Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

The next day, I went to the address Pete sent me. It felt like the excitement of opening a mystery box.

He had been very secretive about the details and hadn't even mentioned the style of the place, but I guessed it would be minimalistic, like most apartments.

As the housekeeper led me inside, the morning sun cast shadows on the wooden floor. It highlighted its natural texture. It turned out to have just the kind of warm, urban vibe I liked. The appliances were all in place, so I only needed to buy some soft furnishings to make it move-in ready.

I had grown accustomed to making video calls every time I talked to Pete. Putting everything else aside, seeing his fairly handsome face always improved my mood.

I told Pete roughly what I wanted to buy, and he agreed without hesitation. He insisted on setting up a shared payment feature on an app for me.

I didn't resist. Spending a little money meant nothing to him, but refusing might make him insecure. Relying on him, even just a little bit, made him happier.

He looked a bit tired but still smiled. "I'm so glad you like it. I bought it in a hurry, so I was worried you wouldn't like the finished apartment."

I was happy and fully immersed in the immense joy of starting a new life. Besides... being pampered felt wonderful! At least, life with Pete was going to be interesting. "Can I kiss you when I get there?"

playful expression. "Then

person in the video grinned from ear to ear and nodded firmly. A finished apartment was convenient. It didn't need airing for

for a cleaning crew. Five cleaners worked for four hours, and finally, our small

idle that afternoon either. I took a cab to the local furniture

place anew to welcome Pete. From the moment he set foot in Radiant City, our

but just a lawyer striving to rise from ordinary

privileged son. He would be an unremarkable young man with a bit of

over my shoulders. I knew what Pete liked, so I dressed up especially

loved. I hoped he would be pleased

was covered in thick,

up fiercely, as if

brewing.