Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

The car pulled up, but I couldn't open the door.

Pete lowered the window and teased, "What kind of clumsy little fool are you? Put some strength into it!"

I struggled with the oversized SUV he had somehow acquired, pulling at the door with all my might but to no avail.

It was as though the man who had spent three hard years abroad was finally letting his guard down. The relaxed, playful Pete reminded me of the cocky guy he used to be before life weighed him down. Seeing this change in him, I was genuinely happy for him. Who in this world would choose to live under constant pressure?

"Ugh. This stupid car! Get over here and help me!" I mimicked his playful arrogance, pouting.

Pete got out of the car, walked behind me, and leaned in. His hand covered mine over the door handle, his other hand braced against the car. He trapped me between him and the vehicle.

The air around us seemed to tighten, and my heart skipped a few beats. Turning slightly, I whispered, "Pete, I'm not thinking about anything else right now. I just didn't want Nicholas to get the wrong idea earlier."

He lowered his head, his breath warming the strands of hair on my forehead. "Ari, I know you're worried about Tabitha, but have you ever considered that she might want a dad?"

He lifted my chin gently, making me meet his serious gaze.

"I don't know why, but ever since I came back, I feel like I should reclaim everything that was once mine. I was driven away by my father and forced into marriage abroad because of Nicholas. But now, I'm different."

to protect myself and you. I think I finally have the right to fight for you, but it's not just

asked, "Ariana, aren't you tired of holding it all

lowered my eyes, thinking about

tired? Of course, I was. After leaving the country, my health deteriorated. Tabitha was born a month

useless. I

when I thought everything would

with Nicholas. He said with so much confidence, "There's no way it's hereditary!" Standing in the empty parking lot with

single

give Tabitha twice the love, working tirelessly to provide a good life. I fought hard for my reputation and her future, doing

was around. The one thing I

his head

low voice, "Tabitha likes me, and I like her if she accepts me, and if I find the best doctors for her condition, can

yourself again after 30?"

face slightly, and Pete's kiss missed its mark. "Pete, we missed our chance, didn't we? At least

I spoke, I began

completely severed ties with Pete either because of our childhood bond and Nicholas had an

filled with pain. "Do I really