THE WOMAN ARCHIE NORTON LOVED

Chapter 13

The penthouse was enveloped in an eerie darkness, the only illumination emanating from the city lights that danced across the transparent glass walls. The cacophony of the outside world was muffled by the soundproof glass walls and polished wooden doors adorned with intricate murals, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Amidst this peaceful setting, Grace walked with confident strides to the windows, opening them one by one with an air of triumphant joy. Her eyes sparkled with happiness and satisfaction as she gazed out at the breathtaking view, her mind reveling in the fact that it would appear as though she and Atlas had spent the night together in his luxurious penthouse.

The receptionist, who had earlier regarded Grace with confusion, couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

As the other woman was nowhere to be seen, the receptionist's expression revealed her mistaken assumption. She likely thought the absent woman was Atlas's subordinate, and she had already departed. Instead, the receptionist's scornful gaze settled on Grace, but Grace remained oblivious, excusing herself without noticing the receptionist's disdain.

Seeing that Grace would indeed spent the night with Atlas, she looked at her with scorn, oblivious to the actual situation. Grace, however, remained unaware of the receptionist's gaze, still basking in her perceived triumph.

As the night wore on, Atlas's door remained locked, prompting Grace to decide to spend the night in one of the guest rooms. She planned to see him in the morning anyway, her mind already racing with the possibilities.

Unbeknownst to Grace, a different scenario was unfolding in Atlas's room. Riley was stifling her cries as Atlas continued to thrust into her mercilessly, his actions devoid of empathy. She felt uneasy, her body language screaming for respite, but Atlas seemed oblivious to her discomfort. His strength made it impossible for her to reposition herself, and the experience became unbearable, her mind racing with desperation. "Stop... I'm tired," Riley whispered, her voice barely audible, but her words fell on deaf ears. Atlas was too consumed in the moment to care, his actions fueled by a desire that seemed insatiable.

As the minutes ticked by, Riley felt like she was being tormented, her body battered by Atlas's relentless onslaught. Atlas's own body was cool and composed, but Riley's felt like it was on fire, her senses overwhelmed by the sheer intensity of the experience. Her eyes grew heavy, weighed down by exhaustion, and she eventually fell unconscious, her body limp and lifeless.

Atlas, realizing that Riley was asleep, couldn't help but smile, his expression a mixture of satisfaction and curiosity. He thought she was adorable, her fragile beauty captivating him. His gaze lingered on her face, taking in her tender features, her long lashes wet with tears, her plump, red lips swollen. Atlas wondered if she was human, for her beauty seemed almost ethereal, otherworldly.

Gently lifting Riley into his arms, Atlas carried her to the bathroom, where he began to wash her body, which felt like jelly beneath his touch. As he cared for her, his expression softened, and he felt a pang of affection for this mysterious woman, his actions fueled by a desire to protect and cherish her.

The next morning, Atlas was already awake and focused on his computer by 5 am, his mind racing with the demands of the day ahead. Grace, accustomed to his early risings, emerged from the guest room, her slender figure silhouetted in the dim light. Atlas looked up, confused, wondering why Grace was there. When he saw her standing a few steps away, his expression darkened with fury, his eyes blazing with anger.

Grace, sensing Atlas's anger, felt a surge of fear, her heart racing with anticipation. She knew she had crossed a line, and tears began to stream down her cheeks. "I-I don't know what came over me, Attie... I thought that woman was trying to ruin you," she stammered, feigning grief, her words laced with desperation. Grace knew she had to appease Atlas, for she couldn't afford to be on his bad side. Not when she wanted to be with him again, her mind consumed by a desire to reclaim him.

Atlas's face remained impassive as he gazed at Grace, his eyes giving away none of his thoughts. Deep down, he had been aware of Grace's involvement in the scheme since his first night with Riley, but he had chosen to overlook it, letting the matter slide without confrontation. Now, he discovered her connection to the fake jewelry, and his anger simmered just below the surface, his mind racing with the implications. However, he couldn't bring himself to confront her, for he felt a pang of pity for the woman his brother had loved.

Grace had become romantically entwined with Atlas following the tragic demise of Archie Norton, his older brother. Archie Norton had taken it upon himself to shield her from those who sought to harm her, a protective gesture that ultimately led to his own untimely death by accidental gunfire. This poignant revelation had come to light just a few days prior, when Atlas stumbled upon a heartfelt letter Archie Norton had secretly stored away in a safe.

As Grace sobbed, Atlas's expression softened, and he felt a wave of compassion wash over him. He remembered the letter Archie Norton had left, revealing the truth about Grace's past and her connection to his brother. Atlas felt a sense of responsibility for Grace's actions, and his anger dissipated, replaced by a deep-seated sadness.

Just then, Riley stumbled upon the conversation between Atlas and Grace, and her heart racing with anger. She felt a surge of betrayal, realizing that Atlas had known about Grace's involvement in...the attempt to frame her but had kept quiet. It dawned on her that she was irrelevant to Atlas, both as his wife and as Miss Sue. The painful truth felt like a bitter pill in her mouth, her heart heavy with the realization.

As Riley crept back to bed, tears threatening to fall, but she was overcome with exhaustion. She fell asleep once more, this time with a heavier heart, weighed down by the knowledge of Atlas's indifference towards her.

Later that morning,-