Beyond the Divorce

Ava continued to sob as the car sped toward the hospital.She clutched Atlas’s shirt, afraid he would disappear if she let go.She gazed at him and could hardly breathe from crying so much.

I felt my heart shatter as her cries rendered me speechless.

My daughter had always been well-behaved and had never cried so hard before.

She kept shaking her head and repeating, "No!"

no matter how much I tend to comfort her.

Atlas held her and assured her, "I’m here now, so you don't need to be afraid anymore.Ava, look at me.I won't let you go, okay?"

I was in disbelief at the usually commanding Atlas being so tender and protective toward my daughter.

Although I was there, he showed no intention of letting her go.

Instead, he continued to soothe and hold her.

His usually indifferent expression now bore a look of fatherly love.

It filled me with gratitude and a sense of security.

My daughter hadn’t felt a dad's love for so long, making me feel guilty.

However, Atlas filled that gap in her heart even though he wasn’t her dad.

I felt moved as I leaned on Atlas’s shoulder.

I silently shed tears as I looked at Ava’s terrified expression.

was still in shock when we reached

underwent a comprehensive examination

injuries and only suffered extreme

her into my arms, and she clung to

Atlas a moment

doctor treated Atlas’s wounds and

much effort, we finally calmed

held Atlas’s neck and rested on

try and cheer her

and the others were waiting when we returned

informed them of our safety on the way to

remained unresponsive and clung to Atlas

room as she gazed at everyone with vacant and

even tighter as if he was her only safe

afraid someone would take her I knew

lost

was my neglect that led my precious daughter to endure such a

and even refused my

remained calm and quiet in

everyone not to disturb her and continued to stroke her

rang incessantly, and I faintly Atlas gestured for everyone not to disturb her and

there was no trace of the

my spine when! thought

when he jumped from

had deliberately taken Ava to the bridge, possibly planning to use her as a bargaining

regard for my

was a scene I would never