Chapter 768
Atlas noticed my anxious demeanor and comforted me with a pat on the back. “You can sleep first. I’ll see who it is.”
He got up, put on his slippers, and approached the door. I couldn’t help but wonder who could be visiting so late at night. After all, we hadn’t lived here for quite some time. While contemplating, I got out of bed and straightened my sleepwear before leaving the bedroom.
When I reached the landing, I peeked downstairs and saw Atlas opening the door. A figure then entered with a bottle of alcohol. It was Oliver. His lean silhouette appeared even more frail in the dim light. He looked desolated.
Oliver forced a bitter smile when he saw Atlas, asking, “You’re still awake?”
Atlas walked into the living room and said indifferently, “How can I sleep if you ring the bell like that? Why are you here?”
I felt a pang of pity for Oliver. The once prominent figure had fallen so far. His former grace and eloquence were non-existent. I suspected he had lost his nightly destination when the doctor discharged Lauren from the hospital.
Oliver seemed lost without her, resorting to alcohol to drown his sorrows. Perhaps he had followed us to Amethyst Apartments. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have known we were here.
I helplessly shook my head when I noticed he was already half-drunk. Still, I decided not to go downstairs. As I was about to return to the room, I overheard Oliver mumbling, “What, did I disturb you? I came to drink with you. Is that okay?”
“At this hour?” Atlas sounded impatient.
“Don’t you drink?” Oliver sounded somewhat disappointed.
“Why are you here? How did you know I’d be here?”
“I…followed you. I knew you were having dinner with Chloe.” Oliver sounded gloomy.
I glanced downstairs and saw him holding the bottle and taking a sip.
“I thought it over…but strangely, no one wanted to drink with me. Some people…aren’t suitable to drink with. You… You’re my best match, Atlas.” He looked at Atlas with tired eyes. “How about it? Keep me company… Have a drink.”
Without saying much, Atlas went to the liquor cabinet, poured a glass and returned to the living room When he sat across from Oliver on the sofa, he raised his glass. Let’s drink. What do you want to tell me?”
“All right!” Oliver compliantly took a sip. “Atlas, how can I make up for my mistakes and get her back?”
I saw Atlas looking at him. “That depends on your intentions. If it’s not love, I suggest you let go.”
Oliver fell silent, and I felt a sense of
displeasure.wondered why he
would want Lauren back if it weren’t for love. As I turned to go back to sleep boverheard Oliver again, I’ve always loved her but just didn’t want to admit it.
“I didn’t realize it could be so profound. I thought I only loved my wife and that Lauren was just a companion—”
Atlas interrupted, “I disagree. The only companionship I want is with the person I love the most.”
“Yeah! So, she won’t forgive me!” Oliver slumped into the sofa, looking forlorn. He took another sip and continued, “I thought I only loved the mother of my child. No matter what happened, I would still love her. “But when she was bedridden, I fell in love with Lauren. I won’t deny being a heartless man. I don’t want the woman who has been bedridden for me to suffer. Damn it…” Oliver let out a bitter laugh.
Atlas leaned into the sofa and sipped his drink. “In trying to find solace, you’re hurting another woman you claim to love. Can’t you see that? Lauren’s alive and has sacrificed so much for you.” “But she…won’t forgive me…”