I glanced at Ivanna in puzzlement. After all, I had never interacted with Harmony before, yet she knew my name. I knew Ivanna was equally surprised."Yes, I am," I replied confidently.Harmony smiled faintly. "Someone kept telling me that someone looks similar to me. I didn't expect us to have a resemblance."I immediately realized what she was referring to. Something told me she had met someone inside the restaurant."Ms. Harmony, may I ask how old you are?" I calmly inquired.She hesitated momentarily. Her eyes turned cold as she asked in annoyance, “Why?”“Oh, don’t overthink it. I’m not interested in your private life. I just want to know who’s older between us,” I continued smilingly, “I assume you’re younger because of your beauty and charm.”"I think so, too," she replied firmly.“Then, it’s true that you look like me,” I contradicted her earlier statement, “I’m the original, after all.” I discreetly scoffed at the idea that I resembled her.Lauren returned from the res
Lauren looked at me and asked, “If you have a plan, don’t forget to tell me. I want to watch the show when the time comes.”"Of course!" I said proudly.When we arrived at my company, Lauren drove her car off. I checked the time and realized it was still too early to clock out. I chuckled at myself for being too eager. Strangely, it felt like forever since I last saw Atlas.No matter how impatient I was, I could only head upstairs and continue working. The afternoon felt like an eternity, making me restless. Unfortunately, I didn’t have much work to do that afternoon to pass the time. Finally, the end of the workday arrived. I happily packed my things and left. I was hurrying to Pleca Park, and the scent in my car was pleasant. It even lifted my spirits. I wished my car had wings to fly there, especially during rush hour.I felt a sudden weakness in my legs, perhaps due to excitement. I looked at the time and realized it was getting late. I wondered if Atlas had already reached h
There was a cacophony of noises around me. I felt pain coursing through my entire body, and the intense vibrations of the impact were unbearable. The screeching of brakes, the pungent smell of disinfectant, and the ringing phone all assaulted my senses.I let out a startled cry, "Ah!""She's awake! She's awake!"I gasped heavily, feeling as though the surroundings were suffocating me."Chlo, are you okay? Chlo..."I turned to the voices and saw my mother's tearful and anxious eyes. Lauren was by her side, supporting her arm. My father stood nearby with red-rimmed eyes."Mom...""How do you feel, Chlo? Can you hear me?" Ivanna's voice filled with concern.I slowly turned my head to look at her, finding an expression of sheer terror on her face. Grayson and other relatives were gathered behind her, equally concerned."I didn't die?" I asked, opening my mouth. "I didn't die?" I asked, the words more like an attempt at humor, but they left a bitter taste in my mouth as soon as I
Dylan turned and disappeared from the hospital room.Finally, the doctors advised me to rest and observe. I had to tell the medical staff if I felt uncomfortable. Then they left the room. My head was still in a whirl, and my body ached. Ava wanted to come closer, but Carol held her back, soothing her, "Ava, don't touch Mommy, it'll hurt!""Mom, Dad, you should go home! I want your handmade pasta, Mom," I murmured. "Ryan, take Mom and Dad back. If everything's fine tomorrow, I'll come home!"Ryan looked at me. He had been watching from a distance, not saying a word. However, his eyes had been fixed on me, full of anxiety.When he heard me say this, he immediately responded, "Alright, we'll go back and make you some pasta! We'll bring them over a little later!""Okay!" I smiled at him. "I'm fine!"Ryan left my hospital room with Ava and my parents. Truthfully, I didn't really want pasta, but I didn't want them to worry about me knowing too much.They had only left briefly when
Lauren's words left me feeling somewhat dazed."The car was completely wrecked. You were only saved because the airbags deployed and protected you. Plus, the truck hit the back of your car. You narrowly escaped a catastrophe!" Lauren continued, her voice filled with concern. "If the timing had been just a bit off... It's horrifying even to think about!"As I listened to Lauren's account, I recalled that desperate press of the pedal. If the doctor's assessment had been accurate, a slightly delayed reaction could have left me paralyzed, or worse, I might never have seen my family again.It was shocking to see the accident report photos later. Stella visited my ward two days later, and I admired her composure.Stella entered, accompanied by a bodyguard, holding a big bouquet and carrying a basket of fruits. She walked in with the confidence of someone who owned the place.I stared at her in disbelief, but she looked genuinely concerned as she quickly approached my bedside."Chlo,
I was taken aback as Atlas walked in with a stern expression. It seemed he was not surprised to find Stella here.Stella had been sitting by my bedside with her back to the door. When she heard someone approaching, she turned around. Seeing Atlas, she appeared genuinely surprised. "Atlas, you're here?"She quickly stood up and positioned herself by Atlas's side. She held onto his arm. "I came to check on Chloe. Why didn't you tell me it was this serious?"Atlas's gaze remained focused on her delicate face, and the corners of his mouth twitched."This isn't the best place for you to be. Dylan, take Ms. Stella back!"Stella probably didn't expect Atlas to be so straightforward in front of us. She quickly said, "Atlas, I just got here! I wanted to be with you—""Dylan!" Atlas's words were clear and unwavering, leaving no room for doubt.Stella's face paled slightly, her hand still gripping Atlas's arm.Dylan stepped forward. "Ms. Stella, I'll take you back!"Stella hesitated mome
As my mother and Lauren exited the room, Atlas sat beside me. He seemed to be carefully choosing his words.Inside, I felt conflicted, a sense of injustice simmering in a corner of my heart. Seeing Stella, still radiant and carefree didn't sit right with me.From the moment this woman entered my view, I could sense her subtle schemes against me. Even that first dinner together felt calculated. How could I possibly stay calm?Besides that, I had a persistent feeling of being trapped, which was probably connected to her. Otherwise, Atlas wouldn't have let the matter rest without investigating.As soon as Atlas sat down, he held my hand."Don't let Stella bother you. I know what's going on.""How exactly did you know?" I spoke candidly. We had reached a point where there was no need to pretend nothing had happened.Atlas's intense gaze remained fixed on my face, his attractive features distracting me for a moment. I didn't want to press him further. I understood that his perspectiv
I looked at Atlas curiously, so he asked, “What’s up?”“Is there a reason you and Harmony are going to Jitador?” I blushed slightly.He smirked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Do you have an issue with that?”“Really?” I widened my eyes and pouted with displeasure.“I intentionally leaked the information to get her to cooperate,” he grinned and looked at me as if he had control over everything. “Are you jealous? Does that mean you’re in love with me?”Before I could respond, Ivanna barged in. She saw us and quickly turned to leave, but I shouted for her to return, “Hey, you’re already here, so why leave?”Ivanna awkwardly turned and said, “I-I don’t want to intrude.”Atlas stood up, saying, “That’s okay. I have something to attend to.”Immediately after, the meal he ordered arrived. He instructed Ivanna to watch over me before leaving the ward. Outside, he arranged for security in my room to ensure no one could approach me.A week later, the doctor discharged me from th