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."

"Now, I'm strong enough-strong enough to protect myself and you. I think I finally have the right to fight for

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

thinking about

health deteriorated. Tabitha was born a

the nanny Deena had arranged was useless. I spent the entire month watching

I thought everything would be fine,

how Daniel had assured me when he wanted me to have a child with Nicholas. He said with so much confidence,

single mother

good life. I fought hard for my reputation and her future, doing everything I

nights when no one was around. The one thing I had never been able to give Tabitha

lowered his head and

if she accepts me, and

yourself again after 30?"

kiss missed its mark. "Pete, we missed our chance, didn't we? At least it wasn't like Nicholas and I where

spoke, I began

never completely severed ties with Pete either because of our childhood bond and Nicholas had an even deeper connection with Claudia than I

with pain. "Do