Beyond the Divorce

I wanted to follow Lauren, but Atlas gently pulled me back and shook his head softly.

I knew Atlas didn't want me to go after her. It would only make the situation more embarrassing for her.

Later, my eyes kept glancing in Lauren's direction. Every time I looked, I saw her chatting and laughing, though I knew that behind that smile, her heart must be in pain. For six months, she had been alone and faced everything by herself.

And now that she had returned, she had to endure these malicious insults. She must be hiding a world of pain behind her smile.

Human nature truly was one of the ugliest things in this world.

Why couldn't we give those who had taken the wrong path a way back home?

When the ceremony concluded, Oliver was drunk beyond recognition, and Atlas arranged for someone to take him home.

A smiling Lauren left as well.

I couldn't stop worrying about Lauren, even after seeing off the guests and returning home. I told Atlas about my worries and turned to go to Lauren's house.

I quickly unlocked the door with my key.

As I expected, she hadn't turned on the lights. The room was pitch black, but I knew she was inside.

and soon

adjusted to the light, I saw

cheeks were stained with

turned on the light, she covered her face and muttered, "Why

that, she sniffed and

you going to drink yourself into a stupor again like you did in the

looked at me with her pale face, and smiled bitterly. "I won't. Do you really think

feeling heartache mixed with a hint of anger

I just needed a small sip

that,

Don't keep Atlas waiting. You have a good man, so I don't have to worry about you any

don't torture yourself all the time f you really do confront these people, you'll only end up hurting yourself." I put the bottle firmly on the coffee

first, neither of us spoke. We just

the silence lasted, but she was the first to

understand. Don't