Chapter 217

Felgning ignorance I got drunk that night, so Ryan had to send me home. When we exited his car, he carried me on his back. I piggled and refused to go inside.

He walked around the neighborhood with me on his back while recounting everything that happened during my freshman year. I remembered how nice he had been to me. Eventually, I fell asleep on his back.

I didn’t remember how I returned to my room, but I felt at ease. I was no longer afraid since my parents.

were there to care for Ava. I felt like I could do whatever I pleased.

Suddenly, a series of phone calls woke me. My head still pounded, and I knew it was a holiday. I silenced my phone and buried my face in the pillow, forcing myself not to overthink. However, I couldn’t sleep or shake the pain in my heart anymore.

Suddenly, my phone rang again.

I picked up my phone and saw Atlas’s name. After some hesitation, I finally answered. After all, I had longed for him to call me.

“Yeah?” My voice was hoarse from just waking up.

“Why didn’t you answer earlier?” It seemed Atlas had noticed the indifference in my voice. “Why are you crying?”

“I just woke up.”

“If you’re unhappy, just say it. If you have questions, ask,” Atlas’s tone remained cold.

I said nothing and felt a bitter lump in my throat. There was a long silence between us when Atlas finally asked, “Aren’t you happy I called?”

“I’m afraid of misspeaking again. After all, I’m pretty dumb,” I bitterly replied.

He responded with a mocking scoff and taunted, “You should reflect on yourself. Aren’t you dumb?”

“Mr. Atlas, I’m a divorcee, so I’ve failed in life. You can find someone young and beautiful-“Before I could finish, he rudely interrupted me and hung up.

I held my phone for a long time before realizing I had gone too far. I felt uneasy again, wondering why I sought momentary satisfaction like that. Even if we couldn’t be together, we didn’t need to hurt each other I knew this relationship wasn’t conventional. Since it was a matter of mutual benefit, it was unnecessary want it to be a forced decision. I only wanted to be the one Atlas favored.

However, I dared not say that because I knew my place.

He couldn’t give me what I wanted because I had to contend with his complicated family. I knew my insignificance.

I leaned against the bed’s headboard and pondered until my mom called me for dinner. I rushed to the bathroom to freshen up and went downstairs. Still, I felt ashamed. Despite what he said, I brought my parents here to look after me.

During dinner, my mom said, “Why don’t you call Ryan and invite him for a meal tomorrow to celebrate the New Year? He’s alone in Foswood and can’t visit our hometown for the holiday. He can come here for a meal instead.”

I rolled my eyes but dared not argue. To be honest, I became a hands–off leader since Ryan joined the company. Still, he and I agreed he would have his shares once the company became successful and reached certain goals.

Although I felt at ease, I couldn’t help but feel reserved about Ryan coming to my house. I won’t deny having my own motives about it. Nonetheless, Ryan had been good to me, and I couldn’t find faults with him.

I knew my parents’ thoughts, too. I was also aware that Ryan was patiently waiting. He played the perfect role as a backup without complaints.

My parents feigned ignorance, but I refused to believe they hadn’t learned about Atlas from Ava. At the very least, Ava would want to flaunt her beautiful doll.

My mom continued when I didn’t object, “Ryan cares a lot about you. Don’t pretend you can’t see it.”

“Mom, I didn’t say he can’t come, did 1? Why do you think I’m feigning ignorance?”

My dad knocked on the table. “All right, let her eat.”

I In truth, I had lost my appetite from my heavy thoughts.

Ryan brought many things to my house in the afternoon. It seemed he had been to the market.

Although speechless, I acted warmly and looked over everything he had bought. The atmosphere felt homey.

The sudden realization reminded me of Atlas’s birthday, and my heart ached. I thought he wouldn’t understand this atmosphere because he seemed detached. It seemed he and I weren’t from the same world.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I froze when I saw the name on the screen.