Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0573

If Nicholas thought standing in the rain could earn my forgiveness, he couldn't be more wrong. It was all an act. I wanted to see how long he could keep it up.

'Close the door. Ari is weak and can't stand the cold wind!" Wendy said, her voice filled with concern.

All the maids were newly hired by Nicholas. I didn't know them, but they recognized Wendy as a long-time staff of the household.

As the one who took care of Tabitha and earned the trust of both Nicholas and me, Wendy's words carried weight. Yet, shutting him out into the rain left them hesitant.

"If you won't close the door, go stand outside with Mr. Hawk! Don't miss the chance to show your loyalty!"

Her sudden burst of anger surprised me. It was the first time I'd ever seen her like this.

I knew she was upset with Nicholas for my sake, but our tangled mess wasn't something even we could sort out. I didn't want Wendy to get involved and risk backlash from jealous staff who might gossip to Nicholas later.

I gently pulled Wendy aside. My things were still in the bedroom I once shared with Nicholas. I asked Wendy to bring me a change of clothes and moved my essentials to Tabitha's room instead.

stared at me for a long moment before reaching out her arms for the first

'Mommy, hug."

be the one always eager to hold Tabitha. I never realized that, in her little world, she wanted to be held just as much. She needed

worth it. Nicholas made me move into the Coral Villa, but he never specified where I should stay. It didn't matter anyway- as long as Tabitha was safe and sound, that was all

quivered, and tears welled in her eyes. She started crying too,

But I couldn't hold her-not while I was soaked through. I crouched before her, coaxing softly despite the

If I hug you, you'll get wet too. You'll feel cold

stepped in quickly, scooping Tabitha into her arms and offering her a favorite

headed to the bathroom. I turned on the faucet before letting myself

pale, red-eyed woman staring back.

of Nicholas playing the piano on stage flashing in my mind. Was meeting him a

how long I stayed there until a soft knock

Wendy's voice

I'm done." I hesitated to leave, knowing my swollen eyes would betray how hard I'd cried. At

couldn't. Instead, I lowered my head. 'Tabitha's asleep. Come

just want to sleep. I'm exhausted,"