Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

I didn't struggle when Pete was holding me.

My mind replayed everything that had happened over the past two years. From the moment Yasmine asked him to come back to get me, he had been taking risks. At the time, he and Annie were going through a rough patch.

Deena was studying abroad, living in a tiny apartment near her lab. After I moved in with her, Pete helped us find a bigger, more comfortable place. Although I paid for it, finding a suitable place would've been much harder without his help. Every time I went for a check-up, Pete would also show up uninvited. He was worried I would be scared on my own. Even the doctor only realized he wasn't my husband when I needed a signature for delivery.

In the end, I had always taken advantage of our childhood bond to rely on him. I had been taking his help for granted, so it was understandable that he got upset.

"I'm sorry," I apologized sincerely.

Pete closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to suppress the emotions he couldn't hide. "I don't need your apology. Just promise me that you won't see Nicholas anymore, okay?"

I pondered for a second before gently shaking my head. There were still things I needed to deal with. "After this is over..."

Pete's strength drained from him. His arms, which had been holding me tightly, suddenly dropped to his sides. He collapsed as if the

pushed me away with enough force to send me stumbling back. He

I know you can't force feelings. Don't make this harder for yourself." He was smiling, but it was more heartbreaking than tears. "But... I just need time. Give me

me, I questioned myself whether

it was because of me. Without me, he and

enemies.

went blank. My thoughts were like muffled drum beats, pounding but never producing a clear sound-just a

clinging to me had finally been washed away, and I remembered I had

Douglas, instructing him to list down the shareholders who signed the agreement with Nicholas years ago. I wanted him to find the

AQUAS

Nicholas held over me. I wanted to make sure he could never threaten me again. Douglas sounded

would know?" I