Chapter 55

Someone to Entertain I wandered and found myself by the river again.

I had brought some wine and arranged for my mother–in- law to pick Ava up.

Then, I settled by the river to pour myself a drink.

I realized the company had become an empty shell, its sole purpose to fill the Murphys‘ wallet.

Meanwhile, I was empty–handed.

No wonder Melanie could taunt me so confidently.

Although I married into the family, I wasn’t part of their world.

Even now, Melanie and Matthew didn’t spare my meager possessions.

They would invade my space and commit vile acts on my bed whenever I was away.

I thought I was strong–willed at the Murphys‘ residence last night.

However, my repayment was a car for Melanie.

When I asked him to send my parents some money, he lashed out at Erica.

The more I thought about it, the more my heart ached.

It was like a stabbing pain suffocating my chest.

My phone kept ringing, and I didn’t know what I said when I answered.

I was starting to feel a little tipsy.

I saw the buildings across the river light up as night fell, but none shined for me.

I had nothing left.

I raised the wine bottle toward the lights, only to have someone swipe it away.

A low voice followed, Chloe Hartz.” I turned to look in a daze and saw the man who had witnessed my consistent misfortunes.

I shook my head and chuckled, saying, “How’d you know I was here? Did I leave something behind?”

“Weren’t you in pain yesterday? Have you forgotten your doctor’s orders already?” Atlas scolded.

“Forget about doctor’s orders.

You’re a buzzkill.” I looked at him and tugged at his sleeve.

“Come on, join me for a drink.” I felt a little playful, likely from him interrupting my loneliness.

It was either that or my inner teenage girl was excited.

Atlas stood there for some time, just watching me.

I shook his arm, urging him, “Come on!” Finally, he leaped onto the riverbank and sat beside me.

He opened two cans of beer, handed me one, and toasted to me.

I laughed, “Thank you for being here with me.” “Tell me, why are you drinking?” he asked.

Do I need a reason to drink?” I took another sip.

“Is being happy a good enough reason?” Like a fool, I stared at the lights on the other side of the river.

+15 BONUS “I’m celebrating the fact that I’ve seen it all now.

I have nothing left.

The man I thought was my soulmate had slung a web for me, and I walked right into it, trapped for years.

“How naive of me! Haha… The company’s gone, the money’s gone.

Oh, I have a daughter, so it’s not a complete loss.

I lost everything, but I still have my daughter.” “What do you plan to do?” Atlas asked without looking at me.

Instead, he stared at the lights across the river.

“I want a divorce to ruin him completely!” I gritted my teeth.

“You?” He turned to look at me.

“Is getting wasted and making a scene your plan for revenge? I never expected you to be this foolish.”

“Why are you trying to discourage me?” I was a bit annoyed at how pessimistic he was.

“Am I discouraging you? Can’t do anything but get drunk here and call it a night, huh? Didn’t you just see him move everything away, drive a new car, and go to Operose for the weekend? Meanwhile, you’re just here getting drunk.

What can you do? Yell at them as revenge?” Atlas’s words struck my weakest point, and I felt ashamed.

My low self–esteem made me hysterical.” You… Do you have the right to say that to me? I’m the one embarrassed, but it’s not your place to remind me.” “Is that so?” He w was so close I could feel his breath.

My heart raced as I looked at him, imagining him embracing me.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

Suddenly, Atlas leaned in and murmured, “It seems you still care about him” His warm breath grazed my face and sent shivers down my spine.

I instinctively moved back, only for him to pull me into his embrace.

He looked at me intensely and asked, “Do I scare you?” I looked at Atlas’s profound eyes, firm jawline, and thin lips.

At that moment, it felt like I was falling into an abyss.