Beyond the Divorce

Atlas's enchanting smile could captivate anyone. He pinched my nose playfully and said, "Do you know why that guy's earpiece suddenly beeped in his ear?"

Of course I knew. Without that sound, he wouldn't have withdrawn his hand abruptly to touch his ear, and his wrist wouldn't have taken a bullet.

The situation demanded that we make him release the remote control. If he retained control, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"That was our professionals deliberately creating noise to divert his attention. Our sniper only hit his hand when he was distracted." Atlas's explanation didn't match my speculation.

"But we didn't expect him to take you down with him," he said, hastily holding me close. I knew how terrified he must have been.

"I didn't think he would make me fall with him. If that shot hadn't hit him, we would've..." I sighed and closed my eyes, refusing to dwell on it.

He looked at my face regretfully and said, "It's my fault for being careless. I didn't even notice you had left my side."

"It's not your fault, it's mine. I thought you were engrossed in what you were saying, so I didn't want to disturb you. I didn't sense any danger," I reassured him. "I'll try to be more alert."

I sighed and continued, "Even if you had noticed it earlier, it wouldn't have made a difference.

got to the roof, he told me there was a bomb on the second floor. If I took a step, he would trigger the detonator. I couldn't risk endangering all

for me when you found I was gone. Before I left, I specifically instructed the receptionist to tell you where I went.

we spoke, a sudden, urgent knocking startled me. Atlas's

the door opened, Arnold

frantically checking me over and asking,

How could this

you?"

BUMS

almost fell off the building. If it weren't for Atlas,

by and just watched us. He didn't try to pull us

outrageous. What

those desperados who dared to attack you?" Arnold was infuriated. "Those cops are useless. Theygust stood by when you were in

still worried about my injuries.