Seven Years of Love Seven Minutes of Truth

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.”

the same as it had always been.

then slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. The moment the door shut behind me, I turned on the

pressed my damp palms to my forehead, wiping away the lingering warmth of his

kiss.

already laid out when I stepped into the

made me happy. Atlas always prepared

diary, after seeing the truth spelled out so

06:50

Years of Love. Seven

67.5%

Chapter 3

eat. Because I knew now.

in the front door

swung open, and Ivy stepped inside, her white dress flowing

table without hesitation, sliding into a chair across from me, her

said, voice smooth as silk. “Atlas and I have a photoshoot this morning. He told me to come over for breakfast

respond. My gaze had already locked

A keychain.

the one

the shift in my expression because he immediately leaned in, his voice low, reassuring.

normal for her to

short by his own instinct.

glass of soy milk. Atlas was on his feet in an instant, moving without thought.

sharp, urgent. “How many times

stilled, then let out a soft laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind

affectionate. “Thank

between them. Something too deep,

with me.

sound echoing in the quiet room. I didn’t