Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0040

Nicholas let me go, not because of our past, but because Claudia was expecting him. He commanded, "Dry your tears. Watch your words when we get back." The journey back to Hawk Manor was silent, with none of us saying a word.

I sat in the passenger seat, while Claudia, clearly scared, huddled into Nicholas' arms, appearing almost lifeless.

She clung to him as usual, their bodies pressed together. Nicholas' hand rested on Claudia's head, their interaction intimate and familiar.

A profound sadness engulfed me as I reflected on my passive role in their relationship.

Suddenly, I noticed that the rearview mirror was angled oddly. When I glanced up, Nicholas caught my eye.

There seemed to be a strange connection between us, our gazes meeting more frequently than mere chance would allow. Even with his dear Claudia in his arms, he

continued to steal glances in my direction. There was a distinct contrast between the atmosphere in the backseat and my solitary space. Yet, Nicholas tried to bridge it by stealing glances at me.

I couldn't shake off. I shut my eyes and leaned

your graduation. No one

Nick,"

you to

suddenly sat up straight. Her voice quivered with emotions as she asked,

speechless. I opened my eyes, finding

seem innocent. "Claudia, why would you

Claudia suddenly exclaimed, "Ariana, why did you

a twinge of shame as if I was the other woman and had committed

turned to meet her gaze squarely. "I just decided to

had boundaries and couldn't let her keep

Claudia said, tugging at Nicholas' sleeve. She avoided meeting my eyes and instead turned to him with an innocent