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

remembered it each

to Ryan’s office and saw him buried in his work. He didn’t

waited. Without looking up, he said, “Give me ten minutes.”

I

minutes later, he finally looked at

indifferent and direct. I calmly said, “Let’s

together.”

stood up, saying, “Wait a

me until he received a call. After the call, he said, “All

we can go now.”

headed downstairs together, he stopped at the front desk

Al Dente while Ivanna fetched my parents

room when I arrived. I saw a massive two–tier cake

with widened

when we entered, appearing like he had anticipated

she had already ordered the dishes and asked if I was satisfied. Thinking

from the company party, I ordered an extra one and added

on the private room door, and I rushed to open it. When Laura entered, she looked

you to

the table. “What about that?”

today’s my birthday!” I smiled at her.

this isn’t right!” She

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

me. That’s why