Atlas made a dinner reservation as we entered the car. My heart kept pounding throughout the ride, and I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. He pulled me closer, saying, “Call your parents and tell them you won’t be home tonight.”I had no strength to argue or think about anything else. I just wanted to find peace in Atlas’s arms as it melted away all my worries and anxieties. Soon, we returned to the resort. I felt a sense of belonging, like this was our home.His previous question still entranced me, “Do you want to stay here or go home?”I wondered if this place could be our home.After dinner, he didn’t hesitate to hold and shower me with kisses. I felt like crying then because I had waited for him for so long. I missed him so much, and all my longing turned into happiness.However, I dared not look at him, afraid of keeping this moment in my memory. Instead, I closed my eyes as my mind went blank."Why won't you look at me?" Atlas asked.I reluctantly opened my eyes and m
When Atlas dropped me off at the company's entrance, he gave me some reminders, which I noted down. I couldn't help but say, "Call me when you have time.”He nibbled on my lip and said, "You're improving by asking for things now."I blushed and turned to get out of the car, but he pulled me back and kissed me passionately before letting me go. Nonetheless, I looked forward to working with Grayson today. When I entered my office, I called Carol and asked, “Has Grayson arrived?”Carol’s eyes sparkled. “Yes, he has! Ms. Chloe, let’s use this standard when hiring new employees. He’s such eye candy!”I snorted in response. "Are you infatuated with Grayson too?"She stuck her tongue out and chuckled. Good looks seemed to have a certain charm, and everyone liked attractive objects. Since Carol and I had become close, she rolled her eyes at me and muttered, “You like the handsome ones, too. It’s a chain reaction.”I sighed but didn’t deny it. “You’re right. All right, bring Grayson in so
The kindergarten registration form was still with Matthew. To enroll Ava into Sunnydale Kindergarten, I needed the physical copy of the registration form and copies of Ava’s and my identification documents.It was difficult to obtain the registration form since Sunnydale was a renowned kindergarten. Matthew and I had a lot of trouble getting a copy back then.After some pondering, I called Matthew. However, Melanie answered with insults, “Have you no shame? How dare you call him?”"Let me talk to Matthew," I replied calmly, ignoring her outburst."You can kiss my ass!" With that, she hung up.Her behavior infuriated me, but I could only return the call for Ava’s sake. I called several times, but she constantly declined them. Her actions fueled my determination as I went to their company in person.Once inside Ardora Construction, many familiar faces awkwardly greeted me in hushed voices. However, I ignored them because people who undermined me with Matthew weren’t worth my time.
Melanie gave me a smug look as I stared at Matthew in disbelief. "He's telling you to get lost. You and that stupid child better stay the fuck away from us!"I glared at Matthew and turned toward the door. “Chloe!" He called out, but I ignored him and left.The crowd outside the office quickly dispersed as I approached my car.I swallowed dryly as I gripped the steering wheel with shaky hands. I had never imagined Matthew could be such a jerk. It was clear that meeting them would always result in humiliation.My phone kept ringing, but I didn’t pick up. I only answered the call after a while, and a gentle voice came through, "Why didn't you pick up?"I broke down in tears."What's the matter?" Atlas sounded anxious. "Where are you?"I wiped my tears and told him about what happened. He said, "Come back. Let's have lunch together.""Okay." I started my car and left.During lunch, Atlas handed me a slip of paper. "Contact this guy. He’ll take care of it."Then he stared at me
Matthew looked on as we left together. In just two days, I completed all the paperwork and enrolled Ava in Sunnydale Kindergarten. Initially, I assumed it was a given since we lived in the neighborhood.However, as I checked out Ava's classroom, I overheard two teachers chatting. "Wasn't the kindergarten full? How did she manage to get in?""Do you know who made the request?""Who?" The plump Ms. Marigold asked her colleague. The colleague whispered her reply, and Ms. Marigold dropped her jaw. Her response puzzled me. Was there something unusual about Atlas's arrangement? I didn't dwell on it because what mattered was that Ava got in.That night, Ava told me, "Mommy, the teacher at school was nice to me. She gave me extra food and didn't let the other kids take my toys. She even said I was the prettiest girl in the class!""Really? What did she teach you?" Seeing her enthusiasm relieved me. After all, who wouldn't enjoy some special treatment? Nonetheless, I wondered who had
"What did you just say, Matthew?" When I saw her face, I felt angry. "Both of you, get out of my office! I have work to do."Ryan rushed in, holding a stack of documents. He frowned when he saw them.Carol quickly gestured for them to leave. "It's time to leave, Mr. Matthew."Seeing that I wasn’t alone, Matthew strode away. Melanie shot me a glare. "Are you trying to seduce him again? Can't you live without a man, you fucking whore?"I grabbed the registration form, tore it into pieces, and threw it at Melanie's feet. "Keep a leash on your man. Don't let him come here again."Melanie grew infuriated. "How dare you?"I said calmly, "You should leave now. We're having a meeting."Then, I turned my attention to Ryan. "What do you have for me?”Ryan approached and handed me the documents. I glanced at them and saw two contracts for the new development at Heartland Estates.I was surprised. "We got it?"Ryan smiled. "Grayson did.""That's great! I've always liked this develop
Ava shouted, "Mommy, no phone calls at the dining table. Grandma says we aren't supposed to talk so much while eating."I giggled and quickly put down my phone. I kissed her and said, "You're right. Let's eat."Atlas's call had put my mind at ease. I was sure he had a plan in place. The next day, Grayson walked into my office holding a large bag. "Ms. Chloe, your gown."I didn’t think Atlas was being serious. Grayson placed the bag on the coffee table and left. Curious, I hurried over to inspect its contents. I pulled out a box and inside was a stunning white gown with exquisite jewels.It was the kind of dress that reminded me of something Snow White might wear. I was eager to put it on immediately. Matthew had never bought me any nice clothing, let alone a gown. I had never attended important events before and was unaware of the dress code.I called Ivanna to tell her about the party. She agreed to pick up Ava and even arranged for a makeup artist for me. Ivanna was a great
However, before we reached Atticus, I spotted Maddox talking to an older man. I squeezed Ryan's arm and said, "That man is Maddox O'Connell. Let me say hi to him first."I went over to him with a smile, and he recognized me immediately. "Good evening, Ms. Chloe.""It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir." I maintained a respectful demeanor. "I haven't had the chance to thank you for what you did that evening."Calling him “sir” instead of Mr. Maddox was a deliberate move on my part."Don't mention it," he replied. "Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Mercer Cole."Only then did I realize the person he was speaking to was Atticus's father."Nice to meet you, sir. I'm Chloe from Tanum Corporation.”Mercer gave Maddox a puzzled look, surprised that he’d introduce someone like me to him. However, he soon laughed. "Oh, Tanum Corporation? You're that young lady who founded it, huh?"I smiled. "I'm surprised that you’ve heard of us. We’re nobodies here."Mercer seemed to be in his 60s, bu