Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

I wanted to ask Nicholas why he was here, but my throat felt dry and sore, almost on the verge of burning.

Nicholas didn't seem to be in a hurry to speak either. He lowered his eyes and lit a cigarette.

Since his recovery, the black suit and pants had become his signature look. Had Claudia stopped dressing him?

He looked like a huge shadow, making me recall unpleasant memories of the past and the helplessness I felt when Tabitha was born prematurely.

A pang of bitterness filled my heart as I quietly clenched my fists. I masked my feeling of loss and smiled faintly.

"Mr. Hawk, is your company facing some trouble that requires my legal help? Seeking favors at someone's home seems rather improper, don't you think?" Nicholas didn't show any emotion, his gaze fixed on the cigarette he held between his fingers. He took a deep drag and exhaled the smoke to the side.

I couldn't tell if the wind was swirling with the smoke or if the smoke was just drifting away. They twisted upward together before dissipating quickly.

I couldn't help but feel that this silent reunion was hardly worthy of the carefully orchestrated encounters we had before.

up. "Aren't you

a moment, realizing he must have misunderstood my behavior with Pete at

second thought, it wasn't exactly a misunderstanding. I was single, and so was Pete. Even if we

craving a cheeseburger, and Pete went to get me some late-night

out a concerned remark. In the past, he had never suggested that I eat

partner now. I

to see me from afar. But before he knew it, he had already knocked

to comfort himself

that this was my choice. He just

l.ne

without him. He told himself it was just a visit and that

shot through his shoulder. He grabbed my shoulder and pushed me

a seat in the same spot he had occupied

to leave us momentarily lost in thought. Clearly, we both