Chapter 20
1031words
When Atlas was brought back to the Ferguson residence, the first thing he saw was his parents sitting silently in the living room.
As soon as Wade saw him, he shouted, "Come here!"
Atlas walked over expressionlessly, only to be met with a resounding slap across his face. His head snapped to the side, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.
Alana, who was standing nearby, immediately rushed to her son in panic.
"Talking is enough. Why did you have to hit him?" She scolded her husband. Her voice was filled with concern as she pulled Atlas closer to inspect him.
The more she looked, the more horrified she became.
"What… what happened to you?" she asked in shock. "Atlas, why are you covered in bruises? And who hit you in the face?"
Unable to bear seeing her son in such a state, Alana clung to him angrily. "This is outrageous! There's no justice left in the world! I'll go find whoever did this and demand an explanation!"
"Stop!"
Wade slammed his palm against the coffee table, his voice thunderous as he pointed at Alana. "This is not the time for your meddling!
"This useless mess of a son is your doing—you've spoiled him rotten!"
His chest heaved with anger as he turned to Atlas. "Speak! Where have you been?"
"I was looking for Ember," Atlas replied coldly. "You may not care about her, but I do. For the rest of my life, she will be my only fiancée."
Alana asked in confusion, "And your injuries…"
"It's from Forrest Jackman of Oceanus," Atlas said as his tone turned grim. "Ember's… boyfriend."
The emotionless words Ember had left him with before their parting echoed in his mind, over and over again.
How could she so decisively throw away everything they had shared over the years?
"Ridiculous!"
Wade's fury boiled over at the sight of his disheveled son. "Atlas, look at yourself! You're like a stray dog!
"You neglect your work and the company for the sake of Ember Sloane? Do you have any idea how much Ferguson Group's stock has dropped in the past few days?
"You're a grown man running off to brawl with others—aren't you embarrassed? Because I certainly am!
"And traveling all the way to Oceanus? Do you even understand the standing of the Jackman family there? Stirring up trouble on their turf—I'd say you deserved the beating!"
Alana added bitterly at the mention of Ember, "It's all because of that cursed Ember!
"I've said it before—she's nothing but bad news. She does nothing but bring trouble to Atlas. And now, she's back to causing us problems even after surviving—"
"Mom!" Her words were abruptly cut off by Atlas' low growl.
"How exactly has Ember wronged you?" Atlas' eyes brimmed with sorrow and anger. "Why do you have to target her like this?
"The only reason she's been in this house all these years is because her parents died saving you! And now this is how you treat her? Do you even have a conscience?"
"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.
"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 cane onto Atlas' back.
"You hurt 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?
"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."
