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Novel Catalog
Chapter_64
I lay nervously in bed, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Closing my eyes, I tried to calm myself with a quiet mantra: “Everything happens for a reason. Don’t force what’s not meant to be.” But no matter how hard I tried to ground myself, my heart raced in anticipation.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the two men reentered the room. My heart leaped to my throat, but I forced a smile, trying to hide my unease.
Fred spoke first. “Ms. Chloe, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I must head back. I’d like you to come to our company tomorrow, once you’re feeling better. I won’t disturb you any longer today. Please take care of yourself.”
My heart sank, heavy with disappointment. I nodded, my hands unclenching as I let out a slow breath. “Alright. See you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be waiting for you at my office,” he added, before rushing out, as if racing against time. His cold detachment hit me like a blow, and I was suddenly reminded of how harsh and unforgiving the business world could be.
The room fell silent, the weight of his departure sinking in. My emotions hit rock bottom. I had completely forgotten about Atlas’s presence until I heard his voice.
“Aren’t you curious about what we discussed?” he asked, his tone calm but probing.
I shook my head faintly, not wanting to reveal the bitterness and sadness that churned within me. After a moment, I mumbled, “Thank you, Mr. Atlas. I think I’d like to rest for a bit. You don’t need to stay any longer.”
Without a word, Atlas stood up and walked toward the door. As he left, he placed a paper bag by the bed and said, “Get up. Change into these clothes, and I’ll take you to dinner.”
I was taken aback. “Hey! What about my own clothes?”
“From now on, you’re a brand-new Chloe Hartz,” he replied, glancing over his shoulder.
His words left me speechless, as if I were under some kind of spell. I stared in disbelief as he led me out of the guesthouse. I followed his orders, feeling like a child under strict supervision.
Atlas had arranged for us to stay at a luxurious five-star hotel in the city. Two sets of brand-new clothes awaited me in the room. This time, I didn’t complain. The reality of the situation had set in, and hunger was a more pressing concern. It had been three days since I arrived, and I hadn’t had a proper meal.
I resigned myself to his plans for the night, knowing this would be our last evening together. The next day, I would visit my parents in my hometown. The thought of going home was bittersweet, but it was worth it, even if it meant staying just one more night.
A week had passed since I’d last heard from Matthew—the cold phone call I received on the day I arrived had left me with an empty feeling.
That night, I slept soundly for the first time in days. No nightmares, no restless tossing and turning.
The next morning, I awoke once again in Atlas’s embrace. This time, I didn’t react with shock. I simply looked at him, and he gently ran his fingers across my face, studying me as if memorizing my every feature.
“You slept so well,” he murmured softly. “You’re like a well-behaved kitten.”
He got up, and I followed suit, my movements slow and reluctant. He kissed me, and I couldn’t evade it. His lips danced on mine, and I felt a heat spread through me, leaving me flustered and unsure.
When he finally pulled away, he smiled at me, his eyes holding something unreadable. “Good luck. I’ll be waiting for you right here.”
My heart raced, but I didn’t know what to say. “Goodbye,” I whispered, the word tasting both final and uncertain in my mouth.