Chapter 170

[Cordelia]

Atlas looks like more of a mess than usual when he stumbles out of the studio. As I listen to the black car drive away, I look up at Atlas, more than a little bit worried.

I have a very strong urge to wrap him in my arms and comfort him. But if I do that, it will feel like forgiveness and I am not ready to forgive. He needs to learn that I won't always bend to his will just because he tells me that I should.

How dare he assume that I will. At the hospital, his words reminded me of who he was before, of how he treated me like a child who didn't know her own mind.

Over Sydney--the same girl as before. What is it about these women that makes Atlas forget common sense?

I take a step around him. He doesn't even see me at first. It's not until I say, "Excuse me, "that he responds, hearing the sound of my voice.

"Cordelia!" he comes to life, his entire body changing as he moves from being hunched over to standing erect. "Oh good, you're okay."

"Why wouldn't I be?" I don't und