chapter130

We didn’t wake until close to noon the following day. I stayed still, feeling Atlas’s arms wrapped tightly around me, anchoring me to the bed. I had a feeling he wouldn't have let go at all if Fred hadn’t called me with an urgent update.

“I have work to finish,” I murmured, shifting slightly. “I have to head back to Foswood this evening.”

He finally released his hold and sat up, offering to have one last lunch with me before I left.

My relationship with Atlas left me deeply conflicted. I often found myself wondering what we actually were to each other. On the surface, it felt like the puzzle pieces of our lives simply fit together, but there was a hollow space where the foundation should be. He hadn’t made any grand commitments, and there had been no whispered declarations of love.

Yet, whenever he was near, I found I didn't know how to refuse him. There was a dangerous comfort in his presence, a silent understanding that bypassed the need for consent or conversation. Because of that, I didn't dare ask him to define us. I was afraid of the answer—or the lack of one.

It was already late into the night by the time I reached Foswood. I was so bone-weary that I could barely find the breath to speak. My mother watched me with a heavy heart, slowly shaking her head as she sat beside me.

“Chloe, why are you pushing yourself so hard?” she whispered. “Why don't you just come home with your father and me? Life is too short. Isn't your comfort and happiness worth more than this struggle?”

My mother’s words carried the weight of truth, but Foswood held too much of my history for me to simply walk away. I had too many regrets to pack into a suitcase. I couldn't back down; I had to win back the ten years of youth I had poured into a lie.

Now that the new contract was signed, I felt like I had finally caught Matthew in my web. He was trapped, whether he knew it or not, and I intended to play this game slowly until there was nothing left of him.

After leaving the office the following day, I called my mother to tell her I wouldn't be home for dinner. I needed to catch up with Ivanna, specifically to discuss the latest developments with Ryan.

Ivanna was thrilled to have a night out. “Let’s spoil ourselves for once! There’s a revolving restaurant with a stunning river view and incredible French cuisine. My treat!”

I didn't object. We agreed to meet at the entrance.

However, the moment we were seated, my heart nearly stopped. A familiar figure was sitting just a few tables away—but he wasn't alone.

I tensed, my entire body going cold. Atlas was there, accompanied by a woman. He glanced in my direction for a split second, his eyes unreadable, before smoothly averting his gaze as if we were total strangers.

From my angle, I could only see the woman’s slim, elegant silhouette. She was dressed in a way that screamed understated wealth and impeccable taste. Even from the back, she exuded a natural grace. I could only imagine the captivating smile she was currently sharing with Atlas.

What stung the most was Atlas’s expression. He looked indulgent—a soft, patient look I seldom saw on his usually stoic face.

Ivanna noticed my sudden distraction and leaned in, her eyes following mine. “What’s going on? Who are you looking at?”

I quickly looked back at my menu, feigning ignorance. “It’s nothing. Just thought I saw someone I knew.”

“Shouldn’t we go over and say hi if it’s an acquaintance?” she probed, sensing my shift in mood.

“There’s no need for that,” I replied, focusing on ordering my meal.

But as the night went on, the food felt tasteless in my mouth. Even the romantic lights dancing on the river view had become dull and boring. Despite my best efforts to focus on Ivanna, I couldn't stop my eyes from drifting back, desperate to catch a glimpse of the woman’s face.