Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

While Nick was texting, I had already unlocked the central control panel. I was out of the car by the time he finished checking in with Claudia. The cold wind instantly enveloped me, rushing under my clothes and making me shiver. I cursed inwardly.

I should have checked my horoscope before going out today. Not only was the party ruined, but anything involving Nick inevitably led to Claudia.

There was no escaping it. How annoying! Just thinking about Claudia made the air feel tainted. I started retching involuntarily. I quickly leaned against a nearby tree for support as snot and tears streamed down my face. Nick caught up to me, only to find me in this messy state. His touch made me vomit even more. The strange smell on him was unbearable. Nick handed me his handkerchief and smiled.

"Look how strong your reaction is. Still saying you don't love me?"

I mentally rolled my eyes. Did he not know about morning sickness? He kept making light of the situation.

"Don't catch a cold out here. Let's go home."

I was already feeling awful, and now my blood was really boiling. I did not know where I found the strength, but I swung my handbag and hit Nick's shoulder.

"Which home?"

Claudia had taken over? The new house where we had spent a few brief, tender days? Or the Hawk manor where I had waited for him for so long? How dare he even mention the word "home" to me? Furious, I hit him hard with each swing. Nick's smile froze as his expression turned cold. He did not dodge,

entire bag at his face

roadside. Glaring photos spilled

divorce, but they made an unexpected early appearance. Nick bent down to pick up one

enough to be her grandfather. But he showed no emotion. He just picked them up one by

and his hand grasped at empty air. Nick froze, then violently threw the photos he had already collected to

fist clenched

After a while,

looked me in the eye. He said calmly, "Ariana, if you want to make

sincerely helping me. This was a warning, a

actions once again

how important Claudia was to him. Back then, when I thought we were

unacceptable. Everyone around me