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
***Lilith POV***They say nothing happens by coincidence and I believe that. When I was born my dear old mother took one look at me and decided to name me, “Lilith.”I know it sounds cute and feminine, but once I discovered the dark meaning of Lilith, it was pretty clear that it wasn't a mistake that my darling mother decided to give me a name that has deep associations with servitude, chaos, retaliation, and downright evil.My name straight-up means, “belonging to the night.” However, I am not mad though because that's exactly where I belong, to the night.
From a distance, I could see the words “Sexy casino” blinking on a signboard with a picture of a half-naked woman, and I felt the adrenaline of excitement flowing through me.Smirking, I stepped on the accelerator, and within a matter of seconds, I was parked in front of the casino.For a moment, I sat in my car, studying the surroundings, then I grabbed my bag, got out, and walked into the dark, smelly alley near the building.I finally arrived at the back entrance of the casino, and a huge guy, dressed in dark clothes with dark hair stood at the door.“This is not a place for you to wander around, little girl.” He said, giving me an icy stare.“Who says I am wandering around?” I replied, making sure my voice was childish yet reassuring.“So you know why you are here?”“To meet X.”Nothing was said for a moment as his black pupil focused on me, staring at
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 4B7 with service from Tokyo to New York. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes.” The captain's voice echoed in the first-class wing. I sat down, fastened my seatbelt, and opened my laptop. A few seconds later, another announcement was made, “We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments.” Sighing, I took a moment to gaze out the window before clicking on the file Linda sent me, concerning the new mission. Another announcement came through a second later, “We also ask that your seats and
*****Atlas POV*****I gazed at my reflection in the mirror and felt a dull throb in my chest.It's been fifteen years since my parents passed and it hurts growing up without them, and now about to celebrate a party in their absence.It didn't feel right to me, but uncle Lex said that if I wanted to take over the company, I have to socialize with top business associates. That's the reason I hosted this fancy party, but it still didn't feel right.I heard my room door open, so I gazed away from the mirror and stared at my butler, Victor.He served my parents and demanded to serve me even though I have tried to retire him several times.“What is it, Vic?” I mumbled, taking my tie from my drawer.“The guests are arriving,” Victor said.I watched from the mirror as he shut the door and approached me.“Let me help you to
I have never seen a woman drink alcohol as though it was water like the way Aria does.Honestly, I don't have much knowledge about women and experience with them. But Aria was on her fifth glass of wine, and she seemed totally fine.“Miss Aria, it seems like you don't want my nephew to have a glass with his uncle,” Lex said, glaring at me.Feeling guilty that I was letting a lady drink on my behalf, I opened my mouth to speak, but she rested her finger on my lips, staring deep into my eyes.“I hate liars. You are not a liar, right, Atlas? If you even sip a glass of alcohol, then that means you lied to me, and I won't like that.” Aria said, pouting at me as her finger slid down my lip.The innocent look on her face made my heart flip-flopped, and I felt like I was under some kind of spell that I didn't want to break.“I really don't drink alcohol,” I mumbled, gazing away from Lex’s angry eyes.
Lilith POV The few hours I have spent with Atlas, I finally realized why he needs so much protection. Although he's a rich and handsome gentleman, he's a bit wet behind the ears and a poor, innocent creature that is going to get murder for his ignorance. There was a second knock on the door, and I glanced down at Atlas before swaying my attention toward it. “You are being pretty dramatic. Just go open the door or I will.” He mumbled with a hint of impatience in his tone. Ignoring his remark, I walked over to the door and shouted, “Who is it?” But no one spoke, and it grew my suspicion even further. “Is there someone at the door?” I asked, drawing my hatpin to my side as I listened attentively. Suddenly, there was a third knock, but without a response to my question and no other sound coming from outside the room. “Are you going to answer the door or not?” Atlas asked. Swaying my gaze toward him for a second, I frowned before putting my focus back on the door. For a while, my
I laid awake with my eyes shut, listening for the slightest bit of movement or noise from outside my bedroom. After lying still for a while, I heard the knob turn, and I immediately reached under my pillow for my hairpin, grabbing onto it tightly as I slowly raised my eyelids. Suddenly, the door opened, and my gaze rested on Atlas walking into the room with an older man beside him. Letting out a soft breath, I let go of the hatpin and forced a half-smile on my lips. As an assassin, my entire life has been going to bed lonely and waking up alone because I trusted no one. But today I wasn't alone, and it felt a bit weird and comforting to have people in my room at seven o'clock. “Good morning,” I mumbled as Atlas came closer towards me. He then smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed, fixing his eyes on mine. “Morning, how was your first night?” Atlas asked, looking very concerned. No one in their right mind would sleep peacefully in a man's house that has so many powerful enem
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