Alone in a Crowded Room
This New Year was unlike any other before. I stayed home, enjoying the joyful atmosphere family
gathering filled with laughter and chatter. Little Ava became the center of attention.
f a large
Even Ivanna joined us after just a few days away. Our family showcased their culinary skills, preparing
their signature dishes and creating a festive atmosphere with bright lights in the yard.
During the day, I pretended to be carefree like everyone else, but at night, my thoughts couldn’t help
but drift to that person. Had he left town? He hadn’t called, and I didn’t reach out. I wanted to test my
self-
control.
Fortunately, I had Ivanna and Lauren to keep me company.
Ivanna quietly whispered, “Harmony seems to be fading. She’s been saying she spent Christmas
overseas,
but it’s all a lie. She’s my artist. I know she worked on a shoot the whole time. Is Atlas getting tired of
her?”
Lauren quickly nudged her and shot her a meaningful look.
I calmly responded, “It’s none of my concern. I’ve already decided to step back.”
Ivanna looked at Lauren and whispered, “Did you hear that? We both need to pay close attention. Let’s
see how strong Wonder Woman’s heart is.”The two of them burst into laughter while I silently cursed. My heartache was something only I knew,
and
it was pretty painful.
I often thought about him standing alone in the crowd, wondering if he missed the feeling of home
during these festive seasons. The livelier it was here, the more my heart ached, and his image
forcefully entered
noveldramamy mind
I questioned if he was the person I imagined, which caused me pain. However, my strong–willed side
reminded me that he didn’t celebrate the New Year, providing some relief.
Ryan had donned an apron in the past few days and bustled about. I felt guilty and often reached out to
help him.
This delighted the four elders, who would huddle together to talk in hushed tones. Even without
listening.
I knew what they were discussing I didn’t mind as long as it brought them joy.
Besides, I had to play the role of a good host.
Everyone afe, drank, and merrily drove around town. The city was filled with laughter and joy. These
few
o a lifetime of laughter.
Online trends about Atlas and Harmony disappeared. Ivanna and Lauren would sometimes gossip, with
Ivanna boldly declaring, “I told you it was over! Let’s see how she flaunts herself after the holiday.”
I didn’t engage in their conversation. It wasn’t my place.
Atlas’s in–person response to Harmony’s call was less passionate than the rumors claimed. His
questions.
replayed in my head.
Is being with me truly making you that unhappy? Do you not understand everything I’ve done? I told
you, no matter what happens, just trust me. Can’t you do that? What happened to your intelligence?”
Every word, every sentence, I analyzed and savored. I also sensed that he had something more to say.
But so what? Deep down, I knew that I wasn’t worthy of him. Being with him brought too many
reservations, uncertainties, and fears.
Ava occasionally asked where Atlas was. “Is he still on a business trip? Why hasn’t he taken a day
off?”
Her questions were endless, and I had no answers.
One evening, I spotted a car parked in the bushes from my balcony. It made my heart race, and I
rushed
downstairs, driven by an irresistible urge.