Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0523

When Nicholas reached out to embrace me, the touch of his skin felt almost magical, as if it peeled away my soul from my body.

My spirit floated above, watching the two people who should never have intersected, now tightly wrapped in each other's arms.

To make me more comfortable, Nicholas adjusted the hem of his shirt again and again, eventually taking off his coat and draping it over me. He treated me as gently as if I were an infant and even patted my back softly.

In that instant, my soul felt nourished. It seemed like it had been years since I had felt this relaxed, where I could let go of everything and focus on the simple act of sleeping. I found the most comfortable position and drifted off.

I have no idea how long I slept. But when my consciousness returned to my body, I was jolted awake.

noon so I could pick

all the other kids had been picked up by their parents, leaving her

no idea where I was. I just knew I sprang from the bed, rushing toward the door bare feet. But when I flung it open and saw the scene outside, tears instantly streamed

one arm while the other was raised as if he were about to open

pairs of dark eyes, large and small, stared at me. For a moment, I didn't know how to tum from

Tabitha's lips trembling as if she was about to cry along with me. If she screamed or acted out in front of Nicholas, would he

with the man she might one day call

I did. He lifted his hand to shield Tabitha's eyes

to see you. Let's go grab a storybook, and later you can tell Mommy

repeating his words and

carried Tabitha away, I felt my strength drain away. My grip on the doorknob loosened as