Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 324(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 216(@300wpm)
“It would be best if you could get here as soon as you can.”
“Of course, I’m on my way.” I change out of my pajamas, which I had planned to stay in all day, and call a cab, going straight to the hospital. It doesn’t take me long to find her, and when I do, she is curled up in a ball on the bed.
“Lucy.” She doesn’t move at the sound of my voice. “Lucy… are you okay?”
“I told them not to call you. I want Atlas.”
“Lucy, what’s wrong?” I walk over and see her gripping her belly.
“I don’t want you, I want Atlas. Call Atlas, Thea. He isn’t answering my calls.”
“What makes you think he will answer mine?” I highly doubt he will answer my call, but I do it anyway. Knowing his number off the top of my head, I press call, and he answers on the second ring, my name ringing in my ear at the sound of his voice.
“Theadora.”
“It’s Lucy, she’s—”
“I told her to stop calling. So what? Now you’re trying? How low can you go, Theadora?” His words are harsh, and if he was in front of me right now, I would probably slap him.
“You ignorant asshole, she’s in the hospital.”
“Where?” he asks.
I tell him where, and before he can say anything else, I hang up.
“Lucy, he’s coming,” I tell her, she nods but doesn’t look at me.
“You can go now,” she whispers.
“Lucy, what’s wrong?” I reach for her, but she brushes me away like I am scum.
“I told you… the only person I want is Atlas.”
I sigh and sit on the bed opposite her.
The doctor walks in and tells me everything’s fine, that she’s had Braxton Hicks contractions and she should rest to ensure they go away in case of early-onset labor. Her stomach is way bigger than when I saw her last. She’s roughly six months along, and it won’t be too long until she has a tiny baby to care for. Lucy, my sister, who only looks out for herself will have a baby.
The thought terrifies me.
I am really hoping she will put this baby before her own selfish needs.
But I don’t have much hope when it comes to her.
I’m so lost in thought, I jump when a hand touches my shoulder. When I turn, Atlas is standing there.
“You came for her again?” he asks.
I shrug, and he looks down at me as if he’s trying to work me out.
“You can leave, I’m sure you have someone waiting for you.” He walks over to Lucy before I can ask what he means.
Someone waiting for me.
What does that even mean?
Lucy brightens the minute she sees Atlas and sits up, throwing her arms around his neck. He doesn’t reciprocate, just stands there as she lays her head on his shoulder.
“I was so worried. So worried,” she whines.
She was fine before, just lying there, ignoring me.
“The doctor said I need bed rest and someone to look after me. Can I come to yours now?” she asks.
I watch them in horror, my eyebrows drawn tightly together and my lip raised almost in a sneer as I watch on. Lucy really does think she’s in love with Atlas. And yet, he doesn’t even touch her or show her any inkling that he feels the same way.
I stand and turn, ready to walk out.
“Thank your sister,” Atlas says to Lucy, which makes me stop in the doorway, but I don’t turn around because I know what’s coming.
“She only came to steal you from me, as she’s always done.”
With a heavy sigh, I close my eyes then turn to face them. I look at Lucy, who’s too busy looking up at Atlas with lovey-dovey eyes, and Atlas is staring directly at me.
“I didn’t come to steal him. There’s nothing to steal, Lucy. He is all yours. You can have him.” I smile, turn, and walk out.
I hear her response as I leave the room.
“See, she doesn’t love you. Only I can do that. It’s all about me and my love for you.”
A letter comes the next day, and I have to sign for it before the courier leaves. When I open it, I see it’s an offer. Chloe’s business could be mine for a fraction of the list price. I know for a fact how much it’s worth, and how much business it takes in every day. The price listed is crazy low.
What is he up to?
I call Sydney.
“You got the letter,” is the first thing she says.
“Ahh, yes… what game is he playing?” I ask. One of the reasons he kidnapped me was because Chloe and Jesse owed him money. And because she couldn’t pay, he took their business. So, I’m very confused.
“No game. He got what he was owed. Now he no longer wants that business.”
“What?” I ask, highly confused.