What Doesn’ 79

What Doesn’ 79

Chapter

Through the haze of my tears, I thought I saw him

The man who had once held me close at my father’s foveral, his arms a shetter as my world crumbled 

*Celeste, I will give you a home. Everything I have belongs to you** 

His voice had been so steady that day, his embrace so sure, as if I had been his entire world

What a cruel illusion

Now, as I laid Atlas onto our bed, I no longer moved with the tenderness I once did. I didn’t take off his shoes, I didn’t press a glass of 

water to his lips, murmuring words of comfort

I simply turned away

For the first time in five years, I shut myself inside the guest room

That night, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, replaying every memory of his loveevery soft look, every whispered promise

And wondering if any of it had ever been real

Morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room

I opened my eyes to find Atlas already watching me. His gaze was gentle, his expression full of quiet affection, as if nothing had 

changed

He leaned down, pressing a slow, familiar kiss to my forehead

Celeste, were you upset last night?His voice was soft, laced with concern. I’m sorryI had too much to drink. I promise it won’t 

happen again.” 

His tenderness was effortless, the same as it had always been

I gave a quiet hum in response, barely audible, then slipped out of bed and into the bathroom. The moment the door shut behind me, I turned on the faucet, letting the cold water run over my fingers

Then, with slow deliberation, I pressed my damp palms to my forehead, wiping away the lingering warmth of his kiss

Breakfast was already laid out when I stepped into the dining room

Once, a sight like this would have made me happy. Atlas always prepared my favoritesmeticulously plated, arranged with care

But now, after reading his diary, after seeing the truth spelled out so cruelly in his own words… 

I couldn’t even muster the appetite to eat. Because I knew now. These weren’t my favorite dishes. They were Ivy’s

The sound of keys turning in the front door made me look up

The door swung open, and Ivy stepped inside, her white dress flowing as she moved through my home as though she belonged there

She walked to the table without hesitation, sliding into a chair across from me, her smile polite, effortless

06:13 

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You St 

65.5

Chapter

Celeste Hope is intruding the sad, wore smoothes and begundua de marsing the R wei In koreakfast first

I didn’t respond. My gee had ready to steny sur 

A keychain 

Bangling from her fingertipsidentical to the astrayed in my bag 

Atlas must have noticed the shift in my expressly luxad in, kis mary jaw, standing 

Celeste, Ivy is our closest friend,he murmurd. It’s pool for key to have a key to our kee 

His voice trailed off, cut short by his own instinct 

Across the table, Ivy had just picked up a glass of soy milk. Afias was on his feet in an intact, morning wither thought 

Ivy, you can’t drink thisHis voice was sharp, urgent. How many times have I told you

Ivy stilled, then let out a soft laugh, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear

You’re right,she murmured, her tone teasing, affectionate. Thank God, I got you to remind me 

Their eyes met, something unspoken passing between them. Something too deep, too natural, box had nothing to do with

I pushed back my chair, the sound echoing in the quiet room. I didn’t want to be here anymore

I was halfway to the door when Ivy called out again

Celeste,she said, tilting her head in that same effortless way. You’re good at photography, right? Could you take my pictures today? I don’t trust the new photographer.” 

My fingers clenched. Since my father’s passing, I hadn’t touched a camera

Not once

Because the moment I did, I would think of himhis steady hands guiding mine, his patient voice teaching me how to frame a shot 

his warmth as he stood beside me

Atlas knew this. He had locked all my cameras away, told me I didn’t have to force myself, promised that he would wait wul I was 

ready

But nowbefore I could even refuse, Atlas placed a hand on my back, gently ushering me forward

Celeste,he said, almost apologetically, Ivy gets carsick. Let’s not make things difficult for her, okay? You can sit in the back today.” 

A quiet, bitter laugh nearly escaped me

He had forgotten something I was the one who got carsick

06:13 

What Doesn’

What Doesn’

Status: Ongoing Type: Native Language: English

What Doesn’

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