Beyond the Divorce

I quickly said, "Please come in."

Then I said into the phone, "Mom, I'll call you back later."

"Okay." My mom hung up.

The door opened, and Sandy hurried in. "Mrs. Stella."

When I saw her anxious expression, I sat up quickly. "Sandy."

"Abbas is here to pick you up. Mr. David wants to see you." Sandy looked at me nervously.

"Oh," I replied. I got up from the bed and casually asked, "Where's Atlas?"

"He and Dylan have already left. Abbas said Mr. David wants to see you alone. He didn't let me call Mr. Atlas," Sandy hurriedly explained. "Mrs. Stella, you..." "Don't worry, I'll go see him," I said. I got dressed and tidied myself up to appear presentable before heading downstairs.

curious about why Atlas's grandpa wanted

here to pick you up, Mrs. Stella. Mr. David would like to

tone had an undeniable

smiled faintly and

I deliberately said, "Let me call Atlas first,

you alone, Mrs. Stella," he emphasized, then respectfully gestured for me to follow.

didn't give me time to

at him. "Very well,

before yesterday,

me uncomfortable and somewhat resistant. What gave him the right to treat

That was enough to boost my confidence. As Atlas's

a deep breath, trying to relax When we car di arrived at the mansion, the stop at

of the car, and I followed suit. We stood at the entrance, and he went in to report before returning to escort me

me, then gestured to a chair opposite him with