend to be kind to Claudia. But as she spoke to me this way, memories of the affectionate time we'd spent together made my heart clench. After all, we'd lived together for four years, and I genuinely cared for Claudia

her.

she liked. without me batting an eye. Whether it was food, clothes, or anything else

most had both betrayed me right under my nose. I couldn't believe I had been so blind for

in one hand and a knife in the other, I thought if I had to choose between stabbing the

best," Claudia said as she watched me

phone to show me a photo. "I just took. this. Do you think

+25 BONUS

she was participating in a trendy cosplay than recovering. from an injury.

commented, "Nick is such a jerk. Look at this. I sent him these

was usually so indifferent, but with Claudia, he always seemed patient and

"Do I look good?"

"Yes."

why aren't

"Almost there."

do

"The second one."

thought about my text conversations with Nicholas. His replies to me probably didn't even add up to a tenth of what

I muttered. I

"Ah..."

are you

"Nick! You're here!"

hospital ward could erupt with so many voices at

floor seemed deafening. Suddenly, I felt a tight grip on my wrist. Nicholas leaned in and dragged

and I gritted my teeth against the pain. He adjusted his sleeves and spoke. slowly but sternly. "What's going on with you

came to check on Claudia. I just couldn't stop worrying. Now that

worry about. I told you it's just an old ailment. She'll

me see her, yet he stayed by

night.

a

you so afraid of me coming here?

"Nick!"

A loud

cry

came from the ward.

#25 BONUS

back. Claudia had accidentally cut herself while trying to peel the apple I hadn't

grabbed his sleeve. "Honey, I'll leave