Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0105

Pete must have hated me deeply. But to my surprise, he stayed by our side throughout Mom's cremation.

Nicholas said Pete needn't trouble himself with his family matters, but Pete shook his head. "I want to bid my farewell to Mrs. Jones."

I sighed inwardly and shifted my gaze from Pete to Nicholas Sure enough, Nicholas' eyes revealed a new level of curiosity. Pete's eyes were red, and he spoke only to me.

I wasn't sure if Nicholas deliberately stepped aside, or if Pete had genuinely found an opportunity, but he approached me when Nicholas stepped out to make a call.

His voice was low, almost like he was speaking to himself. "Ariana, if you encounter any troubles, remember that you can tell me. I'm not as useless as you might think." His words were so soft I almost couldn't make them out. It was as if he was speaking

more to himself than to me.

"Do all men like to put on a brave face?" I asked. "Neal told me something similar before, and then you suspended him."

I chuckled, but my comment seemed to set Pete off. Fuming, he glared at me. "So you went to Nicholas for help? Why couldn't you ask me?"

I sighed in resignation. "I did ask you."

He was about to say something else, but I cut him off. "Pete, it's my mom's funeral today. Can you let me have some peace?"

My words seemed to ignite him. He roared, "You know it's Mrs. Jones' funeral, but look at what you've done here!"

realized Pete had some feelings for me, I hadn't truly felt it until now. His lack of boundaries was overwhelming, and his sudden closeness only made me want to distance myself

let out a laugh as if he'd heard the funniest joke. He then squinted up

were five, stained your pants at school during your

Charter 0105

+35 BONUS

me too much. I've been

recalling how Claudia had said the same thing to me once. She said she didn't want to

finished speaking, I saw Pete's face turn red. I wasn't sure if it

cold expression. His voice was hoarse as he asked, "Do you

love him that much?"

the wall nearby, I raised my

after today, so I'm going to get to the bottom of this. We grew up together. I knew you

sudden tightness in my chest and quickly glanced toward the corner. Relieved to see that the fabric was gone, I

snot as a kid. You're a great person, but we're not meant to be." "If you think I'm so great, what are you afraid of? What if I don't mind that

forced me into

left me stunned. Hadn't I been rejecting

you're not right for me. You should find someone who lights up when they see you

now feels like a step up for

to act casual. "Fine. Just

I had seen through