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Novel Catalog
Chapter_74
A True Mystery of a Man
I marveled at the lush greenery around me, the soft sound of birds singing and the vibrant flowers in full bloom. The serenity of this place was in stark contrast to the turmoil I had just left behind.
“Where is this?” I asked softly, my voice almost lost in the stillness.
“Utopia,” came his reply, his voice captivating, like a gentle melody that resonated deep within me.
I turned to the tall man standing next to me, my gaze drawn to him as I noticed how the tension in my body seemed to ease just by his presence. In his company, I felt safe, something I hadn’t felt in a long time. My heart raced as I realized something—whenever I was near Atlas, it felt as if my soul was being pulled toward him. I lost myself in his presence, drawn to him, wanting only to follow his lead.
But shame flooded over me. How could I let myself fall for someone else, especially now? I had already hit rock bottom, abandoned by everyone I had once trusted. And yet, here I was, tempted by this man who was undeniably attractive and made resisting him so difficult.
He smiled warmly at me, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of kindness and mischief. I froze, like a deer caught in headlights, unable to look away.
Atlas gently brushed a strand of hair from my face, his touch tender. “You’ve lost weight in just a few days, haven’t you? You look like a damsel in distress!”
His words made me smile awkwardly, and I pulled away slightly, uncomfortable with the idea of being seen as weak. “Well, I’m still beautiful, aren’t I?” The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I cringed inwardly. Did I really just call myself beautiful?
I inhaled the sweet air around me, trying to distract myself. “This place is amazing,” I said, as I leaned against the railing, gazing out into the distance. “I’ve lived here for so long, and I never knew such a beautiful place was nearby. I used to be so focused on my work,” I added, chuckling self-deprecatingly.
“That’s because you never stopped to enjoy the scenery,” he said, joining me by the railing. His scent, subtle but pleasant, filled the air between us. “You always had your head down.”
I turned to him, my expression softening. “Thank you for helping me when I was at the end of my rope,” I said solemnly. “I know you were behind the Urban Builders deal. I’ll remember your kindness, and I’ll repay it one day.”
Atlas leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. “How do you plan to repay it?” he asked, his tone teasing.
I stepped back, trying to regain some sense of control. “Enough! I’m being sincere!” I snapped, feeling my patience fraying.
He chuckled softly, clearly amused. “I’m curious to see how you’ll repay me,” he said, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. This man was an enigma, a true mystery I couldn’t quite figure out. He was arrogant, but there was something about him that kept me on edge, something different when he was with me. I had to admit, there was something special about him, something I couldn’t ignore.
But despite the magnetic pull he had on me, I couldn’t afford to let myself indulge too much. My marriage had failed, but I still had a family to think about. If I grew too close to him, what would that make me? How would I be any different from Matthew?
“I—I’ll repay you my way,” I stammered, trying to keep my composure.
“What way is that? By offering yourself to me?” His eyes darkened with a hint of mischief, and his smile sent a ripple of unease through me. Suddenly, it felt like he was mocking me, testing me.
I straightened my posture, my expression turning stern. “I’ve said I’ll repay you, and I will. I’m not an ungrateful person, and I hope you’ll respect my sincerity. I’m not one to joke around.” I took a step back, putting distance between us. “Keep in mind that we’re still strangers, and I hope you won’t overstep.”
His gaze never wavered from mine, and for a moment, I wondered if I had made a mistake in trying to assert myself. Without warning, he reached out and grabbed my chin, pulling me closer. His strength was undeniable, and despite my attempts to pull away, I found myself unable to break free.
His lips captured mine, and for a brief moment, I resisted—until I couldn’t. The kiss, though unexpected, was electric, sending waves of heat through my body. He didn’t let go until I stopped struggling, his eyes searching mine for a reaction.
“Are we still strangers?” he asked softly, his voice low and intense.
Panicking, I broke away from him, my heart racing. “Why’d you kiss me like that? I don’t have the right to romance right now. I have a husband and a child…” My voice faltered as I tried to regain my composure.
“I can help you leave him,” Atlas said firmly, his voice leaving no room for doubt. The words struck me like a blow to the chest.
I was taken aback, my mind racing as I tried to process what he had just said. I wanted to argue with him, to push back, but I found myself lost in the depth of his starlit eyes, unable to form the words.
“I’m not joking,” he stated plainly, lifting my chin once more. His face was dangerously close, and despite my best efforts to resist, I felt myself drawn to him.
I pushed him back gently, but it was clear that escaping from him—physically and emotionally—would not be so easy.