Beyond the Divorce

Atlas was probably surprised by my emotional outburst. He nodded and said, "Yes, that ‘Rory,’ who died in the plane crash with my parents, also had a snake tattoo.”

The news sent a shiver down my spine. "So you mean, the one who died in the crash wasn't Rory? Then who was he?"

I couldn't explain why I was so intrigued by Rory. Whenever his name came up, I felt an urge to dig deeper.

It was similar to the first time Grayson mentioned Lucille's name, and I felt a sense of déja vu.

"This is the part I've always hesitated to make sense of, but one thing is certain. Rory didn't have that tattoo!” Atlas said,

“Later, I managed to obtain the evidence from the investigation report."

"Is this what made you suspect that your parents’ crash wasn't just an accident?” I looked at Atlas. The awkwardness between us from earlier had dissipated, and I straightened up.

Atlas brushed aside the stray strands of hair caught in the breeze. His eyes were deep, and his voice was low. "I spent a whole decade looking for this evidence. That's why I can't afford to take it lightly. Do you understand?”

I met his gaze. This was a look shared only between us, devoid of any formality.

"Chloe, the situation here is far worse than you can imagine. I intended to protect the people who matter to me. That's why I said I only have one request for you, and that is to trust me. Of course, some unforeseen events happened. It's normal for you to misunderstand me.”

flushed involuntarily. He

crossed the line. I won't let them off so

"So, was the accident orchestrated by you,

had been wanting to clarify. There were too many unresolved

onto my hand, his

speculations. After all, I had pondered

the drama. It further convinced Celine of the crash's authenticity. So, I had to keep the truth hidden from you, including our encounter at

you at Quail Creek?" I was a little surprised. During that near-miss encounter, I had only suspected

you when I came out?" I

moment, I couldn't meet you. I couldn't tell you I wasn't in the emergency room.

Pleca Park then? Who was in Pleca

surface, Pleca Park seemed unassuming, but it was practically

is my home!" Atlas held my hand, squeezing it. "I'm free to

answer widened

and go? What did he

lying unconscious