Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

I raised my arm nervously and sniffed my clothes, glancing at Pete. "What's wrong? Do I smell like something?"

Pete leaned in to sniff again, forcing me to back up until I was pressed against the window. Feeling embarrassed and annoyed, I snapped, "Pete! Don't get so close to me!" He straightened up with his hands on his hips. His face was dark when he said, "Smoke, alcohol, and... The scent of some random man."

I froze. I didn't expect him to actually find out.

I mumbled, "Maybe it's the driver. I took a cab today. I'm still not familiar with the roads here, so I didn't drive myself.

"No wonder Tabitha kept trying to squirm out of my arms earlier. I'll wash up after you leave."

My words made his heart clench with urgency. He could no longer remain composed.

Pete's lips trembled, his eyes turning red. His voice, although steady, carried a heavy weight as he called out my name.

"Ariana, you're hiding something from me." He knew me well enough.

who had relentlessly found reasons to see me,

no matter how obvious his hints were, I had always managed to dodge the subject. But being pushed by the appearance of Nicholas, it had

would I explain so much? He didn't dare continue to think what could make me

staying by your side the whole

and let out a

still couldn't understand how, after all these years of waiting for me, someone else had swooped in so suddenly. Did he realize too late how much he cared for

much

don't have to

but nothing happened between us. We just

I went to check

this because you have any right to ask about my life. I'm telling you because I consider you

not blind. I know how much you've