Trouble in Paradise by Three Way

It wasn't until Leo was wheeled out of the operating room that I finally saw Yasmine and Nicholas in the ward.

The two of them exchanged a silent glance when they saw me and turned away in unison, as if by mutual agreement.

I couldn't help but feel that the tension between them had somehow lessened. But it was just as well-I didn't dwell on it.

I stayed with Yasmine to help settle Leo into the ward before pulling her to rest in the adjacent room.

In just a few hours, Yasmine had grown visibly haggard. "The doctor said it was fortunate the shot missed its mark. A little to the left, and..."

"Leo is lucky. He'll be fine," I reassured her again. Then, glancing up, I noticed Nicholas standing at the doorway, looking at me with pitiful eyes like an abandoned puppy.

I opened my mouth, thinking of inviting him in, but decided against it. Perhaps he was mindful of the impropriety of entering Yasmine's ward.

Still, his gaze was so open and pleading, as though he were seeking comfort. It was strange he rarely revealed such an expression in front of others.

Noticing the atmosphere, Yasmine said, "Alright. Go on now. Let me rest for a bit."

her alone in the hospital, but before I could speak, Nicholas nodded. "If

that I realized what had just

friend feel uneasy. Right

came out of surgery. How could she rest? Ariana, if it were me lying on the operating table, would you stay by my side or go

steering wheel tightly, his voice carrying a

and yet he couldn't stop himself from testing the weight he held in my heart. After all, so many years had passed

en

faint dark circles under his eyes. Even someone as handsome as him couldn't withstand the toll of

thank you for what you did today, but please don't do anything so dangerous again—it's

voice grew tight, betraying his unease. "I wasn't thinking about anything else

rearview mirror. I could almost guess what he wanted to hear-probably something

I admitted that I cared about him, what would

growing disappointment, I closed my eyes slowly. It wasn't until

you stay home and look after Tabitha and Cory? I'll be going to the

pale. "Tomorrow? That won't