As we tried to leave, the tall woman boldly stepped forward, obstructing our path."Why are you leaving? Did we strike a nerve? Did you really sink so low and plot to get someone else's position? Looks like that didn't work out, huh?" She looked at us disdainfully and continued unabashedly, "You’re clinging to someone else’s man and waiting to be his wife. How's that working out for you? Take a look in the mirror. You're not fit for that. You were just a tool to him all along.”Her words hit home, and I sensed Lauren's body visibly swaying. She clutched my hand tightly, trembling.I stepped forward and prepared to confront them.Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the crowd. "Nonsense! As long as I’m here, you won't get away with insulting her."All eyes turned toward the source of the roar, revealing a furious Oliver. He resembled a raging lion, glaring fiercely at the gossiping women."Who the hell are you? Show yourselves right now!”Oliver's expression was menacing, and
I stared at the women. "Apologize right now," I commanded coldly.It was evident that the tall woman was stubborn and had a knack for being unruly, just like Liora. She decided to step forward as she saw the situation turning against her and my relentless demand for an apology."Since our agreements have been terminated, why should I apologize? Did I say anything wrong?" she retorted defiantly.I took a step closer, gazing directly at her. "No apology, huh?" I said, coldly.One of the men who had pleaded with Atlas suddenly turned to her and scolded, "Katie Finch, apologize!"The woman's face darkened even more, "Why..."I slapped her hard without hesitation. Then, I looked at her calmly and said, "Since you won't apologize, consider that repayment for the slap earlier. I hope you'll pay more attention to your behavior in the future. You shouldn’t mess with some people. You can leave now."After that, I returned to Lauren's side, saying, "You don’t need to show those kind of peo
I wanted to follow Lauren, but Atlas gently pulled me back and shook his head softly.I knew Atlas didn't want me to go after her. It would only make the situation more embarrassing for her. Later, my eyes kept glancing in Lauren's direction. Every time I looked, I saw her chatting and laughing, though I knew that behind that smile, her heart must be in pain.For six months, she had been alone and faced everything by herself.And now that she had returned, she had to endure these malicious insults. She must be hiding a world of pain behind her smile.Human nature truly was one of the ugliest things in this world.Why couldn't we give those who had taken the wrong path a way back home?When the ceremony concluded, Oliver was drunk beyond recognition, and Atlas arranged for someone to take him home.A smiling Lauren left as well.I couldn’t stop worrying about Lauren, even after seeing off the guests and returning home. I told Atlas about my worries and turned to go to Lauren's
I knew these things truly hurt her."To say that I'm just an accessory is too flattering. The words those people said today were not wrong at all. I'm not even worthy of being his wife," she said with a chuckle."Do you have to belittle yourself like that?" I looked at her, a bit frustrated."This isn't about belittling! I did have such thoughts before. I wanted to stay by his side because I assumed that when she was gone, I would be his partner. After all these years of mockery and ridicule, I consoled myself that it would all be worth it when I was officially recognized."She wiped her face, and I realized what she was saying was the most honest reflection of her soul. I could understand her."In reality, I don't love him that much. It's just that I endured a lot for this one person, and it became a habit. I buried my desires and couldn't escape..."She patted my leg and laughed bitterly, but her tears flowed.I comforted her, "You're not wrong. Anyone in your position will ha
"Chlo, this is reality. It’s too late, even if he stands by me or even promises to marry me now. That one sentence, that one action, represents everything. It hurts my pride.""I understand," I said calmly."Taking him back will mean that I choose to discard my dignity. Therefore, I must climb out of his hell. Only then can I truly be myself. I'll no longer be that lowly woman clinging to him." "I'm here for you," I told her seriously."So, you get me. Please help me. There's no turning back for me. It's not that I want to hurt Oliver, retaliate against him, or abandon him..." Lauren seemed to be explaining herself to me, afraid I wouldn't understand.She was very anxious, looking at me with splayed hands. "He pushed me into an abyss, took away my dignity, and left me stranded on the moral high ground. Then he could casually say, without hesitation, that he wouldn't marry me!"She burst into laughter suddenly, an unsettling laughter."Oh damn! What the hell am I? It feels like
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, he walked briskly toward me, extending his hand. I joyfully ran to him. "Why haven't you slept yet?"His handsome face looked warm as I looked at it under the golden lights. He leaned in until he was close enough for me to feel his breath. His affectionate gaze hid a layer of endearment within. "You haven't come back yet. How could I sleep?" He pecked my lips. "Let's go home!"I don't know why, but my heart felt warm every time he said those words.His hand held mine, caressing it gently. "Why did it take you so long?""She wasn't feeling too good, so I stayed with her a bit longer." I looked at him apologetically. "Did I keep you waiting?""How can you leave your fiance aside and run to take care of someone else? Today is a special day!" He seemed to be reproaching me."I didn't plan for it to be like this!" I sighed."My sweetheart is too kind," he said with a captivating smile. "She's here to save the world!"I laughed heartily, lig
Stella was the first person to appear before me, and I wasn't surprised at all. She came with an air of sharpness when I had just arrived at my office.Approaching my desk, she looked down at me for a while. With a hint of disdain, she uttered two words, "Let's talk."I calmly gestured. "Sure, have a seat."She unceremoniously took the chair before me, arrogantly looking at me. "I've underestimated you."I chuckled at her words and replied, "You shouldn't have underestimated me.""I only saw you as the second Annalise," she said bluntly.I stared at her, anger rising from within. "So, you repeatedly targeted me? Are you trying to handle me the way you did with Annalise? Pushing her off a cliff and then trying to drown me. You're ruthless, but your methods aren't that clever!"My eyes remained fixed on her, refusing to back down.Apparently, she didn't expect me to be so straightforward. After a moment of silence, she suddenly relaxed and laughed cunningly, looking at me with a
The chaos in my mind made it impossible to focus on anything else. I grabbed my bag and told Carol I was going to ATL Empire. I had to find Atlas and get some answers.I needed to know exactly what Atlas was hiding in this tangled web.However, when I arrived at ATL Empire, he was nowhere to be found. Apparently, he had gone to Rivendell.I called him right away, but on second thought, I realized this situation would take some time to unravel. It wasn't something that could be clarified in a brief phone conversation.Forget it. I hung up the phone and decided I would ask him when he came back.I dialed Lauren's number instead to check if she had arrived. I was concerned about her emotions from last night.After a few rings, she answered. "Why are you calling so early? Are you worried about me?""What do you think?" I replied."Please, Ms. Chloe, I'm already studying!" Lauren teased with a lingering tone, sounding quite cheerful.Hearing her voice, I couldn't help but smile. It