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?"

Pete quickly changed the

reserved for romantic partners. I had never video-called a man just for a chat

and you can help me find it," he said,

be in a sour mood today. Perhaps work wasn't going well for him. Otherwise, he wouldn't still be

that okay?" he urged

it was funny really-t wor still getting nervous over a video

that could somewhat cheer him up a bit. At bast I

ng me

eam at me

insilence. Donning a black coat, he almost blended into the night.

I asked

long drag to the point that his cheeks hollowed out. The cigarette burned

are you smoking so

is the last

a puff of smoke, and then the camera angle shifted to his toes. He flicked the

always feel like you don't see me as a man. Isn't smoking normal?" he

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

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