Beyond the Divorce

I instantly became much more awake as the voice came through, clear and devoid of warmth. "Atlas. Come back as soon as possible. Your grandfather is critically ill. This might be your last chance to see him." "Okay." I heard Atlas reply in a simple yet firm tone without any hesitation.

All my drowsiness vanished immediately. I guessed that the caller was probably Celine.

Atlas didn't say much and hung up the phone promptly.

"Was it Celine?" I asked Atlas, feeling a bit nervous. "What did she say?"

"Yes. She said my grandfather is critically ill," Atlas's expression turned cold, and his eyes narrowed in thought.

"Could it be true?" I asked in doubt, then checked the time on my phone. It was early morning in Nocturnia.

"Hard to say, but regardless, I'm going back. Normally, she wouldn't dare not to inform me about such matters, considering the public opinion," Atlas's tone was calm but decisive.

"What should we do? Should we take the early morning flight back?" I looked at him. "I want to go with you. I also want to see grandpa. After all, for us, he's the only family we have left from the Pierce family." After a pause, I continued, "And as a member of the Pierce family, I'll only feel at ease after meeting the real head of the Pierce family, no matter his attitude. Then, I'll feel like a true member of the family." My tone was firm. Given Atlas's affection for me, I was sure he wouldn't let me have any regrets.

Sure enough, he pulled me into his embrace and kissed my forehead. "Alright. Let's rest for a while. We'll have to wait until dawn, no matter how urgent."

he tightened his embrace, I knew he couldn't sleep. I didn't want to say much. I could only nestle against his chest and close

there for a while in the dim light, Atlas softly asked, "Can't

I whispered back

hold on me, laid back and

got up, picked up his phone, and dialed

voice came through the phone instead,

his condition?" Atlas asked

"Not too good."

they at the old mansion?"

Mr. Atlas,

Atlas's reply

The person on the

for me," Atlas

to contact the