Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

Atticus exuded maturity and a hint of worldly experience, unlike Atlas. The former smiled at me, saying, "It's okay. I can handle my liquor. This issue has weighed on my heart for over a decade. I couldn't talk about it since I had no one to confide in. Chloe..."

He pointed to his chest and continued, "It hurts a lot. Did you ever expect the grand CEO of Echelon Group to be stepped on consistently for a decade? How can I swallow that humiliation?"

I didn't know how to console him.

"You stirred things up and gave me a helping hand. Although you always say it was accidental, you gave me an excuse to vent my frustrations. That's also why Liora hates you."

I was in disbelief. "I thought Liora was just vindictive. I never thought..."

Atticus continued in a hushed tone, "It was too sudden at that time. Everything developed too quickly for them to respond. This time..."

I couldn't believe my ears. I felt uneasy as I asked, "Are you sure?"

He nodded solemnly, and a chill ran down my spine. Suddenly, I recalled Rose calling Liora a troublemaker and telling me that we couldn't let her stay. Atticus and I talked for a long while before he escorted me out of the hotel and into a cab. We might have continued if he hadn't had an appointment.

My mind was a mess on the way back to Foswood. I couldn't stop thinking about what Atticus had told me. I thanked my lucky stars that Atlas had insisted on a driver to accompany me. After all, driving alone with a distracted mind would have been dangerous.

Lauren but ultimately had to go straight home to Pleca Park, wanting

not around when I got home. When I called, he answered, "You're

pretty smooth journey.

"Why? Do you miss

"Of course."

said, "I'll be home

hanging up, I returned to the room and took a quick shower. I felt uncomfortable with all the sweat on my body considered visiting Rose's room, but I saw

l.ne

you

eat?"

"No thanks. I ate a lot today. I'm going to

had something to handle in the city and would be back in

left?" I was

I wanted to

with her.

she was sharp-witted and