Chapter 024 I stumbled , the world around me spinning as Atlas attacked Damien . I covered my eyes at the sound of Damien's jaw cracking and Atlas ' heavy breaths Atlas was saying something , probably yelling several profanities but I couldn't hear him over the sound of Damien's laughter and his previous words It sunk into me and my legs felt like jelly as I recalled how he got that video . I was a fool , a two - bit idiot who allowed myself to be used and manipulated by another man . My hands reached into my hair as a sob escaped my lips . My grip tightened and I heard Damien again . ing will change the fact that in a few minutes , that video will be live- " Continue ' Keep hitting me ! But nothing w " You scum ! " Atlas raised him . Tll kill you right now , 1- " Atlas , stop . I found my voice , " But , Juli- " He'll release the video . " I whispered , my voice breaking inside my throat " Please , just let him go . I know , this is your company and all of this is my fault but please II trailed off as tears blinded my eyes . " I'm sorry . " Atlas ' eyes softened and his grip on Damien loosened . " Julia- " He took a step forward and I stumbled back I shook my head and turned , walking away . I wasn't sure where I was going or even if I had a destination . I just didn't want to breathe the same air as Damien . My chest tightened as I recalled that night , repeating the moment he handed me the drink , and how I gulped it down with a second thought . I woke up with a hangover , I fell asleep after one glass - I should have known something was wrong . What happened to having a sixth sense ? " Julia ? Julia stop Atlas called after me and my eyes widened as I realized he'd stopped in front of me , breathless Turn around I'll drop you off . " " I don't get it , " I mumbled and he raised an eyebrow " Sorry , what ? " "Why are you so worried ? This is what I deserve innit ? I tried to use Damien to destroy you , I caused all of these problems , heck- " I stepped forward . " You think I killed Ryle , " I added and Atlas ' shoulder sagged " You should be happy . " My heart ached " Why aren't you laughing like him ? I'm a fool and a clown and- " " Chut it , " Atlas growled " You are not allowed to talk about yourself , okay ? That's where I come in and I haven't been able to think of an insult yet . When I do , I will use it " 1 julled my eyes and had my face in my hands " All I wanted was to be a designer I just wanted to be happy , I never even cited to get married but you came along " I sobbed "I didn't want this . I didn't want you , Atlas but somehow I ended up in your south and we got married . " Atar lips parted but no words came out My knees buckled and I hit the ground " I got married to a man who would only ever lias , and a slut. " The last word was almost silent hit I knew he heard it . I raised my head and we locked eyes Atlas stated at me so hard , I thought he was seeing through me . " I thought that was it . Things couldn't get worse , right ? " I asked and another tear slid down . " It did . you ? You're always just standing there , blaming , doubting , and judging me I sniffles . " And yet , somehow I always find my if my entire life revolves around you and even when I tried to get rid of you , way back to you almost seems ne happened " I - This that I could have that wouldn't judge me- I will never have I got up and walked over to him . " Now , the only thing I wanted able to have i 1 will always be the slut that mother advise their daughters to avoid . I'll be all over the internet and I'll never be able to walk on the streets again , I will always be ashamed and terrified to exist " My body racked with sobs as I cried I wanted to be strong , I did but darn it , I was so tired . I was so tired of being strong . Of always thinking on my feet , trying to fix things I didn't break and constantly proving myself in a world where I am always on trial . " You don't have to " I raised my head and we locked eyes . " You're not on trial with me . " Ifroze , realizing I said it out loud . My breath hitched and I averted my gaze Atlas closed the distance between us and with two fingers , he raised my chin so we locked eyes all over again . skin his hands traced my cheek , " You shouldn't be ashamed , worried , or scared . Not Goosebumps traveled across my because I am here or because you're my wife , " He kept on saying that . Repeating the word wife when it meant nothing to him when our divorce papers were ready . "You shouldn't be ashamed because he should be . Damian Clay should be scrambling and terrified because he messed with the wrong woman . Because you did nothing wrong . " My eyes widened at his words . " He messed with the woman who single - handedly brought down Volkan Industries , calmed one down a mob , and left me speechless several times , " Then he leaned as if telling a secret " No leaves me speechless , Ugly My eyes stung as I felt his breath on my skin . He didn't know , but I wanted this moment to last forever , I wanted him to keep speaking , I wanted his hand to linger , and I wanted to freeze in this moment . Every fiber of his being screamed his name because , for the first time , he was seeing me , and even after seeing me , scars and flaws he was choosing me all my So , when Atlas Volkan pulled me into his arms for the first since I said ' I do ' I leaned