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.

reached for the light switch, and soon the room was brightly

I saw Lauren sitting on the sofa,

cheeks were stained with

face and muttered, "Why are you here? Today was your

saying that, she

took the bottle from her hands, and said, "Are you going to drink yourself into a stupor again like

with her pale face,

I retorted, feeling heartache mixed with a hint

the past six months, I've rebuilt my life. I just needed a small sip to stabilize my

saying that,

so I don't have to worry about you

f you really do confront these people, you'll only end up hurting yourself." I put the bottle firmly on

first, neither of us spoke. We just sat

lasted, but she was

understand. Don't