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.

of yourself. When you're better, let's see how long she

I tried to speak into the phone, I realized it had been hung up at some point. I didn't even know

go. Where do you want to go?

the place to start anew." He chose to respect my decision and gave me

I wanted to get out first

car slowly backing away. A look of sorrow crossed his face. He thought I was really leaving

phone in my

the call, I heard Nicholas's dry, hoarse voice. "Ariana, I can't die. I have someone I want

me to find you..." these were left unspoken as Claudia cried

you find someone to unlock these handcuffs on my wrist first? My

him. I knew

that moment, it felt like

an unbearable pain. It was just a sense of helplessness as