Beyond the Divorce

Reflecting on the Past



"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."

Atlas, seeing that I wasn't pressing further, accompanied me to my father's room. Luckily, he had just woken up. When he saw us enter, his eyes lit up, and he seemed to regain some spirit.

"Stella, you're awake."

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

He shook his head quickly and grabbed my hand, studying me. "Don't worry about me. How about you? Are you feeling okay?"

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

Seeing my hesitation, he said gently, "Atlas has already told me. I know you two are married now."

I glanced at Atlas and nodded earnestly to my father. "Yes. We're married, Dad."

"Good. This was Lucille's and my

wish, as well as the wish of Atlas's parents. You two have been inseparable since childhood, and we all hoped to see the day you get married and continue the friendship between our families. It's just a pity..."

He couldn't continue. I quickly grasped his hand. "Dad, don't worry too much. We are together now."

Atlas stood by my side, and my father reached out to him. Atlas offered his hand to my father. My father placed my hand in Atlas's palm, and Atlas understood his intention, holding my hand firmly.

"Take care of her forever and ever." My father's words were simple but meaningful. He feared that calamity.

"I will. Stella is my treasure. I won't

let go for a moment." Atlas

e

embraced me, making a solemn promise. "I'll take care of her and our children. That's what Lucille

instructed me before she left."

Tears welled up in my father's eyes. "If it weren't for that secret, I would never have wanted to live and get humiliated for so many years. I would have gone to Lucille long ago.

"I owe her an apology for letting her betray her family, yet I was unable to give her and Stella a stable and happy life. It's all my fault, damn it." My father looked pained and was wiping his eyes.

"Dad, let bygones be bygones. You must live well and watch our children grow up happily. That's the meaning of your survival," I comforted him softly. Atlas sat on the chair beside his bed and looked at him. "Dad, since they can't see it, you must watch over our happiness and grow with us."

"Dad, what kind of secret are you talking about?" I was curious and couldn't wait to know what happened back then.

My father remained silent for a long time before saying to Atlas, "Help me sit up."

The nurse quickly came over, but Atlas stopped her and personally adjusted my father's bed.

Looking at Atlas and me, my father told the nurse, "You've worked hard. I want to talk to the kids privately."

The nurse nodded and went out. I knew whatever my father wanted to discuss was significant, so he dismissed the nurse.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.