Beyond the Divorce

Bitten by a Dog

I clicked my tongue in frustration and clenched my bag strap, fingernails digging into my palm. The pain gave me an odd sense of comfort.

Suddenly, Atlas’s phone rang. He looked at me and answered, “Yeah?” Content is © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

A woman’s voice said, “Atlas, where are you?”

“I’m busy,” he replied coldly.

“Do you want to come out? Maybe you can come to my place?” The woman’s voice turned tender.

“Another time. I’m busy right now,” Atlas responded and hung up.

1 felt awkward and said, “Mr. Atlas, you seem busy. I’ll take

my leave.”

Without waiting for his response, I headed toward the exit. However, he quickly held me. I yelped In surprise as he turned me to face him. He was about to kiss me when he saw something on my neck.

He asked angrily, “What happened here?! Who did this?!”

I was puzzled. I looked at Atlas with panic, saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He grabbed my wrist tightly and led me to an exquisite bathroom with mirrors on the entire wall. Atlas pushed me toward one of the mirrors and said, ‘See for yourself! Don’t tell me you can’t remember whot

did this.”

I saw a hickey on my collar. I froze for a moment, and then it hit me. It was Matthew. I gritted my teeth and silently cursed. Then, I looked at it again with anger.

Atlas pried, “Who was it?!”

I tugged at my collar and tried to pull away from his grip. However, he held onto me firmly. “I got bitten by a dog! You can’t expect me to bite back, can you?”

“Tell me who did it!” he demanded,

I remained silent, glancing at the handprint on my wrist. I knew it would turn into a bruise tomorrow, Atlas.

seemed to realize it and attempted to inspect my wrist. I pulled it away, not allowing him to see.

“I’m leaving!”

He trapped me between his arms and repeated, “Tell me who did it.”

I met his piercing gaze and replied, ‘Does it matter? Regardless of who it was, I had to endure it alone.

I have my flaws and accepted them. I don’t need anyone’s kindness and have no reason to depend on

anyone.

Atles lowered his eyes, still looking at my face. His cold expression softened slightly.

I choked up and continued, “I’d like to talk to you. But when I see your coldness, I feel there’s no need to talk anymore. I’m afraid of troubling you and embarrassing myself. No matter how deep the feelings are, it’s meaningless if two people shouldn’t be together.

“Letting me go is also a way of finding peace for yourself! Isn’t that for the best?” My voice quivered, and I

lowered my gaze.

Atlas pulled my collar. I tried to move away, but he pulled–me back in frustration. My attempt to evade

him angered him.

His expression changed, and his tone turned harsh. “You allowed someone else to kiss you there?”

My heart stung. I wanted to retort but couldn’t find the words.

He glared at me and kissed me. His lips traveled from my chest to my neck, igniting a passionate fire

within me.

I tried to push Atlas away, but he held me tighter. His actions were no longer forceful and aggressive, and I couldn’t escape him. His kiss had stirred something within me. I bit his lip, causing him to release me

with a painful grunt.

I let out a frustrated sigh, muttering, “What is this? What do you take me for?”

He pounded the mirror behind me and growled, “You’re right, what the hell is this?!”

My heart raced as Atlas’s sudden outburst left me trembling and uncertain.

‘Do you hate being with me so much? Don’t you understand everything I’ve done? I told you to trust me,

no matter what. Can’t you do that? Where’d your intelligence go?!” Atlas’s sudden interrogation surprised me

I didn’t know how to answer.