Beyond the Divorce

When Atlas saw my melancholy expression, he spoke again. "Besides, we can't abandon business at the company and the final struggle for Avalon Hills while I'm away. And there's also the situation with Ardora. Oh, and you should watch out for Liora's comeback. See, those are all important too."

"Nothing is as important as my father! He's been hunted for so many years. He must be experiencing so much pain and guilt. Nobody knows how he's doing now. I'm his daughter... I should..." I expressed my inner turmoil.

Atlas lay me down on the bed, embraced me tightly, and tried to compromise, "Let's wait for the updates tomorrow. We'll see what information Dylan finds, then we'll decide what to do."

He patted my shoulder with his large hand. "Go to sleep now. You should finish your business and get ready to leave tomorrow. If the situation permits, I'll take you with me. I know how you're feeling right now."

I knew he was accommodating my request as he could not stand to see me unhappy. I felt relieved. I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes, thinking about the tasks I needed to handle the next day. But suddenly, I opened my eyes and looked at Atlas, who was still awake.

"Atlas... will you let me see the surveillance footage that Chelsea saved?" I really wanted to see that video, to understand how my mother...

"Sure, but go to sleep now," he said, patting my shoulder. It was clear that he was trying to divert my attention. I knew he didn't want me to see that footage.

It was getting late. Rain started to fall softly. I lay in his arms and gradually drifted off to sleep.

The following day, the weather remained gloomy, and Atlas was no longer by my side. I touched the spot where he had slept beside me, which had already cooled. It seemed like he had gotten up some time ago.

Was there any news from Dylan?

I hastily got out of bed and went downstairs. My mother and Grandma Rose were chatting and enjoying breakfast.

When she saw me hurry downstairs, my mom asked, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

"I have some things to do today. Did you sleep okay, Grandma?" I asked as I sat down beside her.

"It's quiet here, so I slept well. The air

here is much better than in the city," she replied gracefully, her eyes shining with wisdom. I knew she was keenly observing everything. Nothing escaped her notice.

But since my mom was there, there were some things we couldn't discuss.

I didn't want my mom to sense that I had a lot on my plate right now. After all, I was afraid it might hurt her.

She had always been my closest relative, even though she did not give birth to me. Anyone facing a situation like this would definitely feel a burden.

I was not sure who they were and how I had become their child. These were all questions I desperately wanted answers to, but could never ask.

I wanted to keep this secret forever. I wanted to continue being their daughter until they grew old.

"Where's Dad, Mom? Isn't he up yet?" I tried to hide my internal struggle.

My mom chuckled. "You know that's

not going to happen. He's been working since early in the morning. Since we moved here, he's been so busy that he doesn't even have time for a nap. Atlas brought him a friend, Jay They've been working together seamlessly, and they're futt of

anap

energy."

I laughed. "Let him work then, but he shouldn't overwork himself. Remind him to take a nap. You need a healthy body to be productive."

"You're right. I tell him that. He

always had his nose in books and now he's reading again, studying landscape design. Atlas has

transformed him from a PhD bol.netAll content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

in chemistry into a landscape

designer," Mom teased with a smile.

I was skeptical about my mother's words because I did not know that my dad was a PhD holder in chemistry.

"Dad has a PhD in chemistry? Why didn't I know about this?" I only knew that my dad was a teacher at the local college. How did he become a PhD holder?

As soon as I asked, my mom's smile froze, then she quickly recovered and explained, "He used to teach chemistry, and his students gave him the nickname 'Dr. Chemistry'. He's not a real PhD holder." "Oh," I responded, but I could sense a momentary slyness in my mom's eyes.

I felt like my mom had just told me a lie.