Beyond the Divorce

Chapter 169 A Heartwarming Family Dinner

“Are you busy?” I asked.

“What is it? Go ahead,” Atlas sounded somewhat unhappy, making my heart race slightly.

“Where are you?” I asked, feeling a bit uneasy.

“Quillbrooke,” he hushedly spoke, sounding like he was in a meeting.

I felt even more awkward. “I was just…wondering what you’re up to right now. I’m fine, so you can call me

ack when you’re not busy.

I quickly hung up but couldn’t hide my disappointment. I wanted to tell Atlas I missed him but knew the

situation prevented it. Since he was a business tycoon, being with him daily was impossible.

Perhaps choosing him meant not living an everyday life. I chuckled, wondering why I was so sentimental

since it was only my birthday. Soon, I composed myself because I had many important things to handle. I

couldn’t afford to dwell on my emotions and had to face reality.

That afternoon, I called Lauren and Ivanna to invite them for dinner. Ivanna knew it was my birthday and

it each

I went to Ryan’s office and saw him buried in his work. He

I waited. Without looking up, he

sat before his desk and watched him work tirelessly. I couldn’t help but wonder when I became

looked

indifferent and direct. I calmly said,

together.”

up, saying, “Wait a moment.”

matters with me until he received a call. After the

can go now.”

together, he stopped at the front desk for something

I drove to Al Dente while Ivanna

arrived. I saw a massive two–tier cake on the table

staring at it with widened eyes. It

didn’t seem surprised when we entered, appearing like

and asked if I

party, I ordered an extra one and

open it. When Laura entered, she

to meet my parents and daughter

table. “What about that?”

I smiled

right!” She looked at me disapprovingly

to meet my parents. My birthday isn’t that important. I treat it

gathering–everyone here is dear to me. That’s why