I wanted to leave this place. Caution was key, and I wondered if I'd been too vulnerable around him.Atlas paused and looked at me. "What's the matter? Am I that scary to you?"My face was flushed as I asked, "Who said I'm scared?"Although I put on a tough face, I was in shambles."If you were more cautious around that scumbag, you wouldn't be in this state!" He said, "Don't worry. I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with. Unless you want me to..."Atlas remained indifferent to my pleading eyes."Lie down! You'll feel better soon." His tone softened. "Do you want me to make you?"There was no escaping this ordeal. Good intentions had led me into an awkward spot, and I felt helpless.As if under a spell, I reclined and allowed him to unbutton my shirt. He was precise and gentle when applying the ointment, but my muscles were tense.He murmured, "Relax. Next time, if you can't win, run. It's not shameful. Take a deep breath and strike hard to ensure your safety. A strong c

I suddenly realized what I wanted to say might dampen the mood. We had just been swept up in a whirlwind of passion, and it would be a real buzzkill.I changed the subject. "The benefits at your company seem amazing. I'd consider working for you guys if I didn't have my own business."He looked at me calmly and asked, "Why is that?""Seeing how carefree your assistants are, it's clear your company values its employees." My reason sounded forced.He listened to my words with a faint smile on his lips. Atlas ate elegantly as I rushed through my food. It might be because I hadn't had a decent meal in days. I didn't need to act all prim and proper in front of him.After we finished, I insisted on heading back. He reluctantly got up. "I'll walk you out!"In the car, he seemed lost in thought. I gazed out the open window, the cool breeze waking me up. What had just happened felt like a dream. There were no regrets, but a hint of awkwardness lingered.I started to understand Matthe

Matthew froze when he heard my words. His eyes showed unwillingness that only I understood.Melanie grabbed his arm and yelled, “Chloe, you’re seducing him in public now! You’re shameless!”I glared at her, then turned to Matthew, saying, “I have some departing words for you. One day, you’ll realize how horrible, disloyal, and unrighteous you are for abandoning your wife and daughter.“We’re divorced now, so stop being deluded. We’ll go our separate ways, and I hope we never cross paths again.” I turned away but noticed Matthew’s eyes reddening.I thanked Adrian and then got into the car I had bought with my mom, Ivanna, and Ava. I saw Matthew through the rearview mirror, watching me leave.I went to the hospital to fetch my dad. That evening, we celebrated my divorce with Ivanna, and she asked me if I wanted to invite Atlas. Although I rejected her request, she teased me, “I can tell he’s interested in you.”“You’re being ridiculous. I just got divorced.” I rolled my eyes, and s

On my way to Solaris, I looked out the plane window at the clouds. Suddenly, I thought of an unexpected person. I hadn’t seen or heard from Atlas since the divorce proceedings concluded. Although he hadn’t called, I somehow felt disappointed.Still, I kept my distance, not wanting to get too close to him. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t help but wonder why he hadn’t called or even texted me. Strangely, I saw a missed call from him after turning my phone on when the plane landed.My mind raced, but I returned the call after some hesitation. Atlas asked, “Where are you?”"I just landed in Solaris," I replied."Alone?""Yeah.""All right, stay safe." His tone was distant, and he didn't seem interested in continuing the conversation. "I'll hang up now."I was frustrated. Atlas called me, yet he didn’t intend to say much. I was about to ask why he called, but he had already hung up. I sighed and pocketed my phone, feeling conflicted.When I met Fred this time, he seemed much better.

We woke up close to noon the following day, and I felt Atlas’s arms wrapped around me. I doubted he would let go if Fred didn’t call me.I told Atlas I still had work to do and had to return to Foswood in the evening. He released me and got up, offering to have lunch with me.My relationship with Atlas made me feel conflicted. I wondered what we were to each other. It felt like the puzzle pieces just fit. He hadn’t made commitments, and there were no declarations of love.Whenever I saw him, I didn’t know how to refuse him. For some reason, I felt comfortable being with him. He didn't ask for my consent again and simply took action. So, I dared not ask him about the nature of our relationship.It was already late at night when I reached Foswood. I was so exhausted that I could barely speak. My mom looked at me with a heavy heart and shook her head, saying, “Chlo, why are you pushing yourself so hard?“Do you want to come home with your dad and me? Life is short, so isn’t comfort a