Chapter 12 Atlas took the tablet from his assistant , his fingers tightening around the edges as the screen flickered to life .
Even through the digital display , my presence struck him like a tidal wave .
His pulse pounded as he scrolled through the images I had taken breathtaking landscapes , golden sunrises , endless oceans stretching far beyond the horizon .
Every shot was a masterpiece .
Not just in composition , not just in color , but in something deeper .
Each frame held freedom .
Atlas stared at a particular photo one of a cliffs edge , the world vast and infinite beyond it .
For a long moment, he didnt speak .
He didnt know if he was remembering the promise he once made to take me around the world .
Or if he was realizing just how far I had already gone without him .
His throat tightened .
Book me the next flight to A Country , he ordered , his voice clipped , urgent .
And keep tracking her location .
I want updates every hour .
Atlas arrived at the hotel where I was .
He stood outside the door , his hand raised , fingers curled into a hesitant fist .
He couldnt knock .
His entire body was rigid , every breath he took uneven .
In the end , he didnt knock.
He sank onto the floor outside the door , resting his back against the cold wood .
And he waited through the night , through the long hours of silence , his thoughts a chaotic storm .
When morning came , the sound of footsteps broke his trance .
A hotel staff member had come to clean the room .
Atlas lifted his head , his muscles stiff from staying in the same position for too long .
Shes already gone , the housekeeper said casually , unlocking the door .
Left early this morning .
Didnt check out , though .
18:01 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 1 39.8 % Chapter 12 Atlas felt as though someone had dumped ice water over his chest .
He pushed himself to his feet , swaying slightly , his exhaustion finally catching up to him .
The address his assistant provided led him to a public park .
He sprinted through the streets , his heart hammering , his breath ragged .
He had to find me .
If he was just a second too late if I disappeared from his sight again he didnt know if hed ever see me again .
Then his footsteps faltered .
By the fountain , I stood with her back to him , sunlight dancing off the lens of my camera as I reached up to feed the pigeons .
I laughed softly as a bird flapped too close , my face tilting toward the sky .
And for a moment , Atlas forgot how to breathe .
Happier than he had seen me in years .
I spun lightly with the birds , my hair catching in the breeze , my smile so bright it was almost painful to look at .
It was the kind of smile I had never worn when I was with him .
Atlas felt something in his chest tighten and twist , an ache deep in his ribs .
He wanted to be happy for me .
And yet he wasnt ready to lose me .
After a long moment , he finally forced himself to move .
Not to my side .
But to the opposite end of the bench .
Close enough to be near me, far enough to keep his distance .
When he spoke , his voice was hoarse , as if he had forgotten how to use it .
Celeste , he murmured .
Im sorry .
I didnt reply .
Atlas let out a slow , shaky breath .
His fingers curled against his knees , his entire body tense .
I thought … I thought that what I felt for you was guilt , he confessed , his tone full of self loathing .
For so many years , I kept telling myself that .
That every time I held you , every time I cared for you , My Card and My First Love 40.1 % .A Chapter 12 every time I needed you it was just guilt .
But then you left .
His voice cracked .
And I realized that I love you .
He exhaled a shaky breath , his head tilting back , his eyes burning .
I know youll never forgive me , he continued .
I know Ive lost the right to ask anything of you .

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But please … He swallowed .
Let me stay by your side .