Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

In an instant, countless self-comforting thoughts flashed through my mind.

Perhaps I should learn from Jasmine-close my eyes and ignore the women around Nicholas. Just becoming his wife in name didn't seem that hard.

I had lost my mother because of my stubbornness, my defiance, and my immaturity. I didn't dare to be reckless anymore. I couldn't afford to lose Yasmine and Pete-I couldn't let anything happen to them again. Thinking of the new home I had painstakingly decorated over the past few days, I couldn't help but whimper. I looked up at the sky again, only to realize it was drizzling now despite the good weather moments ago. Leila spotted me as she came downstairs. Just as she was about to speak, she met my tearful gaze and became startled.

Stumbling toward me, she began, "Yas... Is there something wrong with her?"

Her grip around my arm was so tight that it must've bruised my skin, but I didn't feel much pain. The suffocating pain in my chest was what truly devastated me.

I forced a smile and said, "Mrs. Warren, it's nothing. Yasmine will be out soon. My husband is here."

As if I was trying to convince myself, I added, "I just missed him too much. He's finally here."

me for a while? I'll go upstairs and get

don't need anything. You should go to

once she's back. After she's changed into her new clothes, she can go back

"Alright. You're Yas's best friend, so I'll do as

The rain wasn't heavy, but it stung sharply when the raindrops hit

me. The car window was rolled down, revealing an unfamiliar face. Once the driver confirmed my identity, he quickly got out of the car and dashed toward me with an umbrella. "Mrs. Hawk, it's raining.

had happened? Gritting my teeth, I reined in my emotions and strode toward the car. My footsteps didn't falter. My pace quickened instead. I felt petulant, eager to discard the so-called "Mrs. Hawk" umbrella above me, but it seemed destined to stay

car door. Without hesitation, I slipped

humid soil wafted through the air briefly.

one whiff of it, it lingered everywhere. I remained silent while he sat as still as