The entire morning I didn't speak to Atlas. But I guessed he wasn't affected by my silence because it was now five o'clock, and he had not uttered a word to me either.
As my hand stroked against the couch, I kept my eyes fixed on him as I wondered what was going on in his head.
Also, Linda had not called me yet, and I felt worried, not because I didn't trust Phoebe to find out the information I needed.
If I was to trust anyone to go on a life-threatening mission with me, I would pick Phoebe within a heartbeat. That's how good she is at her job.
However, I was worried about what I was going to do with the information she will give me, and how I was going to go about it.
After I and Atlas had sat in awkward silence for a few more minutes, my phone rang, and he finally lifted his head and met my eyes.
The look he had in his eyes was indescribable, and it caused my heart to stop for a moment before beating normally.
Finally g
It was the morning of Lex's funeral, and when the first light of dawn hit my room window, I was already awake, getting ready for my mission.It was clear that I couldn't carry a gun or any weapons because security details were going to be everywhere. But I wasn't planning on taking a gun or knife either because I didn't need it.There was only one kind of weapon I needed, and even if I did get caught with it, not many people would see it as such, but it could do the same work that a gun could do, and that is to kill a person.After carefully filling my purse with things that I needed, I wore my little black dress and heels. Then I styled my hair in a messy bun and headed out of my room, locking my door.When I reached Atlas's bedroom door, I stood still for a couple of seconds, took in a deep breath, and then knocked."Who is it?" I heard Atlas gently ask from the other side of the door."It's Aria," I said as I clutched onto my purse.
When I got to the kitchen, I realized that my assumption was right, and standing just a few feet from me was Eva. Not wasting any second, I reached into my purse, carefully pulled out a needle, and it was just an ordinary one. But the tip of it was coated in poison. Not just any poison but tetrodotoxin. Taking in a deep breath, I walked over to Eva, and then intentionally tripped over my foot, falling towards her, and the moment she caught me in her arms, I poked her skin with the needle before pulling it out. "What did you do to me!" Eva asked out loud, pushing me off her. Others' attention began to get drawn to us, and I smiled slightly as I leaned in closer towards her, and whispered, "You've been poisone
A wave of raw anger shot through me as I rested my hands against Mitch's chest and forcefully pushed him off me, wiping my lips aggressively as I watched him take two unstable steps backward."What do you think you are doing, you prick?" I angrily asked, staring at Mitch.But he wasn't paying attention to me. Instead, he was looking straight ahead with a provoking smile on his face.Immediately, I turned around and saw Atlas, gazing at both of us.When our eyes locked, I couldn't tell what he was thinking because his face bore no expression."Atlas," I called out, feeling a bit nervous.Without uttering a word to me, Atlas looked away from me, turned around, and walked away.Squeezing my eyelids shut for a second, I took a deep breath. Then I was about to follow after him when Mitch grabbed my wrist, harshly said, "You are in love with him.""No, I'm not, and I'm not saying that because I am still in love with you, so sta
After taking a moment to think, I walked away from the door, ignoring Linda's call, and dropped my heels on the floor, tossing my purse on the bed.Afterward, I headed into the bathroom, got undressed, and stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to beat upon my skin.As I closed my eyes, feeling the wetness of the water washing against my body, my mind tortured me with memories of Atlas's touch, the way his hands caressed against my curve, and the sound of his voice, and immediately, I opened my eyes, drawing a long, deep breath.This was bad because I knew this pattern so well and that my feelings were going to mess with my head.The worst thing about it is that if I were to go back to the moment I was standing in front of Atlas door, I knew I would willingly repeat all my bad choices within a heartbeat.How did I let him in so fast without any warning or knowledge that I had gone back to my old self when it comes to him?The
*****Atlas POV****The room became awfully silent as I stood still staring at Aria, wondering how to put my thoughts into words."Can you say something?" Aria mumbled, looking at the tiles. "I feel stupid for telling you those words, and if you don't talk, I'm going to feel even more pathetic."Keeping my gaze fixed on her, I walked up to Aria, took her hands in mine, and then when she looked me in the eyes, I smiled and said, "It's not pathetic to express yourself or be vulnerable."Those words brought a smile to her lips, and just looking at her made me forget how mad I was when she mess with my feelings today.After she walked out, leaving me frustrated in myself, I was infuriated, and it took every ounce of my willpower for me not to lose it.But right now, seeing the way her eyes lit up, I'm glad I didn't and tried to understand her."I like you, Aria. I really do. But I'm not going to force you to do anything that you are no
The next morning, Aria and I were seated in the conference room, awaiting my uncles because I had called them for an emergency meeting. Although I wasn't excited about returning to work so soon, right after uncle Kerri died and just a day after uncle Lex's funeral, I knew the company needed me more than ever before. My entire mind was crowded with thoughts as I stressed about how to handle things at the company. Then I suddenly snapped out of my head when I felt Aria gently squeeze my hand. Looking down at her fingers entangled with mine, I smiled as I forgot a bit about my worries. "I'm glad you are here with me," I mumbled, raising my gaze to meet her eyes. "Of course. I'm your bodyguard. It's my duty." Aria said, and I slightly frowned. Then I softly sigh and mumble, "I meant, you being here for me as my girlfriend." For a moment, Aria pressed her lips in a firm line, striving her hardest not to smile. But that didn't
********Lilith POV****Every mission has that moment where things get critical, and mine have gotten to such a point.Atlas believed that someone is behind Lex and Kerri's death which is not the problem because I knew something like this was going to come up soon.But he seems serious about finding out who it is, and that's where the problem comes in since I know what his next decision would be…Investigating their death. That's where his curiosity is going to lead him, and I know that no matter how he searches, nothing is going to lead back to me which is another problem.If he can't find out who's the actual person behind their deaths, it's going to raise more questions in that pretty head of his which would lead him to look into their accidents even more and make things more complicated for me.So as a good assassin, I need to give him the answers he's looking for which doesn't lead back to me of course
Smiling softly, I gently took the fork out of Atlas' hand, and he allowed me to, then I ate the steak. "Come on!" Atlas said, and I could tell that he was angry. "What…" I mumbled. "Can't a grown woman feed herself?" "We both know that's not the problem." "Then what is it?" "You shoved me, bit my tongue, yanked your hand out of mine, and now this! What's going on?" "Nothing," Silence fell between us, and I watched his eyes as he gazed into mine. Then he suddenly said with a calm tone, "Allow me to kiss you. Right here and right now." "Atlas…" I said, frowning at him. "It doesn't have to be on the lips. It could be a cheek or forehead kiss." "No," There was a long pause as Atlas continued staring, and I could tell from his expression that he was angry. "That's what I thought," Atlas said, standing to his feet. "Where are you going?" I mumbled as I laid my fork on the table
Atlas' POVParis, the city of love. The night street light glowed on Lilith's face as she stared up at the Effie Towel."How can it still look so pretty... Even after three months of being here, I still can't believe how beautiful Paris is," She said to me with a soft smile on her face. I love her with everything in me... But this version of her, happy, carefree, and full of life is my favorite part about her. She turned around and looked into my eyes with those gorgeous ones. In some sense, we were never that different... Life hasn't been fair to us... Her toxic relationship with Mitch, and the betrayal of my uncles, brought out the worst side of us. But the best outcome of it all was meeting her."What? Do I have something on my face?" Lilith giggled, her eyes widened so cutely.I shook my head and replied, "No..nothing like that." When she gazed back at the towel, I stared at my watch, counting slowly, "3, 2, 1..."The fireworks lit up the sky like a thousand stars, and I droppe
His uncles shifted uncomfortably, clearly taken aback by Atlas's confident demeanor. Then Alex cleared his throat. "We'll be going now," he said stiffly."Right. But before you do, you all are fired, effectively and immediately. I want your desks clear and your belongings out of the offices by the end of the day," Atlas declared, his tone unwavering.Alex exchanged a look with his brothers, their expressions a mix of surprise and indignation. "Atlas, you can't just—" "Yes, I can," Atlas interrupted firmly. "I have played the game of cat and mouse long enough with you all and it's time to end it all once and for all.""Atlas, nephew..." Luke stepped forward, his voice a mix of pleading and frustration. "We've been here for you since day one. We've supported you through thick and thin. You can't just cast us aside like this.""Right," Ransom spoke up, his voice tinged with bitterness. "After all we've done for you, this is how you repay us?""We have always had your best interests at
"The court is about to begin! Everyone, please take your seats!" announced the bailiff, breaking the tense silence in the room.Atlas squared his shoulders, exchanging a glance with me. I could sense the weight of stress and the complexity of emotions swirling around him. We moved past Alex, Atlas went to the front with Wilson, and I sat on the bench with Tony and Victor. The two took my hand in theirs, and I smiled at them, feeling a bit less tense. The room fell silent as everyone settled into their seats, awaiting the start of the proceedings.As the judge entered and took his place at the bench, the courtroom hushed even further. "The court is in section! We are here today to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant, Atlas Sharpe, in the murder of Mitch. Mr. Wilson, you may proceed with your opening statement." The judge announced.Mr. Wilson stood up, adjusting his glasses before addressing the court. "Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury," he began, his voic
Silently, I sat on the bed watching Atlas wear his coat. When he reached for his tie, I woke from the bed approached him, and gently took the tie from his hands. "Let me help you with that," I whispered.Atlas turned to face me, his eyes softening as he nodded. I deftly looped the tie around his neck, my fingers brushing against the cool fabric. The silence between us was comfortable, filled with unspoken words and shared understanding.As I tightened the knot and adjusted the tie, I glanced up to meet his gaze. "You look perfect," I said with a small smile.Atlas smiled back, a rare and beautiful sight. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice warm and tender.For a moment, we stood there, inches apart, and even though he tried to mask it with a smile, I could see the stress in his eyes. The trailer has been going on for one year and today we get to hear the final verdict. I knew how much this meant to him, how deeply he cared about the outcome. Gently, I placed a hand on his cheek, feel
"Okay," I said quietly, clicking on the most recent file, and the video began to play."Stop... Stop, Mitch.""Mitch, stop!""I can't breathe... Mitch, you are going to kill me." "I am not going to lose you again, Lilith!.... Especially not to that bitch!! You are mine! You are fucking mine, and I don't plan on making the same mistake twice and allow you to slip from my grip again.""I... I...a-m n-ot go-ing to be...bet-ray y-ou." "Do you think I am a fool? Do you think I don't know how much you hate my guts... The disgust on your face every time I touch you... Nothing I say or do could make you look at me the way you once did. You despise me." "You're wrong, Mitch...""Shut up!... I am no fool, Lilith... Now that that bastard is in a pitiful position, you are all over him. For the past two months, you barely come home or care to spend time with me. We’ve been drifting apart. You’ve become distant and indifferent and I hate it... Hate it, Lilith. So fucking much.""Mitch, plea-se."
Atlas walked in with Mr. Wilson, his lawyer, and Tony by his side. His presence seemed to fill the room with a sense of dangerous aura."Who hired you two morons?" Atlas repeated, his voice laced with anger.The taller detective's face paled. "Mr. Sharpe, we're just trying to—""You two know that this is outrageous behavior, right?" Mr. Wilson interrupted. "You two are investigating under pretenses, which is not only unethical but also illegal."Both detectives started to sweat, visibly nervous. "Mr. Wilson, we were just—" the shorter one began, but Mr. Wilson cut him off."Just what? Trying to manipulate my client into handing over evidence without proper authorization? This is a clear violation of her rights."Atlas stepped closer to my bedside, his eyes softening as they met mine. "Are you okay, Lilith?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.I nodded, feeling a rush of relief at his presence, and cried out, "I'm okay. Just a bit shaken... You are okay... I am so happy that you ar
Lilith's POVThe was this continued beeping sound ringing in my ears, and I squeezed my eyes.Suddenly, I sucked in a deep breath and then jumped up, screaming, "Atlas?!""Hold her down. The anesthesia has worn off." Dr. Ling said, and I gazed around to see that I was in a hospital room."What... what's going on?" I managed to ask out, still not quite awake, my head feeling foggy like it was covered in cotton wool.Dr. Ling began while walking towards me. "Well, you got shot in the arm and punched in the face. You suffered a serious concussion and you had minor surgery to remove your arm." "Where... Where is Atlas?" I mumbled, my memories a bit hazy with sleep, but I forced myself to focus."The detectives are waiting outside. They had been for a while, waiting for the anesthesia to wear off. They can better answer your question... But are you mentally ready to talk to them?" I nodded, trying to gather my thoughts as much as possible, feeling more aware now as my memories became
Looking away from Tony, I started around the room, and called out, "Lilith... Lilith! You in here?!"When I got no reply, my heart pounded as I realized Lilith was gone. "Tony, where is she?" I demanded, fear tightening my chest. His eyes widened, mirroring my panic. "I thought she was right here with us," he said, shaking his head. "How come-"Without a second thought, I dashed out of the apartment. The hallway stretched endlessly ahead."Lilith!!" I called out, my voice echoing off the walls. When I got silent in response, I reached for my phone, dialed her number, and listened desperately for any sound that might lead me to her.Then, in the distance, her ringtone cut through the air. I sprinted towards it, each step burning in my chest. As I reached the further end of the hallway, there she was... a shadow in the dim light, and then my eyes caught sight of Mitch turning around to face me."Atlas, get down!" Lilith screamed. At the sound of her voice, I dropped without hesitati
An hour later, I was seated by Atlas in the backseat of his car with Tony driving the car. The address Linda had given us led us to a modest apartment complex with faded paint and overgrown weeds. As we approached the building, Atlas’s hand found mine, offering a comforting squeeze."We’ll stay in touch through the comms," Tony said, breaking the silence. "If anything goes wrong, we’ll be there in seconds."I took a deep breath and squeezed Atlas's hand back, trying to steady my nerves. The apartment complex ahead looked rundown, with peeling paint and cracked sidewalks. It felt like the kind of place where someone could easily disappear into the shadows."Got it," I replied, my voice steady despite the tension. Both Atlas and I got out of the car, and Tony parked it a little further down the street to keep a low profile. The building loomed before us, and Atlas kept close to me as we approached the entrance, his presence a reassuring anchor."We’ll head up to the apartment on the th