Chapter 111

[Cordelia]

Even though Atlas wanted to take me home, I insisted on watching to make sure everything happened the way that it needed to happen. I made the mistake of leaving too soon and look where it got me. I was willing to stay here alone, but Atlas stayed by my side the entire night while I watched and made sure that my dresses were fixed.

The last of them were packaged and boxed just after midnight.

Finally.

My whole body relaxes as I watch the last box join the others.

"Congratulations," Atlas smiles as he squeezes my hand. "You did it."

I know I should be excited but my body is so exhausted I can barely manage a weak grin in response and a half-hearted, "Yay,"

"Come on," he pulls me into his arms. I lean into him, enjoying his dirty sweaty smell maybe even more than his usual crisp linen and clean soap scent. We both worked hard tonight. Together.

The driver he had hired went home hours ago, leaving the two of us to fend for ourselves. Thankfully, Atlas' hands are now ste