All Chapters of Atoning for Her Sins: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

Davin Slade closed the file in his hands, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and glanced at me as though bestowing a favor. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he said, "Well then, here's to a successful partnership, Ms. Leigh."I stared at his polite demeanor, my face pale as I recalled the events of the previous night.When John Vaughn, an old investor of my company, was dragging me into a room, the elevator doors chimed and opened to reveal Davin inside, straight-backed and still. Just as the doors were about to close, I cried out to him and pleaded for help.The image of John sprawled on the ground, beaten bloody, was still vivid in my mind.I swallowed hard, unsure if I had made the right choice. Pushing down the unease in my chest, I replied with difficulty, "Pleasure working with you."After I had packed up and was ready to leave the hotel, I happened to run into Tanner Clarkson and Willow Thorne in the lobby.Tanner had an arm wrapped around Willow affecti

Chapter 2

Later that night, while I was packing my things in the apartment, my phone buzzed with a notification. Someone I had specially followed had just uploaded a new post.I opened the app and found a new video of Tanner and Willow. They were on the beach, kissing under a grand display of fireworks.This scene caused memories to rush over me like a tidal wave.Back when we were in love, Tanner had promised to give me the most romantic fireworks show and propose to me beneath the flickering display.I put my phone away and stared at the bags I had packed. My heart felt empty now. I always thought I would spend my life with Tanner, so I had bought many things to decorate the home of my dreams. But in reality, leaving this place wasn't as hard as I had imagined it to be.After having most of my luggage shipped, I spent the night in a hotel with a suitcase containing several pieces of clothes.Next morning, I headed straight to the company.When I entered my office, I found that my belo

Chapter 3

I had just checked out of the hotel when I met Rowan Elisse, Tanner's mother. She was one of the few people who genuinely cared about me."Kathy, did you and Tanner fight? I went to the company yesterday but didn't see you. They told me you were transferred to Westridge. Tell me—what did Tanner do wrong? I'll make him change."I gently removed Rowan's hand from mine and responded solemnly, "Mrs. Clarkson, Tanner and I have broken up. I'm leaving the city, and I may never come back.""What? You two broke up?" Rowan instantly sat up straight and looked at me with concern. "Did Tanner do something wrong?"She continued after a pause, "Is it that new secretary of his?"A dull expression appeared on my face."I've already cleared things up with him. Thank you for all your care before. I've booked a flight for this afternoon, and it's getting late. I won't take up any more of your time," I said.I stood up, grabbed my suitcase, and moved to leave.Rowan stopped me by holding onto my

Chapter 4

As soon as I exited the airport, I saw Davin waiting for me in the arrival hall. Surprised, I walked up to him and asked, "Mr. Slade, why are you here?"He casually took my luggage and strode outside. I hesitated for a while before quickly following him.Once in the car, Davin explained, "My grandfather and your parents both wanted me to be the first one you see when you arrive in Eastford, so I canceled my meeting and came to pick you up."I was at a loss for words. Was he expecting me to compliment him?"You're very thoughtful. Thank you for taking the time to come get me."My words didn't quite make him happy. Instead, the atmosphere grew even more awkward.Just as I was about to say something to ease the tension, he turned toward me. His expression shifted oddly and was tinged with a hint of shyness."Ka… Kathy."I froze, my eyes widening in surprise. Davin quickly shed his shyness as though it had been my imagination."We'll be married soon. I'd prefer you to address me d

Chapter 5

Although Davin and I were in a contract marriage, both families placed great importance on the wedding. I had been so busy preparing for it that I hardly had time to rest.While trying on wedding dresses, my phone rang from the couch. Davin happened to be sitting there, so I simply asked him, "Davin, can you answer the phone for me?"A few seconds passed, but the phone continued ringing.I pushed aside the curtain and walked over in confusion. "Why aren't you answering it?"He held up the phone, his tone filled with barely contained irritation."It's Tanner. How could I answer it?"I was caught off guard for a moment, then went to take the phone. I answered the call and put it on speakerphone."Have you reflected on your mistake?"Tanner's voice came immediately.I scoffed. "What mistake? Tanner, are you crazy?"Tanner let out a heavy sigh and said impatiently, "Enough with the games. I won't hold it against you for running off and leaving my mom behind. She's in the hospital

Chapter 6

Two days before the wedding, Julia Dawn, one of my former interns, sent me a video.In the video, Tanner was shouting at his human resource department staff member."I transferred Katherine to Westridge! How could a perfectly fine person just disappear into thin air? Are you all that useless?"Shaking, the staff member stood there and said helplessly, "I talked to Katherine. She said she didn't want to go to Westridge. Her employment contract was up, and she said she was leaving.""She left?" Tanner sounded incredulous. His body trembled as he staggered backward, but Willow caught him in time. "So she's no longer with the company, and no one knows where she went?"Everyone stood silent, holding their breath.In a fit of anger, Tanner threw the documents at the staff member's head.He demanded, "Why didn't you tell me she was leaving?"The staff member covered her head and glanced at Willow, pointing at her with a pitiful expression on her face."It was Ms. Thorne! She told me

Chapter 7

The next time I saw Tanner was at the entrance of a party. He looked tired, his eyes bloodshot, and his clothes were wrinkled. He was nothing like the confident, sharp person I used to know.When he saw me, he eagerly walked up to me."Kathy, I've finally found you."I stepped back to avoid his touch.This was an invitation-only event, and I had no idea how Tanner had gotten news about it.His smile faltered for a moment before it softened."I haven't heard from you these past few days. I've missed you so much.""Mr. Clarkson, please mind your words. There are reporters here," I said, deadpan.Tanner's expression was filled with disbelief and hurt. His voice turned hoarse as he asked, "What did you call me? Kathy, you've never called me that or stopped contacting me for so long. And now you're being so cold toward me."Why did you block my number? Do you know how hard it was for me to find you? The company needs you, and so does my family. Come back home with me, Kathy."Then

Chapter 8

Davin dropped me off after the party. Right after he left, a figure abruptly emerged from the shadows.I stared at the uninvited guest indifferently and said, "Tanner, enough already. You know I'm engaged, so what are you doing here? Let me remind you once again—we've broken up."Tanner's eyes were red as he uttered through gritted teeth, "I won't let you do this to me, Katherine. You lied to me. How dare you break up with me?"I looked at him, confused. "What did I lie about? Why do you keep acting like I hurt you?"He went on angrily, "If you had told me earlier that you were the heiress of Leigh Group, I never would've believed it when Willow said that you were some promiscuous woman, that you only closed deals by drinking and sleeping with clients! Things between us wouldn't have turned out like this!"I rolled my eyes. "Tanner, do you believe whatever Willow says? Are you a child? Listen carefully. Every single deal I closed was based on my capabilities. It had nothing to do

Chapter 9

On the day of the wedding, Willow suddenly called me just before I was about to leave the house. Her voice sounded dark and unhinged."You bitch, this is all your fault!"Before I could even ask what was going on, she hung up. Dumbstruck, I got into the wedding car. But when we arrived at the venue, my heart sank.It wasn't the place Davin and I had picked for our wedding.The driver opened the door and forcibly dragged me out of the car.Tanner was standing there holding a bouquet of white roses. He took my hand from the driver and looked at me with a deep, loving gaze."Kathy, finally, I get to marry you."I frowned and yanked my hand away."Tanner, are you insane? I'm getting married to Davin today. Take me back right now!"Instantly, Tanner's expression twisted into something monstrous. He grabbed my hand again, this time with more force, and pulled me tightly into his arms, dragging me toward the ceremony hall.The doors swung open, and my eyes widened.Inside, Willow w

Chapter 10

"You'd better explain what this contract is about!"Dad slammed the contract that Davin and I had signed onto the table, his hand trembling as he pointed at me.I kept my head down, too afraid to speak.After Willow was taken away for questioning, everything came to light, including the marriage contract I had with Davin.When I didn't respond, Dad fumed and threw his teacup across the room.I shut my eyes and braced myself for the impact, but a broad body stepped in front of me. I looked up into Davin's concerned eyes. He gently patted my head, wordlessly telling me not to be afraid.Then, he knelt before Dad with his head covered in tea leaves and explained, "This is my fault. I was the one who suggested we sign the contract. At the time, I was afraid Kathy wouldn't accept me, so I used the excuse of saving her to make her marry me. But I truly care about Kathy. Please, let me marry her."He then sincerely bowed to my parents.I stared at him in shock. Mom nudged my arm, and

SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP