When I awoke, I found myself lying in an emergency room. Everything seemed normal, and the excruciating pain vanished, leaving me numb.Atlas was beside me, looking concerned. It appeared he had brought me to the emergency room. My sudden condition must’ve startled him, and I felt apologetic.“Did I scare you? I’m sorry,” I chuckled awkwardly, “You always seem to catch me at my worst. Thank you for saving me again.”“Do you feel better now?” Atlas scrutinized my expression with a hint of worry in his eyes."I have gallstones, an old problem," I replied.He called the doctor, and I underwent another examination. The doctor gave me a detailed report of my condition and provided some instructions before informing Atlass that I could leave after finishing the IV drip.When the doctor left, I reassured Atlas, "Don't worry, it's how this condition is. The pain is terrifying, but I feel nothing afterward."He nodded and asked, "Should I inform your family?"I shook my head and thought

I exited the car without waiting for him, holding Ava’s hand as we headed inside. Meanwhile, Matthew followed us with a smile. Usually, he would have let me go in alone, especially in times like these.I knew he wanted to see if I was lying.I glanced at the shoes on display when we entered the shop. Matthew was watching me closely, waiting for me to embarrass myself. Surprisingly, the sales associate recognized me, saying, “Mrs. Hartz, are you here to pick up the shoes?”I smiled. "Yes.""All right, let me get them for you!" She hurried into the storeroom and soon handed me a shoebox. "Size 8, brown!"I took the box, opened it to look inside, and handed it to Matthew. I thanked the sales associate as well.Matthew blinked in slight surprise as he took the box. He hugged me and thanked the sales associate.On the way back, he seemed unusually energetic, chatting nonstop. I simply responded with a few words.I barely ate during the meal. Firstly, the afternoon's gallstone pain h

Matthew and Grace wanted to reprimand Melanie, but Henry impatiently said, “All right, let’s eat!”His attitude didn’t surprise me. After all, he had excessively indulged his daughter and never denied her anything. I knew he was aiming his impatience at me.Ava shivered from Henry’s shout and dropped her spoon with a clang. The sound snapped me out of my thoughts, and I repressed my anger before picking up the spoon and giving her a new one.Afterward, I looked at Melanie and asked, “Are you saying I’m an incompatible factor in this family? Otherwise, you wouldn't have said that. Let's see what the rest of us think."Matthew's expression grew grave, and he patted my shoulder. "Don't listen to her nonsense. Let's eat."Grace also hurried to mediate. "We're family, so don't nitpick at words. That’s what Mel is like. She's just one to hold onto old grudges."“I’ve never taken Melanie’s words to heart. Still, that doesn’t mean she does either, right? I’ve never considered whether or

I couldn't wait to get to the office in the morning.I called Johnson and asked for detailed information about Lauren. I picked up on the hidden meaning behind his words and learned that Lauren had her sights on Matthew.Considering what I witnessed between them the other day, I remembered Matthew looking slightly shifty. After all, once a man stole a kiss, he would likely crave more.My heart stung again. I once thought overcoming difficulties would solidify our love. I never expected Matthew not to be my soulmate. Still, I didn’t have time for sorrow and had to take matters into my own hands to save myself.The information Ivanna uncovered shocked me even more. Indeed, all three Murphys had accounts. Melanie owned properties and had a construction and renovation company registered with a capital of 1.5 million dollars.Though the company didn't have many projects, its cash flow was substantial. It was clear where the money was coming from. With a registration amounting to 1.5 mi

I wandered and found myself by the river again. I had brought some wine and arranged for my mother-in-law to pick Ava up. Then, I settled by the river to pour myself a drink.I realized the company had become an empty shell, its sole purpose to fill the Murphys’ wallet. Meanwhile, I was empty-handed. No wonder Melanie could taunt me so confidently. Although I married into the family, I wasn’t part of their world.Even now, Melanie and Matthew didn’t spare my meager possessions. They would invade my space and commit vile acts on my bed whenever I was away. I thought I was strong-willed at the Murphys’ residence last night.However, my repayment was a car for Melanie. When I asked him to send my parents some money, he lashed out at Erica. The more I thought about it, the more my heart ached. It was like a stabbing pain suffocating my chest.My phone kept ringing, and I didn't know what I said when I answered. I was starting to feel a little tipsy. I saw the buildings across the river

Our eyes locked. His arm tightened around me so much that I couldn't breathe. My hand grew weak as I pushed him, eventually resting gently on his waist. I felt him tense for a moment. He tilted his head and locked his lips with mine. He kissed me passionately.I felt as though I'd been electrified, too weak to resist. He held my head, deepening the kiss. I could hardly breathe as strange images of Matthew and Melanie’s intimate moments played in my mind. It fueled my desire for this thrill.Alcohol, rage, and revenge probably drove my response. I pressed up against him, kissing him passionately in return. Gradually, those images faded, and I only wanted to prolong my desire for him. My mind went blank.Finally, Atlas released me. I took a deep breath, not daring to look at him. I picked up the wine, intending to take another sip, but he swiftly took it away."You can't drink anymore!" His voice turned stern.I squinted my eyes. "Why do you care? I bought it with my money. Do y

I heard Atlas leaving the room. Then I heard voices outside the door, the door closing, and someone walking back in."Don't you feel suffocated?" Atlas's voice sounded again. I slowly lifted the corner of the blanket to find him looking down at me from above, his smile radiant. He looked handsome in a different way.Was this still the calm and reserved Atlas I knew?He pulled me and the blanket toward him, holding me in his arms. I felt my heart racing. "Hey… what are you doing?"I struggled to breathe with him so close and his handsome face coming closer.Suddenly, I remembered the wild and passionate kiss we shared on the riverbank last night. It was utterly embarrassing. People could be reckless when drunk.His stare was intense. "You’re overthinking. Relax! I’d never take advantage of an unconscious person. I helped you out of your clothes and showered you. You were too stinky after vomiting."My head spun from embarrassment. What did I do last night? Was I the one who had b

I was surprised to see him. Wasn't he supposed to be in Operose for business? Why was he here now rather than in the arms of his mistress?I remained silent, observing him. He smiled softly and asked, "Honey, what should we have for lunch?""I haven't decided yet!" I replied casually, showing no hint of surprise.He walked closer. "We talked until really late last night. I rushed back this morning because I didn’t want you to worry. I didn't even have time for breakfast. Let's go for an early lunch, and we’ll have whatever you want. It's on me!"I watched him act charmingly. Oddly enough, I couldn't get angry. It was as if I were having a different pleasure, a sensation.Out of nowhere, I thought about Atlas."Did you drink?" He asked, probably noticing the scent around me. But he did not smell like alcohol himself, despite attending a late-night social gathering."Yeah." I said, "How about the Italian restaurant opposite Glenmarie Plaza?”His eyes narrowed briefly, then he nod

I hesitated before telling him I'd rather not attend. I also had Ava with me, so I couldn't go.He mentioned that he had already arranged for my mother-in-law to watch Ava and that she would be arriving at my house soon.His attitude struck me as odd. He had never been eager to take me to social events, but it turned out that ATL Empire organized it. During the afternoon’s meeting, Nick asked about the manager who had represented Tanum Corporation before. Then he questioned my absence. Matthew quickly arranged for me to attend the dinner and even gave me pointers on what to say.We would also be joined by three other major Foswood companies. Each company had strengths, but Tanum Corporation was outmatched and did not belong on the same level.Tanum Corporation had stumbled upon a stroke of luck. Among the representatives from ATL Empire was Atlas.Seeing him again after only a few hours made me a bit nervous. Although I had just seen him this morning, it felt like decades ago.

The next day, I boarded the flight back to my hometown with Ava. I called Ivanna on the plane to let her know about my trip. I also emphasized the importance of completing the tasks I had assigned her. Every step of my plan had to be executed flawlessly. I told Ivanna that I had tracked Matthew's whereabouts and asked her to keep an eye on him.After ending the call, I held my phone tightly, battling the urge to make another call. Ultimately, I took a deep breath and turned off my phone.I couldn't get too close to that man.Ava was excited the entire trip, but I reviewed my plan meticulously.Atlas had told me to stay alert and that he would help me. Could this be his way of helping me? I didn't want to ask him.The early autumn in my hometown was chilly. I had not told my mother when I left so she would not be worried.After landing, I took a taxi to the hospital, and my parents were overjoyed to see us. My father's condition was good, but he had some facial paralysis, which