Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

I dressed properly in the bathroom, dried my hair, and then stepped out. However, when I did so, the bedroom was empty-the man who had been so eager to suggest showering together had vanished.

I felt a mix of relief and a strange tinge of disappointment. Shouldn't I already be used to Nicholas being like this? No one could fulfill every promise, especially with something said so casually. I smiled to myself, returning to the bathroom to wipe off the sweat on my forehead.

I laughed at the irony of having just taken a shower, only to end up sweating again while getting dressed and drying my hair. It felt like the shower had been for nothing.

There wasn't enough time to shower again, so I tidied myself up and headed straight to Cory's room.

Cory's mother was no longer around. So, I figured he might appreciate the feeling of being woken up and dressed by a mom.

But when I opened the door, Cory wasn't there. His little blanket had been neatly folded and placed in a corner of the bed, the curtains were drawn open, and the window was partially opened for ventilation.

I stepped out to look for one of the housekeepers to ask if they had seen him, but then I spotted a small figure downstairs in the dining area, helping the housekeepers.

He was holding a small cloth, standing on a chair, wiping the dining table, and setting up placemats, plates, and cups.

"Cory," I called out.

housekeepers pointing upward and smiled brightly when he saw me.

noticed right away that his eyes were a bit

well

He nodded.

his hand. "You don't have to do this.

of the

to let you know and also mentioned that someone will be coming to the

nodded to show I understood. Only then

to sleep in. So,

Cory's

my dad make breakfast every

initially cheerful face gradually fell as his voice trailed off. His slightly red and swollen eyes began to well up with