Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

Chapter 0609

Suddenly, a force pulled on my hand, startling me.

My reflexive jerk knocked the bowl, making it wobble noisily against the table. The clattering sound felt louder than the pounding of our hearts.

"Sorry," I muttered, quickly steadying the bowl.

I glanced up at Nicholas. His hand froze midair, still holding the fork and spoon. After a moment, he placed them in front of me.

"I was just getting you some utensils," he said softly, although his tone carried a heavy weight

"Can you try not to push me away so much?

I didn't know how to respond. Lowering my gaze, I busied myself with reaching for the utensils on the table. To my surprise, he held on tightly to one end. He refused to let go even as I tugged.

I couldn't help but remind him, "Nicholas, everything we're doing now is for Tabitha. And don't forget, I'm leaving once the month is up. That's what you promised me."

and shouldn't be said. Our relationship was like being stuck in a maze. No matter how much we circled, we always ended

it's just for Tabitha. I don't believe you don't feel anything for me. If you didn't, why haven't you let anyone else in these past three years? Just give me a chance, Ariana. Let me take care of you. I'm tired of reminding you over and over, but you keep pushing me

Under his piercing gaze, I

go. The sudden release caused Nicholas'

started to sweat from the tension. He frowned slightly, his expression growing

my hands before standing. "Actually, I'm not

the food doesn't appeal to you,

a delicately wrapped gift box sitting at the edge of the table. I hadn't paid it much attention earlier. But now as Nicholas pushed it toward the center, it drew my gaze. It turned out to be an exquisitely packaged takeout

No need...

the chill spreading through me. Before I could

didn't come with me, I figured I'd bring it back. If you eat it, we can count it as having

matter if we

replied,

him as he spoke, word by word. "In the nearly eight years we've been married, I've never sincerely invited you to a meal without any ulterior reason. But