Beyond the Divorce

Losing One’s Temper

Atlas lowered his gaze and didn’t respond. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

I asked him a string of questions, “Was it really you? Why didn’t you come in? Did you spend your holiday

alone abroad or here in Foswood? Were you

“Don’t you think it’s a little late to be asking all this?” He sounded annoyed.

I got teary and said, “There had been rumors everywhere. First, it was Annalise, and then it was Harmony. Will there be more of them? I don’t care about your wealth, but how could I love an unfaithful man?”

My words came out in a rush. “I’ve been humiliated enough by Matthew. And now, I’ve found another man who can’t keep his heart in check. Am I a person anyone can use and deceive at their whim?”

“Am I just anyone to you?

“You’re not!” I looked at him, tears rolling down my cheeks. “I’ve told you I’m not worthy of you. But if you try to pursue me, you must take responsibility! All I want is a simple, love–filled life. Am I unworthy of that?”

“You are worthy,” he gently said, holding me tightly. “Don’t cry.”

“Do I look like Annalise to you? Why do you need someone else if you loved her so much?” I asked, my voice strained. “Let me make this clear, Atlas. My name is Chloe, not Annalise!”

“You’re not anyone!” He said it cryptically.

“What does that mean? Explain it to me. Do I have to be like her? My heart ached as I said, “I’m not foolish enough to compete with a memory. If you’re trying to find her in me, let’s part ways right here. I won’t be anyone’s replacement.”

With that, I tried to push him away and get up.

He was startled and quickly held me down. “No, it’s not like that. You’re you. I don’t care about Annalise. She has nothing to do with me. I’ve told you to only believe in me. I’ll explain it all eventually, but not now.”

“Why not?

“You shouldn’t know too much right now. There will come a day when you’ll understand. You’re the person I’ve been searching for,” he said as he gently brushed away my stray hair.

W-Why are you saying this?”

‘m still investigating. Many pieces don’t fit together, so I can’t give you a definite answer yet. Give me Remember my word, no matter what happens or how many obstacles arise. Trust me Trust

“Give me a hint!” I pleaded.

“My parents‘ death isn’t that simple!” His eyes flickered with pain.

My mouth fell open. “You mean… the plane crash was orchestrated?”

“I’m still looking into it.”

We both fell silent.

After a long while, he kissed my neck. “Annalise was an incredibly important person, but I only feel remorse for her, not love. So, don’t dwell on her anymore. You’re the one I see. The rest are just

players in

the scene, understand?”

His words strangely comforted me. As I left the hotel, I felran unprecedented sense of relief. The heavy weight in my heart had finally lifted.

Little did I know that what he said would weigh more than any burden I had ever carried. In fact, I later realized it was not a warning at all, but his deepest fear.

Unease settled in my stomach as I drove away from Cresswind Valley. It was as if someone was

watching me.

Taking Advantage

I looked around from my car, trying to spot anything unusual, but everything appeared normal. However, that strange feeling persisted.

With that nagging thought, I pressed on the gas pedal and drove home.

My parents were still in the living room, watching TV. I knew they had been waiting for me.

“Did you drop him off?” my mother asked.

“Yeah,” I replied casually, changing my shoes before heading in. “Why aren’t you two asleep yet?”

My dad finally got up, stretching with a yawn. “We were waiting for you to get home.”

“Mr. Atlas seems quite special. And he treats Ava so well!” My mother seized the opportunity to tease

1. me. “Who would’ve thought our little girl would be so clingy?”

“He’s been quite lonely. Since his parents are gone, maybe he liked the warmth of our family.”

Atlas must have spent New Year’s alone amidst the celebrations of other households.

My father seemed interested. “He has a big company, right?”

“The bigger the company, the more he might be constrained. When you’re in charge, a large company can be limiting since it’s all about playing it safe,” I remarked, perhaps a bit critical.

“Both of his parents are gone?” My mother’s heart softened. “How could this be? He looked quite young.”

“Yeah, in a plane crash. They died together.”

“Oh, that’s so tragic!” My mother exclaimed. “What a tough life he must’ve had. Yet he still looks so

refined.”

My mother sighed, then added, “I’ve heard his family background is quite impressive. It doesn’t really…

match ours.”

Mom! Can you stop overthinking things? We’re just friends for now. Besides, it’s still too early for me to decide protested. “Let’s get some sleep. It’s late!”

Jossed and turned that night, thinking about him and our conversation. The Idea of the plane crash sent

vers down my spine. Could it be related to Celine? She was his aunt, and if it was true, then that

was cuthless

ously I pictured Celine’s face and her cold, pone demeanor. Eventually, I drifted or, only to

If it weren’t for the phone ringing, I might have slept in. Looking at the screen, I was surprised to see Matthew. I debated whether to answer.

Eventually, I picked up the call.

“Chlo, can we take our daughter out tonight? Let’s celebrate her birthday together. I didn’t forget. It’s just that I had an important commitment and couldn’t get away.”

“There’s no need for that! I already celebrated with her yesterday. Today isn’t her actual birthday, so why make a big deal out of it? Just focus on your work!” I replied, my tone frosty.

“Chlo, don’t speak for our daughter. She wouldn’t want to miss out on her dad. You can’t impose thoughts on her. That wouldn’t be fair, would it?”

Deep down, I knew he wasn’t entirely wrong. He was her father, and that was a fact.

“Fine, I’ll ask Ava tonight. If she wants to go, you can take her!” I compromised.

I couldn’t replace a father’s responsibilities.

“Great! And it’s not me taking her. It’s us going together!” He pushed for more.

I was left speechless. What a shameless guy!

“We’ll discuss it later!” I said, keeping my tone composed.

“That’s settled, then. I’ll pick you guys up!” He sounded excited. “See you tonight!”