Beyond the Divorce



Although I had just heard Sandy's account of the mansion's history, I didn't stop him. I wanted to hear his perspective on the story.

"After my great-grandpa's business flourished, he built our family's home, and this place was abandoned. After grandma passed away, this place was transferred to someone else for a time due to financial reasons.

"Unfortunately, the buyers later fell on hard times and couldn't sell it. The mansion on the left side of this property also belonged to grandma. It was abandoned for over a decade. After stabilizing the situation, I bought it back. However, the exterior still remained in its original style."

I looked around, seeing a different scenery through the rain.

"After we eat, we'll go to the family home. It's the rainy season in Nocturnia at this time of year. You used to hate this weather when you were young." I still disliked rainy days.

"Is the family home far from here?" I asked Atlas.

"Not really. It's on the other side of the hill," Atlas replied.

After finishing our meal, I went upstairs to change into the outfit I had prepared for this occasion.

It was still raining heavily outside, and it was a little gloomy and chilly. Atlas held an umbrella over us and embraced me as we walked out. Sandy watched us get into the car and waved goodbye.

Although I maintained a calm demeanor, I was actually quite nervous.

I was feeling some complex emotions.

Atlas sensed my feelings and gently held my hand, offering me an invisible source of strength.

"I'm here, don't worry," Atlas reassured me softly.

"Okay," I replied.

After about 40 minutes of driving, we arrived at a mansion halfway up the hill. It was quite high up and offered a view of a part of the city below. The air up here was fresh too.

Atlas held an umbrella above me as I got out of the car. He led me to the tightly closed gate and pressed the doorbell.

As we waited for the door to open, Atlas lowered his gaze to look at me standing beside him, giving me a warm smile filled with contentment.

I understood what he was feeling.

He didn't feel lonely now that I was

ove

by his side. I imagined that he must have felt lonely every time he

entered here.

The gate opened, and an elderly man came out, respectfully greeting him. "Hello, Mr. Atlas."

Atlas just snorted and held my hand as we strode in.

I couldn't help but steal a glance at the old man.

He must be grandpa's personal servant. Atlas didn't introduce me to him, so it was clear that he held no regard for this man.

As we walked into the courtyard, IExclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

was slightly surprised. The mansion was built in the Etrian-style, which was a stark contrast to other buildings in this country.

It looked a little old, but it exuded a grand and mysterious atmosphere.

The old man who had greeted us hurriedly caught up and walked ahead of us, maintaining a respectful demeanor.

After passing through several doors and crossing some courtyards and gardens, we arrived at a small. building. At the door, the man bowed slightly and said softly, "Please wait here, Mr. Atlas."

Then he hurried inside.

A few seconds later, he came out again and said, "Please come in, Mr. Atlas."

Atlas led me in, walking briskly toward the interior of the house.

At this moment, all the anxiety I had felt along the way suddenly disappeared, and my heart became exceptionally calm. I didn't know why either.

I just had to think of him as an elderly person.

Atlas led me inside with ease and familiarity.

Inside the room, I saw a skinny old man sitting upright on a redwood armchair.