Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0555

The next day, Douglas and I attended a dinner party. It wasn't for anything specific-just a chance to meet people and network.

It had been ages since I drank this formally. With me being a new face to most, curiosity brought a steady stream of people holding up their glasses to me.

Tonight, I didn't need to worry about Tabitha, so I accepted every drink offered.

Having lived for so many years, everyone here clearly knew how to liven up a gathering. Toasts and small talk flowed effortlessly, but no one revealed anything meaningful.

We shook hands, clinked glasses, and exchanged vague promises of "next time, for sure".

The adult world worked like this. With a quick calculation of pros and cons, one could magically gain a circle of new "friends" overnight.

Somewhere between drinks, my mind began to wander. I couldn't help but think of Nicholas leaving in silence last night.

of exposing himself on social media for Claudia, he offered no explanation. He didn't even

morning, when he came to pick up Tabitha, he was distant,

maybe the alcohol was hitting me harder now, and I

Nicholas had his flaws, and I had mine. Acknowledging it

I went to find Douglas when I felt the alcohol catching up

a perfectly straight line out

me shiver. The breeze didn't

I'd managed to find my car and get inside without incident was beyond me.

tune, I leaned back lazily on

car door opened. A

I couldn't make out his face, but I was sure Douglas had

didn't like him. He started fastening my seatbelt or, as it felt to me, tying

Be gentle!" I kept

to drink and could sit