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!"

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 more.

heard the funniest joke. He then squinted up

you were five, stained your pants at school during

Charter 0105

+35 BONUS

to explain. "Nicholas might be missing me too much. I've been abroad

thing to me once. She said she didn't want to upset

wasn't sure if it was

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

love him that much?"

the wall nearby, I raised my voice slightly and added, "I love him. I love

the bottom of this. We grew up together. I knew you first. What does he have that I

the corner. Relieved to see that the fabric

hot, I still remember you eating your 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

forced me into jail, he had been the one

confidence left me stunned. Hadn't I been

for me. You should find someone who lights up when they see you

"Marrying Nicholas now feels like

act casual. "Fine. Just wait until you're crying

Mom's burial. Since I had seen through love, I couldn't bear any emotional debt.