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.

media for Claudia, he offered no explanation. He

Tabitha, he was distant,

night, or this morning, but maybe

up to "human nature". Nicholas had his flaws, and I had mine. Acknowledging it for what it

the alcohol catching up to me.

up, walking in a perfectly straight line out of

making me shiver. The breeze didn't sober me up but

the car, I felt invincible. How I'd managed to find my car and get inside without incident was beyond me. Clearly, I

I leaned back lazily on the

idea how long I'd been dozing when the car door opened. A hand grabbed my arm and yanked me

but I was sure Douglas had called

was tall, decently good-looking, but I didn't like him. He started fastening

Be gentle!"

"If you hadn't had so much to drink and could sit still, I wouldn't need