Elaine's POV;

Tonight was a dinner at Olivia's house. I was all ready waiting for Atlas. Just where was he. He told me that he would go. But he's still not here yet. Tonight, I went with something simple. I was wearing a black knee-length tail dress along with black heels.

It was now 7:30 and we had to reach there by 7. Finally I hear his car coming, and then we go to the dinner. To be honest, I was kind of excited. Amelia, Claire and Tyler were also coming. And talking to Lyra and his mum is always so much fun.

When we reached there, everyone asked what took us so long. So we had to make up an excuse for that. And by we, I meant me. Atlas was again busy with his phone.

I got so busy talking to my friends that I lost track of time that it was now dinner time.

"Elaine, have you seen Atlas?" His mum asked me. I didn't know where he was. He was here somewhere, right?

"He was around here somewhere. I'll go call him." I said as I got up

"Thank you, dear." His mum said as I went to look for him. Were was he? I looked everywhere but I couldn't find him.
I see Zach and Tyler so I go to them, asking if they have seen him anywhere.

"I don't know. He was with us before." Tyler replied

"Yeah, but then he got a phone call so he went to attend that." Zach replied

"Oh." I said as Zach then said, "You can call him, I'm sure he'll pick that up."

"Yeah, thanks." I said as I then called him. He didn't pick up as usual. So I then messaged him. And after messaging for the fourth time, I got a reply saying,
'I have some work to do. I'll be back.'

I then go to where everyone is.
"Atlas has some work to do. So he went to the office. But he said that he will be back." I said as I saw the look of disappointment on his mother's face. Damn, she looked heartbroken. Someone really needs to teach this idiot a lesson about priorities.

After dinner, I was outside talking with Claire.

"So how are things going between you and Atlas?" Claire asked as I knew exactly what she was talking about

"There's nothing going on and everything is fine." I replied

"Too bad. So how long are you going to keep this drama up?" Claire asked

"What do you mean?" I asked

"You both already got out of the situations you were in. So you can't keep this drama act forever, you know." She replied

"I know....but everyone looks so happy with this and we've never talked about this before." I said

"But you have to think about this. You can't waste your life-like this. Don't you want to have a real marriage? And if you don't, then think about Atlas. Suppose he falls in love with another girl. He would want to marry her. So you guys will have to end this deception." Claire said

"Another girl? Who?" I asked. Somehow hearing this all was weird. Him falling in love with another girl? I kind of don't want to believe it. Besides he is always busy with work so I doubt that would ever happen, I think.

"I said suppose. And why do you care who?" Claire said as she smirked

"I was just curious!" I replied, "Besides I'll talk to him about it." I added as I then heard some noises coming from inside. And then I hear Lyra scream, "Mum!"

Me and Claire quickly rush inside.
"She's having a heart attack. Quickly call the ambulance!" Claire said as Zach called the ambulance

I tried to calm Lyra down who was crying.
"Mum...." she said as she sobbed

After a few minutes, the ambulance came and me and Lyra went with her to the hospital.
Olivia was admitted to the ICU. And they told me that they would keep her there for 24 hours.

During this, I tried to comfort Lyra who was clearly shaken about all of this.
"The doctors said that she was getting better. But you never know when one of these moments are her last, because the heart can fail any moment..." she said

"Shh...don't talk like that. She's going to be just fine. You will see that within no days, she'll be back to normal, okay? So you have to act strong. If not for yourself, then for her." I said softly. I knew exactly how she felt. My Uncle had a heart attack, when I was around her age. And I thought he was dead, luckily he survived.

"Okay. Thank you." She said. After a while, she fell asleep on my shoulder. Guess she really is tired.
I then call Atlas. I have also messaged him. But he's not even seeing them. What the heck is that idiot doing? I was now getting angry at him. His mother is at the hospital and no one knows where the heck he is. As expected, he doesn't answer his phone.

I then message Claire because she wanted to know if everything was alright. An hour later, Lyra woke up.

"Where is brother?" She asked. I don't know what to reply to this. Should I lie or tell the truth and make her feel sad? I don't really want to feel her sadder than she is already feeling.

"He's here. He's talking to the doctor." I lied

"Oh that's great!" She said as her face lit up

"Do you need anything? Water or something?" I asked

"Well I am thirsty." She said

"Oh, I'll go get you something." I said as I was about to get up but she stops me

"No, it's okay. I'll get it myself. I'll get you and brother water bottles too." She said smilingly as she then goes away. Good to see she's feeling better.

"You didn't have to lie to her." I heard someone say as I turn around to see Atlas standing there

"Oh look who finally decides to show up." I said as he sat next to me

"I know...I'm late and I am sorry." He said. Wait, did I just hear him say sorry?

"Well you better be sorry." I said as I turn to look at him and there's this cut and bruise on his cheek

"Oh my god. What the hell happened?" I asked as he realised I noticed his bruise

"It's nothing." He replied

"But you're hurt." I said

"I'm fine. It's nothing." He replied. He doesn't really want to talk about it.

"Okay. If you say so." I said

"You don't have to be here you know. You can go home." He then said. Does he not want me to be here? I know they're not my family.....but it doesn't feel right leaving them alone.

"Umm...." I was about to reply when he said, "If you're worried about what will Lyra and mum think, I'll just make up an excuse. So you can go back."

"I don't really want to go...so...umm...Can I stay? I'm also worried about your mum and umm..." I said. I wanted to stay with them but I couldn't really put it into words why I wanted to stay.

"Do whatever you want." He said

We stayed awake till the morning. Although Lyra again slept for a few hours. It was good actually. She looked really stressed out. She needed some sleep. In fact, Atlas has been awake all night. Even though he doesn't really say anything, he is also stressed. He also needs to get some sleep.

The next morning, the doctors told us that they will shift his mum into the room after two or three hours, which was kind of good news. It means her condition is not critical.

"They aren't allowing us to see her yet. They are saying we can see her when she has shifted to the room. Although the visiting must be kept to a minimal." Atlas told us

"I can't wait to see her. I'm gonna go to the bathroom. Be right back." Lyra said as she then goes towards the toilet

"It's good that she's not in a critical condition now." I said

"Hmm." He said as he looked like he was deep in thoughts.

"You can sleep if you want to. You haven't slept all night." He then said

"No, it's okay. I'm not sleepy." I said as I accidentally yawned afterwards. Stupid yawn. It has such a wrong timing.

"Right." He said as I knew he knew that I was lying. Then it suddenly got awfully quiet. I noticed some people staring at me. I didn't realise why until I remember that I was still in my clothes from yesterday night which was still a bit overdressed for the hospital. And if I'm being honest, wearing this off shoulder dress did make me feel a bit cold on the shoulders.

"Here." Atlas said as he took off his jacket and handed it to me

"What?" I asked. What happened to him suddenly? Why was he being all nice?

"Wear it." He said

"Thanks...but I'm fine. Besides, are you okay? Did that cut from yesterday affected your brain?" I said

"Just wear it. Or are you okay with people staring at you? And don't tell me you don't feel cold." He said as he gave me the jacket and then sits down

"Thanks." I said meekly as I wore his jacket. It was warm and it smelled just like him, which made me blush. I sit next to him. I could see he was still a bit stressed out and I wanted to comfort him but I didn't really know what to do.

"Umm...you know...I don't really say this often and you probably won't hear me say it that much so umm....what I'm trying to say is that....Umm...just know that if....Umm...you ever need someone, I'm right here." I said as he looks at me, which makes me blush because I feel like I've just said something embarrassing

"Is not sleeping for the night making you talk like this?" He said

"Huh? No, I....I just meant to say that...I......you know what, never mind." I said. He isn't going to get it even if I explain it to him for the hundredth time.

He makes himself more comfortable on the chair and then suddenly puts his head on my shoulder.

"Huh...what are you..." I said as he cuts me off and said, "Just stay still and let me sleep."

"Ah...okay..." I said as I couldn't stop blushing. What is it with both the siblings sleeping on other's shoulders? Not that I mind it or anything.
I look at him and he looks so tired but at the same time he still manages to look handsome. I look at the cut he has on his cheek. It wasn't bleeding now, but it was still red. I wonder how he got it. I notice his hands and his knuckles were also red. Did he get into a fight?

I don't know what got over me but using my hand I started caressing his hair. His hair was soft. I wonder which conditioner he uses. I'd love to have hair this soft. But jokes aside, I was kind of having fun playing with his hair until he said, "How long are you planning to play with my hair?"

I quickly pull my hand back and I look at him and I see his eyes are still closed.
"Sorry." I said as I sat there still. After a few minutes, my eyes also started to close as I was feeling sleepy. And soon enough I also slept.

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Aylin Abbott is the only daughter of the billionaire businessman Brendon Abbott, the owner of Abbott Corporation. She lives a very private life despite her infamous father. What little is known about her is that her father dotes upon her and is quite protective of her which is why she is a spoiled rich kid. But no one has ever confirmed these rumours thanks to her not being active in their social circle.

After the death of his parents, at the age of 26, Axel Duncan became a billionaire and the head of the Duncan Corporation. He is the most sought-after bachelor with his looks, personality, and wealth. However, all he cares about is finding the truth behind the death of his parents. While it is declared that his parents died in a car crash, only he and a few others know that his parents' death might have been a murder. But who killed them?

Abbott Corporation and Duncan Corporation are the two leading companies in the world. Known as the tycoons of business these two corporations have an unmatched rivalry which is quite famous. So it comes as a shock when Axel Duncan proposes to Aylin Abbot and she agrees. Who knew that these two people would end up getting married despite the history of rivalry between their groups? Was it due to love? Or is this marriage a lie? Maybe it is just a peace treaty. But one thing is for sure, both are hiding something. But what secrets are they both hiding?

If you enjoy reading this book, then please do check out my current similar ongoing book. Hope you enjoy!