Chapter 219

His Reason My heart sank, and I felt his words weren’t for me. I sat motionless as I gazed at the breathtaking scenery before me. I wondered if this was the home under construction he had mentioned.

Atlas exited the car, took his luggage, and opened my door. He led me inside, and I matched his pace.

The inside of the house was inexplicable. I heard a sudden exclamation as we entered, “Mr. Atlas, you’re back!”

Several servants rushed over and took the luggage from Atlas. There was a chorus of greetings and laughter that followed. I knew these people were loyal to him.

When he got to his room, he pressed me against the door and said hoarsely, “It seems you didn’t miss me.”

My heart ached, and I chuckled with a hint of bitterness. I lowered my gaze. I was always stubborn and never knew how to express what bothered me. Meanwhile, Atlas leaned in and stared at me as if trying to read my thoughts.

“What’s wrong? Don’t you want to talk to me?” He continued to gaze at me, making me feel trapped.

His subtle fragrance made my heart race. I feared my eyes would show my longing for him. I avoided his gaze and mumbled, “No… I want to talk but don’t know what to say.”

Atlas lifted my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. His eyes were tender, and he gently bit my lip. “I want to hear anything you have to say. I’ve missed you so much.”

My heart raced even more, and my breathing became shaky. I knew Atlas was flirting with me, but I couldn’t resist his charm. He cradled my face and asked teasingly. “Do you think you can escape me?”

He resembled a cat playing with a mouse, and I playfully pushed him away. “I never considered escaping. You can do whatever you want. I won’t resist.”

He froze like he understood the reason behind my mood. He moved away and approached the floor–

to- ceiling window while I remained at the door.

A while later, he turned and said coldly, “That day was the anniversary of my parents‘ deaths. They died in a plane crash when I was ten. They were rushing home to celebrate my birthday. Even their assistant, Rory White, died.”

I was shocked as I froze in place. The pain I felt for him was unbearable. I would’ve fallen over if I wasn’t leaning on the door.

I looked at Atlas with widened eyes. I joyfully wished him a happy birthday that night, saying, “I hope your I was such an idiot that night. However, it was all Stella’s fault. I numbly asked him, “Is Stella Rory’s daughter?

Atlas nodded slowly after a long pause. I finally realized how foolish I had been. I thought Stella had slipped up when she mentioned it at the door. I even cleverly prepared a birthday dinner for Atlas. Even so, Stella had already told me his parents‘ deaths were his kryptonite.

I’m sorry…

…” “I subconsciously uttered those words.

I “The fault lies in you not asking me anything. I told you to only listen to me and not believe anyone else,” Atlas sounded pained with a hint of suppressed anger, “Do you remember what I said? Chloe, you must believe me no matter what, even if I don’t explain myself.”

His world was complicated, and I didn’t know so much deception existed around him. I finally understood Celine’s meaning when she said we weren’t from the same world. Suddenly, I realized Stella’s sinister smile was for me falling into her trap.

It was terrifying, and I didn’t know what was real anymore.

“I returned to Nocturnia to visit them the following day. So….” Atlas seemed unable to continue as he approached and put his arms around me.

He embraced me and lowered his voice, saying, “I know it’s not your fault, but I can’t escape what happened that day.”

I encircled his waist and felt his loneliness. A premonition washed over me, and an invisible force pushed me, making it impossible to break free