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
I entered the factory gates only to be stopped by a stern security guard. I told him I wanted to meet with Fred.The security guard scrutinized me and said, "Mr. Fred isn't here. He's currently on a business trip.""Could you tell me where he went?" I asked anxiously because my time in the city was limited.“I wouldn’t know,” he said with a sour attitude."Could you at least give me his phone number? I’ve come from out of town and just need to call him.” After what happened four years ago, I didn’t keep Fred’s contact information."I don't have it," he replied curtly. "What do you want with him?""I'm here to discuss a business partnership!""You can talk to the marketing department for that. Do you really need to meet the boss? We get many people like you who just waste our time. Just get out of here!"It was unbelievable that such a large factory would hire someone so rude. The rain was getting heavier, and I started shivering.Suddenly, I noticed phone numbers for differe
When I entered the guesthouse, I shed my wet clothes and cranked up the heater. Then I hopped into the shower. Hot water poured over me, thawing my frozen body with steam. Since I didn’t have spare clothes, I wrapped myself in a blanket. Then I boiled some water and sipped it. I didn’t care how clean the cups were, but I wished there was tea to warm me up.That made me laugh wryly, but my mind was racing to figure out how to meet Fred. I reached for the pamphlet and looked through the contact information. I dialed a few numbers, but no one answered. It seemed this business wasn't customer-friendly.The middle-aged man I met earlier was my only hope. However, my hope faded as the night wore on and no calls came. I eventually dozed off.In the middle of the night, I woke up with a fever. Wrapped tightly in my blanket, I couldn't stop shivering. My teeth chattered uncontrollably.In my delirium, I desperately longed for a sip of warm water. However, I couldn't even summon the streng