Chapter 209
Atlas didn’t return to his room; instead, he sat alone in the yard.
As he pondered everything that had happened recently, it felt as though he was in a different world. Nothing seemed real, like a dream.
Since Odalys had taken Sophia’s place, everything had changed.
The Bennen family was in chaos, and at times, he even found Sophia repulsive. He didn’t know why he was feeling this way.
“Alas, why aren’t you asleep yet?” After much internal hesitation, Sophia finally draped a robe over herself and stepped outside.
She found Atlas sitting alone in the yard, the cigarette in his hand burning down to the filter, yet he seemed unaware of the flames that were already close enough to scorch his skin.
When she spoke, Atlas looked up, his brows furrowing in confusion.
Seeing her face made him feel disoriented–this was his little princess whom he had raised, but in that moment, she looked as unfamiliar as a stranger.
“Sophia, why do you look so different? Atlas asked, puzzled.
Her face seemed so foreign to him.
If it weren’t for the fact that they had been on the same reality show together, he might’ve thought she was just an ordinary passerby.
Sophia froze in panic. “What nonsense are you talking about? I just didn’t put on any makeup.”
Since she’d coughed up blood at the hospital, her face had changed. Though she always covered it with makeup, she couldn’t help but be scared.
Now that Atlas had questioned her, her heart began to race
I’ve seen you without makeup before. You didn’t look like this.
“I noticed something was off when we were
tre at the hospital, but now… when I look at you, your face seems like it belongs to someone else.
“You didn’t have time for plastic surgery, so who are you really! You can’t be Sophia.
“My sister is smart and kind, but you’re vicious and calculating. You’ve stirred up trouble and made everyone miserable.” Atlas got to his feet and walked toward her.
Every word he spoke felt like a knife stabbing into Sophia’s heart.
Her lips trembled, and she instinctively took a few steps back, as if struck by a heavy blow.
She stared at Atlas, tears welling up in her eyes, and whispered. “Atlas, why are you hurting me like
they did?”
Tim Sophia, your beloved little princess, the one you’ve cherished since childhood. Why would you doubt met Was everything you did for me a lie? Or do you think Odalys is now your favorite, so you want to get close to her, to gain popularity? Do you think I have no value left, and that you’re just looking for an excuse to throw me away?”
Sophia’s voice cracked as she turned, heartbroken, and walked back.
Her steps faltered, her pace frantic as she rushed back to her room.
She couldn’t understand why Atlas had said such things.
Her face was the source of her anxiety. No one had mentioned it for days, and she had thought everything was back to normal. But Atlas’s words had shaken her. She was terrified,
“What am I going to do? What’s happened to my face? Sophia murmured softly, her hands cupping her face, rubbing it in frustration.
The anxiety gnawed at her, threatening to crush her.
As she fled, Atlas watched her go. He knew it was Sophia, but for some reason, his gut rejected her now. The sight of her standing in front of him made him feel physically uncomfortable.
“I must be sick,” Atlas muttered, regret creeping into his voice. “How could I have said that to her!”
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6:23 PM c
Chapter 209
Recently, he’d felt increasingly irritable. He had openly clashed with Odalys, kicked Francis out of the house, verbally attacked Sophia, and even
dated to offend Stellan.
Fach action seemed like he was pushing himself closer to a breaking point, but he couldn’t stop himself.
It felt as if some unseen force was guiding him
I have to go home and see a magician.. maybe I’ve picked up some bad energy.” Atlas whispered to himself.
He was shaken by his own behavior, feeling a sense of dread as he turned back toward his room, determined not to stay outside any longer.
Meanwhile, Stellan had witnessed the whole scene while walking to refill his glass of water.
“She looks different!” Stellan frowned, mulling over the conversation he had just overheard. As he headed back, he almost collided with Odalys. who was also carrying a glass of water.
“Sorry, are you okay?” Stellan asked, startled, stepping back quickly to make sure he hadn’t spilled any water.
“I’m fine. Odalys replied calmly, then looked up at the sky, which appeared closer than it did in the city. The stars twinkled brightly above them, almost within reach
“Can’t sleep” Stellan asked, noticing her stillness. He approached and stood beside her, following her gaze to the sky, his thoughts wandering.
“No, just thirsty. I came out to get some water,” Odalys replied, but there was more to it than just that.
She had been meaning to talk to Stellan, and since everyone else was asleep and the hidden cameras were off, it was the perfect opportunity. “By the way, when you call your father tomorrow, remind him. If he doesn’t listen, call me,” Odalys said quietly.
At the mention of this, Stellan’s anxiety returned. It was the reason he couldn’t sleep earlier.
“So, my dad is definitely going to be in trouble, right? Stellan asked, his voice hoarse, trying to conceal his emotions, but his hand holding the glass trembled
“Many things are part of a cycle. Magic isn’t all–powerful; it’s about belief. If you believe, it works; if you don’t, it doesn’t. Your father is someone who only believes in himself, not in fate,” Odalys explained softly.
“Everyone’s existence has its meaning, and for some, their downfall is inevitable,” she said.
Stellan wasn’t as cold as he appeared; Odalys could see through him, and that was why she chose to warn him.
She pulled out a calisman and handed it to him. “Take this. If something happens, give it to your father to wear.” Stellan was stunned, staring at the talisman.
It was folded into a triangle shape, and a faint magical aura seemed to emanate from it.
He quickly gripped it in his hand, unsure why, but he trusted Odalys inexplicably.
“Thank you,” Stellan muttered, his voice still rough.
Odalys shrugged and pointed to the talisman. “That’ll cost you, though. When you have internet, don’t forget to pay.”
With that, she turned and walked back inside, her glass of water in hand.
Stellan stood there, watching her retreating figure, feeling a tightness in his chest. He quickly followed her, his voice low, “I will. Once I have internet, I’ll definitely pay you
