18th century "Catherine." Atlas knocked on the door. A wide smile curled up on his face as the door was opened. Atlas's heart always started to beat fastly whenever this woman was near him. Every time he sees her, he falls for her deeper and deeper. "Atlas." Catherine smiled seeing him. She checked around to see if anyone was seeing them or not. As she saw no one around she grabbed his hand, pulled him into her room. "What??" Atlas asked surprisingly. He widened his eyes as she closed the door behind them. She is crazy. She is brave. She is so pure. I missed her so damn much. Catherine sat on the bed and looked at him. "I want to know where have you been these years? With your grandmother?" In these years, she tried to find out something about him. But nobody could help her. Atlas shook his head as he sat beside her. "No. I live with her for 2 years. I lived in Giho." Catherine raised her brows. He lives in Giho before? With whom? She titled her head. "I want to see the place you
[This chapter contains mature content] 18th century... 8 years ago... "Atlas, Why are we in the church?" Catherine looked around and got confused when Atlas removed his hands from her eyes. Atlas smiled cheekily. "You'll see." He pulled her to the chancel and stood beside her. Catherine titled her head confusingly, "Are we here to pray for something?" Catherine bit her lower lip as he shook his head, "Then why?" After taking a deep breath Atlas kneel down in front of her. "Park Catherine. Will you give me the honor of being my wife?" Atlas knew he loves this girl, he wants her to be his wife. He wants to spend his whole life with this sweet girl. Catherine looked at him like she saw a ghost. She didn't understand why he is doing this. "Oppa. Michyaesseo?" "No. I'm serious." Atlas shook his head, still kneeling in front of her. He sighed when she didn't reply. "Yea. My knee hurt. Answer me. Will you marry me?" Catherine giggled now, she didn't expect him to do it now. "Yes. I'
18th century…. "It's been three weeks already since we came back from Giho. Everything was fine. Why does Kai want you to go back now when you were planning to go 2 days later? Do you think someone informs him about us?" Atlas looked at Catherine who was sitting beside him. He could read the anxious expression written on Catherine's face. Catherine was slightly worried. Kai sent a letter to her and wrote that he wants her to come back today. He already knew Atlas was with her. He allowed her to come outside with Atlas. Then why suddenly! He never interfered in her personal life nor decisions. Catherine glanced at Atlas. "He already knows that you're with me from the beginning." She pursed her lips. Atlas wasn't shocked but he was bothered by that third whirl between him and Catherine. "How?" He asked simply. "Do you remember that I said I cooked for him?" As Atlas nodded, Catherine continued. "I cooked for him to see you. I cooked for him to convince him to help me. And he told me
18th century When Catherine looked at Kai, she got irritated. "Kai. What do you think of me? Do you call this love? No, it's not love. You just want me. You can't lose me to Atlas. Why?" She shouted. Her whole body was trembling badly, she had no strength in her body. Atlas's heart skipped a beat seeing her so weak. "Catherine. You need to calm down. We can talk later." Catherine shook her head, "No we need to talk..n.." She fell on Atlas's arm. Atlas felt his heart stopped seeing her falling in his arms lifelessly. She fainted. His body jerked. He put his hand on her cheek. "Catherine-e. What's wrong?" When she didn't reply, Atlas felt the whole world stop spinning. Kai quickly walked to the door to call bodyguards worriedly. Before he could call the bodyguards to take her to her room, Atlas carried her on his arms and looked at Kai, "Call the doctor. Quickly." As Kai nodded, Atlas walked to Catherine's room. He put her on the bed gently and held her hands tightly. His body was
18th century….[This chapter contains mature content]"Can I come in?"Atlas and Catherine both looked at the door as Kai's deep voice filled the room. Atlas clenched his jaw seeing Kai. It's been another week since he heard the news. He didn't show up in front of them.Catherine nodded. Atlas's face didn't darkened this time. He is the king. Did he even need to ask? What's wrong with him? His face was pale, the voice was soft. He didn't act like this for a month. Did her pregnancy soften his heart?Kai stared at Catherine and balled his hands together. Something was there in his eyes. Was it pain? Atlas got annoyed by his gaze.Calm down Atlas. Catherine loves you. Only you."So, now you have the courage to face me." Catherine was the one who broke the awkward silence. She thought she needs to break the tension among them.Atlas narrowed his eyes and looked at Catherine. So she was waiting for him to show up in front of them. That's why she stopped Atlas to talk with him and told him
18th century..."Charles."Catherine's eyes got widened hearing that name. For a month Charles didn't come to her or call her. It's normal. But seeing Atlas and gave him the key. It's not normal."Did he come to you? Did he tell you something? Did he threatened you?" Catherine asked anxiously.Atlas shook his head and held her gaze firmly. "He didn't. I went to him."....Flashback...."What did you say?" Charles shouted in disbelief. His eyes were full of anger. The blood inside him was boiling."Yes, I'm that boy." Atlas said firmly. His voice was soft and calm.As Charles heard that, he clenched his fists. "And you are here standing in front of me. Are you kidding me? Or do you really want to die." His voice was loud and sharp. He couldn't believe it. How could he be so brave?"You want to kill me just because I'm standing in front of you?" Atlas's tone turned into a sarcastic tone. "What are you going to do if I tell you why I'm here?"Every time Atlas opened his mouth he got angr
18th century"Atlas. There." Catherine ran there happily as she pointed something. She approached the biggest old cheery tree, a gentle smile graced her lips. The pleasant wind was like the music of old memories to her, the memories of their past, their promises. ....Flasback..."Atlas, what are you doing?" Catherine asked Atlas as he took a broken piece of brick and started writing something on the tree.Atlas smiled as he touched the names that he wrote. "Atlas & Catherine. When we'll grow old, we'll come here together and reflects on our memories by seeing this. This one will prove our eternal love. As I wrote my name beside yours just like that I'll stay beside you always."Catherine giggled, "Pinky promise?" She extended her hand, offering him her pinky finger.Atlas nodded and locked his pinky finger with hers. "Pinky promise."....She touched the tree, tracing old drawings that she and Atlas did on that very tree long ago. "Atlas & Catherine." Though this place seemed so for
Present...Caroline's POV...Several hours had passed before they finally arrived at Prythian. The throngs of people were ubiquitous. The tidings had disseminated throughout the vicinity. The atmosphere was oppressively stifling, and I was beginning to fear that my faculties would soon abandon me. Beside me in the horse-drawn carriage sat Ryder. The corpse cart bore the weight of my mother as it trailed behind us.The reality of her absence was yet to fully sink in. The question of credibility arises. Our encounter was brief, yet significant. To be precise, I had only just laid eyes upon her. We had not yet had the pleasure of an introduction, nor exchanged words or embraced in a friendly manner. The years passed by without me shedding a single tear or voicing any complaints. The urge to scream and shout at her was overwhelming. My heart was brimming with emotions. I was compelled to remove them all. Yet again, she had betrayed me. Once more, she departed. Once more, she left me behind
Caroline's POV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."She is the one. My would-be wife Princess Tessa!"The moment I heard Henry saying it, I froze on my position. The floor beneath my feet felt cold and soft, not as much as even a firm carpet, but not right for oak planks. And it seemed to be disappeared along with the world around me."Hey, Atlas. Meet her. She is Tessa!" The only voice I could hear was most probably Henry's.Tessa! How was it possible? Was I seeing things? Was I hearing things? He, Henry is going to marry her!My mind was swirling, my breaths were shallow. My heart still was beating, but against a chest that felt hollow. My eyes still could see, yet the world that was so close around me seemed so far away.I was spellbound until Henry came in front of me and spoke with his clam voice. "Caroline, you know her. I don't think I need to introduce her to you.""Of course, she knows me," Tessa said as she smiled wickedly and took steps towards me. "She is my sister. Twin sis
Caroline's POV..."Atlas. Where are we going?" I asked Atlas, looking outside through the glass of the car. He was not driving to our home.He maintained a straight face and continued driving as if I was no one or just an invisible human. He is behaving like an arrogant pig now."Yah. Answer me." I glared at him and that made him chuckle silently. "You will know it soon anyway. Why are you shouting?" Whenever he drives, he looks extra hot and it makes me want to jump onto him. But no. Control, Caroline.Okay, I can control. But I can not stop staring at him. "What again? Am I looking too delicious?" He sneered."No. Not at all." I squinted. This guy has something on me. He always knows how to make me smile. I was crying like a baby there and he pulled me in his arms. Then every single pain flew away. He has his magic on me.After a long time, he stopped the car. Before I could look around to check the place, he tied a blindfold around my head. "Yah. What are you doing?" I asked as I s
Atlas's POV..."Atlas. Who told you I missed school? Eve?" Caroline asked, smiling at me. She was smiling all these while. Indeed she was so happy today. And I am glad that she was.But I do not think she will be able to smile like this after a while. And I am already feeling guilty about that. I took a deep breath to fill my lungs with air before I looked at her calmly. "Isn't it obvious?""It is." She replied, looking around, scanning the area.We were sitting on the bleachers in the basketball court of the school. There was no one around us, it was empty and somewhat dark."It is, right? She told me about something that she should not." I said and clutched my sweaty hands together as she held my gaze.She drew puzzles in her blank face. "What? What else did she say?" She tilted her head.I pursed my lips, forcing smile. "Well, let's not talk about her." I paused and stared deep into her eyes. "I told you... to be my good friend today. Not a good wife.""Yeah. And?" She asked, raisin
Caroline's POV...Slowly and reluctantly, I uncovered my face. I blinked, closed my eyes, and squinted again. Streaks of sunlight penetrated the window and blinded me."Ah!" A soft winch escaped my lips as I felt the resistance of moving my body. Last night, he was very gentle... but because we did it... again and again, my body was struggling with the soreness.It was already 3 when I glanced at the clock before we go to sleep. I stretched my neck and glanced at the pillow beside me. But where is he?Somehow I managed to sit up, dragged my feet off the bed, and rubbed my knuckles onto my eyes. "Little thief. Where are you?" I called out, stretching my arms above my head, yawning.No response!"Yah. Where are you?" I called out again, peeking at the bathroom. But the door was open so he wasn't there.I took my phone before I went downstairs and searched in every corner of the house. But he wasn't there.Could he be in the garden? I opened the door and rushed outside. As soon as I took
Caroline's POV...After about thirty minutes, we have finished cleaning ourselves and was now sitting in the dining room with my dad while waiting for the housekeeper to prepare the extra set of breakfast for Atlas.There was a happy smile spread across my dad's face as his eyes never stop looking at us.My eyes were held low, my face was still in crimson red. Looking at how dad smiled at us, I was very sure that aunt already told them everything she saw in my room just now.I think Atlas sensed my embarrassment and smiled slightly before he took my hand and gave me a gentle squeeze, telling me silently that he is here with me and nothing to worry about.Atlas let go of my hand when the housekeeper came out from the kitchen, walking towards us. He took the glass of orange juice in front of him and took a small sip, trying to hide his embarrassed expressionAunt placed the plate in front of him and smirked.She leaned closer to me to whispered softly into my ear. "I didn't know... our
Atlas...The morning began to seep through the window allowing the sun to warm Belle's heavenly face. It brought a soft smile on my face by just watching hersleeping in my arms. Waking up beside her again has been the best morning for me since she ran away from home for almost two weeks. Finally, she was back into my embrace again.Bringing my hand towards her face, I gently tracedmy fingers along her jawline with the touch of a feather, feeling her warmth and softness against my skin.There were faint dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. Because of all the misunderstandings we had, she must have been very unhappy and didn't sleep well at night too. And last night, I've totally drained her.Thinking about last night brought another wide smile to my face as I leaned closer to kiss the tip of her nose. She smelled like heaven and the addictive scent of her is making my mouth watery and my body reacting uncontrollably again. I buried my face into the curve of my neck, my lip
Atlas's POV...It was actually not my plan, but seeing her slightly red eyes, anyone could easily say that she was... in the mood. Yeah... that mood.So, I thought why not make her suffer for a while?"So... it has happened already. But we don't know anything. Great." Rohan narrowed his gaze at me, talking about Caroline and me.I took some popcorns from the bowl and put them inside my mouth. "It doesn't matter. I'm telling you now.""Paris is the city of love. It's true. By the way, How many times?" Rohan asked as he nudged his elbow against my arm.I show him my five fingers while munching on the popcorns. "Five."Rohan sneered again, his eyes slowly widened. "I can't believe it. My friend is not a virgin anymore."I tilted my head. "Same goes for you. Now stop talking nonsense. And Let's watch a movie together. Where are the ladies?" I pursed my lips and turned my head to Caroline and Sunbin who was in the kitchen,Something was wrong. Sunbin was smirking while my little bonfire was
Atlas's POV...Who was she? The voice was familiar. She must be someone I know, or she knows ne very well. And there is something important I should know? What's that?When my curiosity started overflowing, Caroline's voice shook me up."Anything wrong, Atlas?" She asked, seeing me tensed.I turned around to look at her in the kitchen as I nodded my head firmly. "Someone called me and told me to meet her. She said there is something important I should know!" I shouldn't hide anything from her, it was a promise.Beep BeepMy phone beeped. I glanced at the phone screen before shifting my gaze at her again. "She has sent me the address..""Who?" Caroline's face went puzzled just like mine.I shrugged. "I don't know. But... what do you say? Should I go?"She pursed her lips, thinking deeply. After a while, she took a long breath and nodded. "I think it's work-related. It can be really important. I think you should."It can be important but it can't be work-related. Because if it was work-r
[THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. Please avoid this chapter, if you are not comfortable reading 18+ content]Atlas's POV...I slowly opened my eyes from my beauty, waking up by the soft tinkling that was coming from somewhere near. I blinked my eyes several times until my blurred vision restored. The sound was coming from the balcony, so I turned to the balcony. There was a wind chime dancing against the soft wind. It was still dark outside and the street lights were seeping into the room through the side window.Did I wake up by any nightmare? But I don't remember. And my heartbeats is steady, I'm not sweating, I'm not trembling. My temperature is normal. No... wait. It's not normal. I feel warm.I gasped when someone tightened an arm around my waist. Wait... the warmth. It's Caroline.My half-conscious mind started to regain its senses and my lips instantly curled up with a soft smile when I felt her soft flesh pressed against my body.With my very gentle move, I manoeuvred my b