The car burst forth as it chased the elusive tail lights ahead. I was sure those tail lights belonged to the same black car. At that moment, I wished I could grow wings and fly to my daughter’s side.I didn’t want to be afraid, thinking I would replace Ava in that car. Night had fallen, and the streetlights were far behind us, making everything look hazier.Just then, the car navigated through a sloping bend in the road. There was a dense forest on the right and a steep valley on the left, with our car being lower and the other higher.Our car wasn’t slow, and I knew the driver had professional training. He handled the speed and curves exceptionally. I saw the other car despite the darkness. We could catch up to them once we made it around this bend.I didn’t stop looking at the other car as I grew more anxious. There weren’t many cars on this road, especially in this winding section. Although the slope wasn’t steep, it seemed endless. I was relieved we were about to catch up, but
The child’s cry startled me, causing my ears to perk up as I told Atlas, “Listen, it’s Ava!”We strained our ears to listen for her amid the helicopters above us."It must be Ava!" I took advantage of Atlas’s brief distraction and leaped out of the car. The wind from the helicopters made it difficult for me to stand steadily.Atlas held me firmly from behind and said, “Get back in the car and listen to me! They’re searching for her!”“Let me go! I can hear her crying!” I struggled and pushed against Atlas.Ava’s cries were unbearable, and I knew she was nearby. Suddenly, one of the aides in the car ran over to inform Atlas, “They’re on the bridge!”Atlas and I were shocked. A moment later, Atlas caught me and brought me back into the car, sternly ordering the driver, “Let’s go!”The driver sped toward the bridge, and we soon saw Dylan’s group forming a blockade. Our car screeched to a halt before them, and I got out to look ahead. Those who were initially facing the car turned b
I watched as Atlas fearlessly approached the man on the bridge. My sobs and movements suddenly stopped. I was in disbelief, wondering why Atlas would walk ahead like that.I understood Atlas’s intentions when he gestured for the others to stop. I broke down again and tearfully told Dylan, “No, don’t! Tell Atlas to come back! Dylan, stop him!”Upon hearing my cries, Dylan handed me to two nearby bodyguards. "Protect Ms. Chloe."As he rushed toward Atlas, two gunshots sounded, the bullets hitting the ground near Dylan. I faintly heard the burly man shouting, “Stay back!”He warned Dylan not to approach but allowed Atlas to go ahead. I watched Atlas’s determined and steady figure stride toward the burly man as the latter pointed his gun at Atlas.Dylan advanced again, and another gunshot sounded. Atlas signaled Dylan not to come closer, and I was terrified. My beloved daughter was on the bridge, and so was Atlas. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing either.I wanted to save Ava but
Every movement on the bridge kept everyone's hearts pounding. Dylan's expression was grim as he clenched his fists. Meanwhile, the cops taking cover behind the car doors were on high alert.We were on edge as the situation left us feeling helpless. Atlas took two more steps, but the man roared, “Stop! You wouldn’t want…”His words were intermittent, indicating Atlas was trying to reason with him. I suspected Atlas knew the man.Meanwhile, Ava’s voice faded like she would run out of breath. My heart ached, and I felt suffocated. However, I knew no one dared to make any sudden moves. Everyone feared agitating the man who might let her go.For some reason, the man became agitated. He repeatedly pointed the gun at Atlas, shouting angrily. After his outburst, he threw Ava into the air, and she plummeted toward the surface. As that happened, the man leaped from the overpass and plunged downward.Immediately after, I heard several gunshots. I gasped and screamed maniacally, “No!”Simult
Ava continued to sob as the car sped toward the hospital. She clutched Atlas’s shirt, afraid he would disappear if she let go. She gazed at him and could hardly breathe from crying so much.I felt my heart shatter as her cries rendered me speechless. My daughter had always been well-behaved and had never cried so hard before. She kept shaking her head and repeating, “No!” no matter how much I tried to comfort her.Atlas held her and assured her, “I’m here now, so you don’t need to be afraid anymore. Ava, look at me. I won’t let you go, okay?”I was in disbelief at the usually commanding Atlas being so tender and protective toward my daughter. Although I was there, he showed no intention of letting her go. Instead, he continued to soothe and hold her.His usually indifferent expression now bore a look of fatherly love. It filled me with gratitude and a sense of security.My daughter hadn’t felt a dad’s love for so long, making me feel guilty. However, Atlas filled that gap in her h
Even though I had calmed down, I still felt a lingering fear that gave me nightmares, too. My anxiety from the ordeal hung over me like a dark cloud. Ryan and Eleanor went to the capital instead of me. Before they left, Ryan comforted me, telling me to take a break from work. Ava's well-being was the most important thing. We needed to make sure she fully recovered.In the following days, I stayed by Ava's side, unwilling to leave. However, her condition didn't improve. She would cry and fuss whenever she fell asleep. If she didn't see Atlas, she would cry her heart out, and I couldn't console her.Several times, Atlas rushed back from the company for her.My mom felt guilty about Ava's condition. She would secretly cry when Ava was upset. Her spirits had taken a downturn.Both my dad and Atlas tried to comfort her, saying it was an accident. Even if we were more careful, it could still happen.My mom remained depressed. When Ava cried, she would clutch her head in agony. I was
After the laughter subsided, I felt a vague sense of unease.I exchanged glances with Atlas, and I knew he understood my thoughts. However, with elders and a child present, neither of us could speak openly.From what I gathered from Atlas’s calls, Dylan was dealing with the aftermath of Ava's kidnapping. Although I hadn't asked, I could tell from his conversations that despite their efforts, Dylan and his team hadn't found the man.Even if he had been lucky, jumping from such a high bridge would not have left him unharmed. However, the fact that there was still no sign of him indicated he was skilled. Despite extensive searches by the authorities and Atlas's team, he had not been found. He must have escaped.As long as he was on the loose, the threat remained. He was a potential danger. Who was to say he wouldn't threaten us again someday?It seemed he was targeting me, or at least, I was his goal. But I was sure that I had never met him. Ava and Atlas's account of what happen
His husky voice murmured in my ear, "How long do you plan on avoiding me?""I'm not..." I tried to defend myself, but as soon as the words left my lips, I felt I had misspoken. We were already so familiar with each other, both physically and emotionally. Any intimacy between us was a tempting lure."Thank you for saving my Ava," I said, hoping to shift our awkwardness."Not just your Ava," he replied, his eyes gleaming affectionately. "Ava has a good heart. It's you who's a little heartless.""I'm not a five-year-old child. I can't bother you!" I reluctantly said. After all, I hadn't overcome the hurdle of him being with Harmony."Nonsense!" Atlas stood up, feigning anger. He moved the chair next to him and pulled me into his arms, settling us both on the beach chair.It had been a long time since we were this close, and it left me feeling uneasy. My heart pounded against my chest.Atlas, his handsome face serious, gazed at me. "Chloe, I know you've been through a lot."Tea