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Novel Catalog
Chapter_75
Revenge
He grabbed my wrist just as I turned, his touch firm, yet strangely gentle. I avoided his eyes, feeling awkward and powerless. We stood there in silence, the tension between us thick, the world outside this small bubble we shared fading away.
Without a word, Atlas gently pulled me back into his embrace, resting my head on his chest. His warmth, his strength, offered me an unexpected comfort. I closed my eyes, letting the soothing beat of his heart calm me for just a moment.
“You need to leave him as soon as possible,” Atlas urged softly, his voice low and serious. It was the kind of advice I should have listened to long ago, but it softened my resolve.
“But I need to expose his true colors,” I said, my voice shaky but determined. “Only then can I justify the time I’ve wasted on him. I won’t allow them to continue humiliating me. I want them to pay for their actions and reclaim everything that belongs to me and my daughter.”
He remained silent for a moment before replying, “I said I’d help you.”
I pulled away slightly, my hands shaking. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of safety washed over me as I embraced Atlas. Something about him made me feel protected, like maybe, just maybe, he was the one person I could trust in all this madness.
“I must cleanse this shame alone,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Do you understand? This is the only way I can do right by myself and my parents, who have supported me.”
Atlas didn’t argue. Instead, he simply nodded, his hands gently releasing me from his embrace. “Come with me,” he said, taking my hand.
I followed him as he led me through the breathtaking resort grounds, but I barely noticed the beauty around me. My thoughts were consumed with what was at stake—the revenge I sought, the truth I needed to expose.
We reached a small building, and Atlas took me up to the top floor. He led me into a spacious suite and settled me on the couch before handing me a stack of project documents. “Take a look,” he said, motioning to the papers. “You’ll need these if you want to take back what’s yours.”
I glanced at him, unsure of what to say, but he just shrugged and turned to leave. I felt the weight of the documents in my hands, but there was something almost hypnotic about them. The first page hooked me immediately, and I found myself immersed in the details, the strategy, the path I needed to follow.
I lost track of time. The sky had darkened before Atlas returned, turning on the lights. A server followed him in, pushing a cart laden with dinner.
“You can’t just say you want everything back,” Atlas said, sitting down beside me. “I told you I’d help you. But you have to be willing to take action.”
I wasn’t hungry, but I felt compelled to eat. Reluctantly, I pushed the documents aside, allowing myself a small bite of the food. But my mind remained fixed on the task ahead.
“Why are you helping me?” I asked, finally breaking the silence. I looked into his eyes, trying to see past the mystery that surrounded him.
“Because I want to,” he replied, but there was something in his tone that didn’t quite ring true. I knew he was hiding something, but I couldn’t figure out what it was.
I suddenly had a thought, and before I could stop myself, I asked, “Have we met before? You seem strangely familiar.”
His expression flickered for just a second, but he masked it quickly. “I don’t think so,” he said smoothly, though I could tell there was something more behind his words. Atlas was a complete enigma—a true mystery of a man. Every move he made, every word he spoke, felt like part of a puzzle I couldn’t solve.
But I couldn’t afford to indulge in my curiosity too much. My marriage had failed, and I still had a family. I couldn’t allow myself to get too close to him, or I might end up like Matthew, using people for my own gain.
“I–I’ll repay you my way,” I stammered, trying to keep things distant, but the weight of his presence was hard to ignore.
“What way is that? By offering yourself to me?” He leaned in slightly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. The way he looked at me—so confident, so certain—made me feel small, almost as if he were mocking me.
I tightened my jaw and stood up, my expression hardening. “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 said, meeting his gaze head-on. “Keep in mind that we’re still strangers, and I hope you won’t overstep.”
But instead of stepping back, Atlas reached for my chin, gently pulling me closer. Our faces were mere inches apart, and I could feel the heat of his breath against my skin. I tried to push him away, but his grip remained firm.
His lips captured mine, and for a brief moment, I resisted—but then, I found myself giving in. The kiss was electric, a surge of emotion I hadn’t expected. He only released me when I stopped struggling, his eyes searching mine.
“Are we still strangers?” he asked softly. “Did I sound like I was joking?”
I pulled away quickly, 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…”
Atlas’s gaze softened, but his voice was firm. “I can help you leave him.”
His words hit me like a blow to the chest. I wanted to argue, to protest, but I couldn’t. His eyes held me captive, and I found myself lost in them.
“I’m not joking,” he repeated, his voice calm but certain.
He lifted my chin again, drawing me closer. I pushed him back, but it was only half-hearted. I couldn’t escape this pull, no matter how hard I tried.
He smiled, sensing my hesitation, and asked, “Have you made up your mind? Are you determined to get revenge?”
“Yes,” I replied, my voice strong and unwavering. “I decided before going to Solaris. That day by the river…” I took a sip of wine to steady my nerves. “Although I was out of it, one thing was clear. I must get back everything that belongs to me.”
I realized then that I may have offended him by speaking so harshly. He was helping me, after all. I softened my tone, adding, “What’s the point of such a marriage if there’s no trust? Not just in a personal sense, but even in business. With Matthew, there’s neither trust nor any remaining familial bond. Maybe we’re pursuing the maximum benefit, but I’m not just in it for the money. I want to prove a point. He came from nothing, but now he wants to send his wife, the woman who helped him, straight to hell. Where’s the justice in that?”
Atlas clinked his glass against mine, his eyes clear and bright. “In that case, let’s toast to it. I’ll help you regain your paradise.”
I couldn’t help but ask, “But won’t this affect you? After all, you’ve worked hard to climb up to your position at ATL Empire. I don’t want to drag you into this mess.”
“I’m already a part of this,” Atlas said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “What can we do about it?”