Chapter 243

Alone in a Crowded Room This New Year was unlike any other before. I stayed home, enjoying the joyful atmosphere family gathering filled with laughter and chatter. Little Ava became the center of attention.

f a large Even Ivanna joined us after just a few days away. Our family showcased their culinary skills, preparing their signature dishes and creating a festive atmosphere with bright lights in the yard.

During the day, I pretended to be carefree like everyone else, but at night, my thoughts couldn’t help but drift to that person. Had he left town? He hadn’t called, and I didn’t reach out. I wanted to test my self-

control.

Fortunately, I had Ivanna and Lauren to keep me company.

Ivanna quietly whispered, “Harmony seems to be fading. She’s been saying she spent Christmas overseas, but it’s all a lie. She’s my artist. I know she worked on a shoot the whole time. Is Atlas getting tired of her?”

Lauren quickly nudged her and shot her a meaningful look.

I calmly responded, “It’s none of my concern. I’ve already decided to step back.”

Ivanna looked at Lauren and whispered, “Did you hear that? We both need to pay close attention. Let’s see how strong Wonder Woman’s heart is.”

The two of them burst into laughter while I silently cursed. My heartache was something only I knew, and it was pretty painful.

I often thought about him standing alone in the crowd, wondering if he missed the feeling of home during these festive seasons. The livelier it was here, the more my heart ached, and his image forcefully entered my mind I questioned if he was the person I imagined, which caused me pain. However, my strong–willed side reminded me that he didn’t celebrate the New Year, providing some relief.

Ryan had donned an apron in the past few days and bustled about. I felt guilty and often reached out to help him.

This delighted the four elders, who would huddle together to talk in hushed tones. Even without listening.

I knew what they were discussing I didn’t mind as long as it brought them joy.

Besides, I had to play the role of a good host.

Everyone afe, drank, and merrily drove around town. The city was filled with laughter and joy. These few o a lifetime of laughter.

Online trends about Atlas and Harmony disappeared. Ivanna and Lauren would sometimes gossip, with Ivanna boldly declaring, “I told you it was over! Let’s see how she flaunts herself after the holiday.”

I didn’t engage in their conversation. It wasn’t my place.

Atlas’s in–person response to Harmony’s call was less passionate than the rumors claimed. His questions.

replayed in my head.

Is being with me truly making you that unhappy? Do you not understand everything I’ve done? I told you, no matter what happens, just trust me. Can’t you do that? What happened to your intelligence?”

Every word, every sentence, I analyzed and savored. I also sensed that he had something more to say.

But so what? Deep down, I knew that I wasn’t worthy of him. Being with him brought too many reservations, uncertainties, and fears.

Ava occasionally asked where Atlas was. “Is he still on a business trip? Why hasn’t he taken a day off?”

Her questions were endless, and I had no answers.

One evening, I spotted a car parked in the bushes from my balcony. It made my heart race, and I rushed downstairs, driven by an irresistible urge.