Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

When did I become so important to Nicholas? Was it when I asked him with red eyes to choose between me and Claudia? Or was it when I submitted to him, obedient and seductive? Was it when I repeatedly insisted on a divorce? Or was it when he realized I could shine in other ways, attracting the attention of other men?

Not even Daniel left such a profound mark on his life, yet I, that woman he once dismissed, managed to do it.

I told him, "The dead can't protect the living!"

Perhaps, Nicholas still had someone he wanted to protect. He was willing to endure pain and keep living for her. He didn't want her to get hurt. Nicholas walked down from the rooftop with his legs that had long turned stiff.

When Claudia saw him, she threw herself into his arms. "Nick! I knew you couldn't bear to leave me!"

Nicholas looked down at her and gently pushed her away. He warned her indifferently, "Never do anything illegal again in this lifetime."

Claudia was lost in the joy of having someone to rely on again. Greedily, she wanted to breathe in more of the air filled with his scent.

She closed her eyes in ecstasy and whispered, "Got it, Nick. As long as you're alive, I'll always be your lovely sister. You need to let Ariana know that you're better off without her.

better, let's

moment I saw Nicholas coming down from the rooftop, I was overjoyed and wanted to cheer! But when I tried to speak into the phone, I realized it had been hung up at some point. I didn't even know for how long the screen had gone dark. But it didn't matter. Nicholas must have heard me, especially since I shouted so

patted my shoulder. "Let's go. Where do you want to go? I'll drive

also heard me saying, "I'll wait for you at the place to start anew." He

could I let Neal drive me in a police car? I wanted to get out first and call

away. A look of sorrow crossed his face. He thought I was

phone in my

Nicholas's dry, hoarse voice. "Ariana, I can't die. I

fast. Wait for me to find you..." these were left unspoken

I knew you would always protect me! Can you find someone to

I knew that those struggling

that moment, it felt

been sliced open. It wasn't an unbearable pain. It was just a sense of helplessness as if