We stayed until late, and Ava's eyelids were already fighting to stay open. I quickly bid farewell to everyone, intending to take the two little ones home to rest. However, Ava refused to leave, no matter what."I don't want to go. Uncle Atlas said we should wait for him to come back." Ava stubbornly looked at me, pouting."Uncle Atlas may have urgent matters to attend to and could be back very late. He may not be able to come to pick us up. You and Jenny have school tomorrow." "No! Uncle Atlas keeps his promises. I believe he'll come to pick us up!" She avoided my hand and ran away, saying, "I want Uncle Atlas to pick me up!"It was clear that she was starting to get sleepy and uncooperative.I felt somewhat helpless. This child had been spoiled. When I took care of her alone, she was obedient. But now she seemed too reliant on the pampering.Just as I was about to take a firmer stance, the doorbell rang. Ava immediately exclaimed and ran to the door, "Uncle Atlas? Uncle Atlas
I felt a twinge of jealousy when he mentioned growing up with the real Stella. Not to mention the affectionate photo of them together.Growing up together fostered a strong bond."So, what's her relationship with Annalise? Why does everyone say you love Annalise?" I looked at Atlas's handsome features, always wanting to unravel the mystery.The more worried I became, the more I felt that many things were hazy and just out of reach.I didn't know if it was my dullness or Atlas was genuinely trying to protect me. I'm sure he had his reasons.Could it be that, as this impostor Stella claimed, there was a secret he couldn’t reveal?Atlas hugged me tightly, making me feel at home. Perhaps he treated me this way because I closely resembled the real Stella."Don't listen to what others are saying. They’re just trying to confuse you. Just trust in what I say," he reminded me once again."Looking back, after my parents passed away, I didn't even know what happiness meant. Everyone in my
I knew this question was cruel, but I couldn't control myself. I needed to know."That afternoon, she made our favorite crab rangoons and grilled sea bass for Stella and me. Crab rangoons were Stella's favorite, and I love grilled sea bass."Crab rangoons? That was also my favorite."While eating, she insisted that we finish everything and told me I should protect Stella."At that time, I didn't think much of it. But when Stella and I came home after school, there were many strangers in the house, and even a funeral car... " I felt a chill down my spine.He paused for a long time before continuing, "Someone told me that Aunt Hailey had died. Stella was crying inconsolably, and I held her. Just then, a body was carried out toward the funeral car. "I ran over and pulled the white cloth covering the person. What I saw was a terrifying face, with black blood around the mouth and eyes..."I stiffened in his arms, feeling my hair stand on end. Atlas's warm hand gently stroked me.
Atlas and I didn’t hurry to work the following day because we needed to move to Pleca Park. Molly and my mom had already packed the daily necessities. However, we didn’t need to bring much since Atlas had prepared everything there.Ava and Jenny curiously followed us. Ava asked where we were going and why they didn’t have to attend school that day. When I told her and Ava we were going to a new home, Ava stared at me in surprise. She asked, “Do we have a new home?”I nodded. “Yes, we do. It’s Uncle Atlas’s home.”Atlas quickly corrected, “It's our new home.”Ava asked, “Is it where you and Mommy will stay after getting married?”“Is it?” Atlas asked as if that was indeed the reason. I felt embarrassed as I stole a glance at my seemingly indifferent dad. It lightened my heart to see that.I knew my parents’ impression of Atlas changed after he brought Ava back from the kidnappers. My mom and dad were no longer as hesitant about my and Atlas’s relationship, especially after seeing
I had accompanied Trinity when the doctor discharged her from the hospital. We didn’t meet again after that since she had been busy with recovery and handling various matters upon returning to her family.I was also busy with the aftermath of Grace’s passing.When I answered the call, she said, “Let’s meet if you’re not busy. There’s something I want to discuss with you.”She seemed to have reverted to her cold and dismissive demeanor. I glanced at Atlas and then pondered for a moment before agreeing, “All right, where do you want to meet?”“Wherever you are right now.”“I’m at Pleca Park,” I truthfully replied.“Then let’s meet at Sugar. See you there.” Trinity hung up immediately after.I raised an eyebrow, wondering why she sounded so urgent. I also didn’t know what Sugar was. It sounded like the name of a bar. After putting away my phone, I hurried over to Atlas and said, “Trinity has something to discuss with me, so I need to head out for a bit.”He asked, “Where are you g
I instinctively brought the photos closer for a careful examination. Then I looked at Trinity with amazement and asked, “How’d you get these?!”Trinity smirked. “I have my ways.”I grew excited. “My entire situation hinges on these. I never thought you’d obtain such crucial evidence so effortlessly. Things will be much easier for me now.”Trinity looked at me and dampened my enthusiasm. “Don’t get too excited. These photos can only nail Keegan, but you still can’t touch Liora. She’s the one pulling the strings, after all. She’ll escalate things if you can’t deal with her this time. She’s your real threat.”I didn’t expect Trinity to understand me so thoroughly. It seemed I had underestimated her. After some thought, I tapped the photos to the back of my hand, muttering, “I’ll stay put for now and let Liora get anxious.”Trinity spoke cunningly, “Then you must play the part well.”I knew she was more cunning than I thought. I had to learn from her tactics, so I asked for her advic
Trinity's actions startled me. Indeed, she could instantly turn words into actions. As soon as her words fell, the tall and robust young man from earlier walked back in.Trinity asked, "Has Grandpa arrived?""Yes, Ms. Trinity," Erik replied respectfully.I was surprised, wondering who Grandpa was. It escalated the situation a bit, and I thought I should express my gratitude to the older man."Erik, please bring Grandpa in," Trinity commanded, and Erik turned to leave.I stood up, feeling nervous. After all, I should show respect to the head of the Huffmans. Moreover, his daughter risked her life for me.Seeing my nervousness, Trinity stood up with a smile. "Why are you so nervous?""I've always wanted to thank your grandpa but never had the chance," I said.She smirked. "I'll give you that chance."When the door opened, a spirited old man entered with a crowd. The liveliness made me uneasy, and it seemed the Huffmans’ meals might not be as enjoyable as I had hoped. The old man
Anson smiled at me, saying, “It’s good that you like the idea. Let’s get to it then.”I didn’t know how to respond, but he kept looking at me. He seemed displeased and asked, “What’s wrong, Chloe? Do you disagree?”My mind raced as the situation astounded me. Still, I knew disagreeing would contradict what I had just told Trinity. On the other hand, I didn’t expect this with the Huffmans. I never wanted to have dealings with a family of the Huffmans’ status. After all, they differed from the Beringers.I became a goddaughter to the Beringers because I understood Atlas’s connection to them. It was also because of Atlas’s subtle intervention.However, the Huffmans belonged to an entirely different category. I knew the term sworn sisters carried significant weight, especially to Anson. Most would keep their distance from such families, but I had little time to think.Anson awaited my response, and the Huffmans’ loyal guards were watching me. It would humiliate Trinity if I refused. U