I was still standing there, frozen and pleading with my eyes to keep the tears in them. Because, if one drop fell… the dam would break. My breath hitched as Atlas strolled over, grinning. “Alright,” He sighed, reaching for my hand. “Let’s get started,”I retracted my wrist, finding my voice, “When were you going to tell me?”Atlas frowned. “Tell you what?” I stepped forward. “Tell me that Adeline was never caught. That for the past few days while we were galavanting in Miami, while you and your kids were all over Miami, she…” I stumbled back as Atlas’ face fell. “That nutcase was free!”Atlas glanced around, “Who told you?”“That’s what you care about?” I seethed, my heart breaking in my chest. The pieces poked me and I found myself running out of the mansion, tears leaking from my eyes.“Julia, wait!” Atlas called after me, his footsteps louder than the music. I didn’t stop until I was far away— far enough and darn it —I would never be. My knees buckled and I recalled how he lied
“Y-you can’t threaten me!” “Oops,” I said, pausing the video, “I think I just did.”The principal glanced around, as if searching for a way out before he cleared his throat. “That video… delete it.”“Sorry, I couldn’t hear my apology over the sound of your demands,”Lily pulled my arm down and whispered into my ear. “Go Mommy!”“I think you don’t want us to settle offline,” My hand hovered over the post button. “Maybe we should take this on-line.” I emphasized the on and was about to press the button when his voice echoed through the room. “Stop, please wait.”“Ah, there’s the magic word.”“You two, come over here!” He called the kids. “Are you really Atlas’ Volkan’s kids? That woman sounds… she sounds serious.”“She sounds like Mrs. Volkan, Dummy!” Lily spat and I glared at her. “Where are your manners?” I muttered. “With people who deserve it,” She shrugged and I groaned, she was definitely Atlas’ daughter. “Tell me, are you or are you not?” The man gritted and the kids glanced
When the lights flickered on, Atlas was at the farthest corner in the room, offering me a sheepish grin that did not reach his eyes. I rolled my eyes for the millionth time — I was counting — and returned to work. Mendez arrived with more coffee and we continued adjusting the designs. “Ma’am! The flower girl dresses are ready,” A designer chirped and my breath hitched at one of the dresses. It wasn’t just the dress, it was the size, it was the gaping hole in my chest that ached when I recalled her. My little Elara. I still couldn’t believe she was so far away. Atlas assured me that she would be returning soon and it would be hard to abruptly move her from an environment she grew up in. Despite his reassurances, not a day went by that I did not shed a tear for my little princess. I reached for the dress, my hands trembling as I recalled the sound of her first cry. I pressed it against my chest and the designer frowned but averted her gaze, as if really how intimate the moment wa
“W-what?” My voice cracked, “But how…” I tried to form words as I stumbled. The memories of Adeline throwing acid at me replayed like a loop in my mind, my eyes stung with tears, and I could almost feel my skin burning as a shriek rippled from my throat. “Julia!” Atlas snapped and I opened my eyes, struggling to focus on him. He pulled me into a hug and held me tight. It was then that I realised I had been stuck in a panic attack. My bottom lip quivered, I tried to count one to ten in my head, heck, I tried to breathe. “She… she can’t be free! That woman is dangerous! S-she’s come for us! She won’t spare us Atlas! We just got our family back and—”“No, no, no,” Atlas said, holding my face. His thumb brushed a tear from my cheek. “No one will hurt my family. Not again,” He leaned and our noses brushed, “never again.”I nodded. Atlas gestured at Mendez and he scrambled out, leaving us alone. “Are you okay?” Atlas asked, already guiding me toward a sofa. I blinked, feeling dazed and
“B-Boss!” Daria stuttered. “We are preparing to welcome the CEO you appointed but…”Wait. Boss? CEO? Appoint? Atlas knew them? “This woman,” the other lady marched forward, “Barged into this place and created a scene, she claimed that she’s here to deliver designs and…” she trailed off, her gaze lingering on Atlas’ face.I turned, eyes widening as his nostrils flared. His grip on Daria’s wrist tightened, he looked like he was one second from setting the entire building on fire and watching it burn. “This woman,” He began, slow and deliberate, like the calm before the storm. “Is my wife,” he continued and their faces paled. “Your CEO.” I swallowed. How was Atlas connected to any of it? Had he planned everything? How was I their CEO? I didn’t get a chance to speak before Daria took my hands into hers. “Y-You’re M-Mrs. Volkan?”I glanced at Atlas. “I… I guess?”“We’re so sorry, Ma’am.” The second one scrambled, offering her hand. Now, they wanted to be nice? My fists tightened. “I’
“Three milkshakes and two coffees for the most hardworking team in the world!” Atlas chirped, strolling into the living room. I raised my head, offering him a smile. “You look like a mess,” It came out dreamy, laced with love. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” he said, setting the tray down, sitting cross-legged on the floor. I glanced around, her nose scrunching at the rumpled papers, torn sketch pads, broken pencils, Louis’ textbooks, Lily’s teddy bear, and finally, Leo’s sweater. They were huddled together, holding my latest drawing, examining it. “Mommy! I think I got it!” Lily squeaked, scooting closer. “You should add some sprinkles here, and there… just like that!”I bit inside my cheek to hold back a laugh as she drew out her advice, it looked like a beautiful mess. “All your advice includes sprinkles, Lily. If we followed you; this house would be made of glitter!” Leo glared at her, taking off his headphones. “Hey muscle bunny!” she shoved Leo. “At least I have ideas,