I still couldn't bring myself to speak. I didn't want to see him, the towering figure that attracted everyone's attention, be cautious around me.I took a deep breath before nodding firmly. "Okay. Let's get married. Let's start a family and have a bunch of kids!"He pulled me into a tight embrace. "Chlo, having you is what makes a home."We both pledged never to be apart. As we left the office, I realized everyone else had already left for the day. Blushing, I smiled, and he laughed while holding me in his arms.We planned to go home together, but my phone rang. It was Ivanna, who had been missing for days.I hesitated for a moment before quickly answering. "Where have you been?" I scolded."I've been holding the fort in Bourdamun for you," Ivanna said loudly. "But now I'm with Lauren. Why did you disappear after picking her up from the hospital?"As Ivanna spoke, I felt a sense of panic. I had completely forgotten about the dinner plans with Lauren tonight.I hurriedly said
“Should I call you Bro, then? Gosh, that sounds so basic. What about just Atlas? That’s what Chloe calls you. Come on, tell me what I should call you,” Ivanna protested, pinching his hands.Atlas smirked and said, “She doesn’t call me Atlas. She calls me her husband.”Lauren and Ivanna erupted into cheers, behaving like excited children and creating a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jared glanced at Atlas with his usual calm demeanor and asked, “Did you propose? Is it time to get registered?”Atlas proudly declared, “Yeah, I proposed, and my sweetheart agreed. We’ll get registered tomorrow.”"Wow! Really?" The other two exclaimed again. The noise felt overwhelming. If the house didn’t have an upper floor, their excitement would’ve lifted the roof.Ivanna quickly asked, “So, does that mean we’ll have a grand feast tomorrow? A marriage registration is a big deal. We should celebrate with a feast, right?”Atlas played along. “Sure thing! Let’s all celebrate at Pleca Park tomorrow. The
Although I hoped Ivanna and Jared could find a resolution, thinking about Trinity made their marriage challenging. Perhaps that was why we chose to have dinner at home tonight.Besides, I was not a friend to both Trinity and Ivanna. Since I was in the middle, I didn’t know how to handle this relationship, especially since I sensed Trinity probably still loved Jared. I knew I needed to find an opportunity to talk to her about Jared.Lauren got everyone to sit down while I regained my focus. Ivanna understood the situation and didn’t continue the topic. It was evident her mood had improved after hearing Jared’s words. Even her gaze toward him was affectionate.I had to admit that women in love could be silly and charming. The three of us, excluding Lauren, were engrossed in our happiness. I noticed Atlas and Jared had much to discuss, too. Despite their contrasting personalities, they were extraordinary men.No one would ever guess Jared’s profession by looking at him. The two differ
Atlas responded to my concerns nonchalantly. "We're all adults, and this is what we have to face in the real world. You've seen the current situation. The one who'll have to face it is Trinity. Losing isn't in her dictionary."While I agreed with his theory, the circumstances varied. "That's what worries me most. Ivanna and Trinity are my friends, and I don't want them to get hurt or hurt each other. I'm worried both sides will suffer."Atlas guided my thoughts, "Maybe you're overcomplicating things. Look at this from Trinity's perspective. Even if she gets hurt, look at the bright side.""Mhm." I looked at him, waiting for him to continue.“There must be someone else in this world who loves Trinity more and suits her perfectly. If she can’t let go of Jared, she’ll never meet that person.” Atlas's reasonings always displayed his strategic thinking.I had to admit his logic was convincing.Atlas continued with certainty, “Since that’s the case, a relationship will eventually end,
Atlas noticed my anxious demeanor and comforted me with a pat on the back. “You can sleep first. I’ll see who it is.”He got up, put on his slippers, and approached the door. I couldn’t help but wonder who could be visiting so late at night. After all, we hadn’t lived here for quite some time. While contemplating, I got out of bed and straightened my sleepwear before leaving the bedroom.When I reached the landing, I peeked downstairs and saw Atlas opening the door. A figure then entered with a bottle of alcohol. It was Oliver. His lean silhouette appeared even more frail in the dim light. He looked desolated.Oliver forced a bitter smile when he saw Atlas, asking, “You’re still awake?”Atlas walked into the living room and said indifferently, “How can I sleep if you ring the bell like that? Why are you here?”I felt a pang of pity for Oliver. The once prominent figure had fallen so far. His former grace and eloquence were non-existent. I suspected he had lost his nightly destinat
Oliver's tone conveyed impatience. "I admit I was wrong, but Lauren won't give me a chance."I took a step forward, eager to confront him about where he went wrong. However, I found myself frozen. I suddenly realized I had lost my composure. I had no right to say certain things, especially since Oliver came to talk to Atlas.Atlas spoke tactfully, "I don't know how you hurt Lauren, but some words and actions are irreversible.”I had confided in Atlas about their issues before, and he understood the complexities between Oliver and Lauren. Irreversible was probably Atlas's advice to Oliver. I turned around to go back, realizing conversations between men might be more straightforward, and I couldn't interject. Besides, I believed Atlas would handle the talk well.I lay on the bed and pondered Lauren's grievances. I couldn't help but sigh and shake my head. I had to admire Oliver's deceased wife for being a formidable woman. She left a lasting impact, even in death.Perhaps Lauren w
For some reason, the lingering smell of blood in my memory was too intense, making the breakfast in front of me tasteless.After a few bites, I pushed away the breakfast. Atlas asked, "Why are you eating so little? Don't you like it?"I shook my head, looking at him. "It's not that I don't like it. I just can't eat."Instinctively, I reached for my temple and rubbed it.Atlas nervously grabbed my wrist. "What's wrong? Another headache?""Yeah, maybe I had a nightmare. I didn't sleep well. It'll pass in a bit. Don't worry!" I quickly perked up, fearing he would make a big deal out of it.Atlas quickly finished his meal and placed the used dishes in the sink.Just as he finished cleaning up, the doorbell rang again. I was about to answer it when he grabbed my arm. "I'll go!"Atlas strode toward the front door. I turned curiously, thinking about how noisy today had been. It seemed like the doorbell hadn't stopped ringing since Oliver came and rang it at midnight.I saw Atlas open
Atlas disdainfully remarked, "Let him sleep here. I don't think he'll be waking up anytime soon."I chuckled lightly. Who would have thought that the high and mighty tycoon of Foswood would end up passed out in my home?Oh well! We didn't have time to babysit him.Upon exiting the front door, I noticed the driver and a fleet of cars had been waiting. As our car pulled out first, I realized that Lauren and Ivanna's cars were also part of the convoy.I asked Atlas, "Why are they here too? Did you invite them?"Atlas's lips curled up as he embraced me, whispering, "They came on their own accord. I didn't arrange anything."My heart warmed instantly. Having such supportive friends was heartening. Our convoy headed towards the county clerk's office, and I couldn't help but feel touched and a bit embarrassed. Did we need such a grand procession just for a marriage certificate?Upon arriving, I asked Lauren and Ivanna, "Why did you all come?"Ivanna cheerfully replied, "What's the mat