Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0297

treet's

The tension in the air seemed to dissipate when I saw Pete's name Telling Douglas to return to the hotel first, I answered Pete's call under: neon lights.

"Ariana." Pete's gentle voice came through the receiver.

"What made you think of calling me? Aren't you busy?" I asked, smiling.

"Yeah, but I missed you."

A smile spread across my face. Glancing up at the moon, I asked, "Are you

at home or out?"

Pete paused for two seconds before he replied, "I'm out, but I'm on my way back."

"There's a full moon tonight. Look up now, and it'll seem like we're looking at the moon together."

Pete chuckled, but he didn't respond. Just then, I caught a soft sigh escaping his lips. As I sensed something was off, my smile waned. His silence was a stark contrast to his usual boisterous self. Trying to keep things light, I probed, "There's a really bright star next to the moon. Can you see it?"

changed the

That seemed like an intimate gesture reserved for romantic partners.

star. Let's video call, and you can help me find it," he said, sounding

seemed to be in a sour mood today. Perhaps work wasn't going well for him.

that okay?" he urged

really-t wor still getting nervous over a video

expected to be greeted by a cheerful Pete, hoping that could somewhat cheer him up a bit. At bast

ng me

eam at me

black coat, he almost blended into the night. The cold breeze blew the thin wisps of smoke in front of him away, making him appear

smoke?" I asked with

cigarette between his fingers. Bringing to his lips, he took a long drag to the point that his cheeks hollowed out.

are you

the last

of smoke, and then the camera angle shifted to his toes. He flicked the cigarette to the ground and extinguished it with his

feel like you don't see me as a man. Isn't

moment. "That's true. But I haven't seen you smoke before, so I was a bit surprised.

roguish if it were Nicholas smoking, would you tell him to