"Are you busy?" I asked.

"What is it? Go ahead," Atlas sounded somewhat unhappy, making my heart race slightly.

"Where are you?" I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Quillbrooke," he hushedly spoke, sounding like he was in a meeting.

I felt even more awkward. "I was just...wondering what you're up to right now. I'm fine, so you can call me back when you're not busy."

I quickly hung up but couldn't hide my disappointment. I wanted to tell Atlas I missed him but knew the situation prevented it. Since he was a business tycoon, being with him daily was impossible.

Perhaps choosing him meant not living an everyday life. I chuckled, wondering why I was so sentimental since it was only my birthday. Soon, I composed myself because I had many important things to handle. I couldn’t afford to dwell on my emotions and had to face reality.

That afternoon, I called Lauren and Ivanna to invite them for dinner. Ivanna knew it was my birthday and always remembered it each year.

Before leaving work,