Chapter 3

Through the haze of my tears, I thought I saw him.

The man who had once held me close at my father’s funeral, his arms a shelter as my world crumbled.

**Celeste, I will give you a home. Everything I have belongs to you.“*

His voice had been so steady that day, his embrace so sure, as if I had been his entire world.

What a cruel illusion.

Now, as I laid Atlas onto our bed, I no longer moved with the tenderness I once did. I didn’t take off his shoes. I didn’t press a glass of water to his lips, murmuring words of comfort.

I simply turned away.

For the first time in five years, I shut myself inside the guest room.

That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, replaying every memory of his love–every soft look, every whispered promise.

And wondering if any of it had ever been real.

Morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room.

I opened my eyes to find Atlas already watching me. His gaze was gentle, his expression full of quiet affection, as if

nothing had changed.

He leaned down, pressing a slow, familiar kiss to my forehead.

“Celeste, were you upset last night?” His voice was soft, laced with concern. “I’m sorry–I had too much to drink. I

promise it won’t happen again.”

effortless, the same as it

then slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. The moment the door

pressed my damp palms to

kiss.

laid out when I stepped into

would have made me happy. Atlas always prepared my favorites–meticulously plated,

after seeing the truth spelled out

06:50

Love. Seven Minutes

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Chapter 3

knew now. These

the front door made me look

flowing as she moved through my home as though

to the table without hesitation, sliding into a

intruding,” she said, voice smooth as silk. “Atlas and I have a

My gaze had already

A keychain.

the one I carried in my

in my expression because

murmured. “It’s normal for her to have a key to our home…”

trailed off, cut short by his own instinct.

the table, Ivy had just picked up a glass of soy milk. Atlas was on his

was sharp, urgent. “How many times have I told you?”

then let out a soft laugh, tucking

teasing, affectionate. “Thank

too deep, too natural, but

with me.

pushed back my chair, the sound echoing in the quiet room. I didn’t

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