“What did you just say?” Wade was livid, and his rage was boiling over as he raised his hand to strike Atlas again.
“How dare you speak to us that way? Do you think you’ve grown enough to defy us now?”
“Enough!” A commanding, elderly voice interrupted their quarrel.
Atlas turned to see George, who was recently discharged from the hospital, standing there.
George looked even more aged than before. His complexion was pale and his face was now deeply lined.
Wade’s temper cooled slightly, though his expression remained sour.
“Look at you all. Which one of you can honestly say you’ve treated Ember right?” George said as his gaze swept over the three of them before settling on Atlas.
“Atlas, follow me to the study.”
Atlas then obediently trailed behind his grandfather into the room.
As soon as they entered, George’s cane struck the floor with a resounding thud.
“Kneel.”
Atlas hesitated. “Grandpa, I-
“Kneel!”
“Yes, sir.” Atlas knelt down without further protest.
“What did I tell you before?” George questioned him. “Did I not tell you to treat Ember well–to never break her heart?
“And what did you do? I know everything, Atlas. You tell me–don’t you deserve what’s happening to you now?”
Atlas squeezed his eyes shut tightly. “Yes, you’re right
2/3
+25 BONUS
Chapter 20
“It’s my fault. I hurt Ember, and I know I was wrong. That’s why I want to make amends, but Ember…
She…”
“You’re still making excuses!” George barked as he slammed his came onto Atlas‘ back.
“You hunt her, and now you’re shamelessly clinging to her, begging for her to return. ++\‘\‘\
“Atlas, when have you ever respected Ember’s wishes”
Atlas‘ eyes reddened instantly.
George glared at him with disappointment. “Look at you now. Do you still think you can win Ember back? Dream on!”
He then sighed heavily. “Just give it up, Atlas.
“Consider it letting her go, and letting yourself go as well. It’s for the best for both of you.”
Atlas abruptly lifted his head, his voice trembling as he choked out,
“But…”
But how could he live a life without Ember? How could he accept that the woman he once loved so deeply now belonged to someone else?
George’s next words, however, left him speechless.
“Do it for me. Consider this an old man’s final request. Can you do that for me?
“I’m an old fool who doesn’t have much time left. How many more days do I have to worry about you?
www.up.
“Atlas, it’s time for you to grow up.”
Atlas remained silent for a long while before finally nodding, his response heavy with reluctance. “I understand.
“But I won’t accept any arranged marriages. I’ve said it before–if Ember isn’t my fiancée, then I won’t have one at all.”
George waved his hand wearily. “As long as you can rein in your emotions, I’ll let you handle the rest however you see fit.”
Chapter 21
