Beyond the Divorce

"I have a plan." Atlas asserted confidently.

"What

plan?" Arnold asked.

"I'll tell you tonight."

"Okay." Arnold nodded.

I felt uneasy. I put down the spoon in my hand and looked at Atlas. "Atlas, aren't you getting too comfortable at deceiving me? Has it become a routine for you now?"

Atlas's smile was charming as he sat down behind me. "No way, I can't keep it from you this time. You need to know our entire plan to work with us. But with so many people around in the hospital, we need to be careful."

His reasoning seemed sound, and after a moment of hesitation, I glanced at the door and nodded. "Alright then. But remember what you said."

After finishing my meal, I pushed the small table away. "I need to go see my dad."

wasn't pressing further, accompanied me to my father's room. Luckily, he had just woken up. When he saw us enter, his eyes

was hoarse. I quickly took a cotton swab, dampened it, and wiped his lips. "Dad... are you feeling

his head quickly and grabbed my hand, studying me. "Don't

words and seeing his anxious expression, I knew he must have found out about my

said gently, "Atlas has already told me. I know you two are married

nodded earnestly to my father. "Yes.

and my wish, as well as the wish of Atlas's parents. You two have been inseparable since childhood, and we

I quickly grasped his hand. "Dad, don't worry too

father reached out to him. Atlas offered his hand to my father. My father placed my hand in Atlas's palm, and Atlas

ever." My father's words were simple but meaningful. He feared

Stella is my

for

me, making a solemn promise. I'll take care of her

eyes. "If it weren't for that secret, I would never have wanted to live and get humiliated for