"They're with me all these years."
A long pause settled over Atlas and Lola, their faces barely a palm's length apart. The creases on her face deepened as she processed his words.
"What?" she whispered under her breath. "Atlas, what are you…"
"The mother of my children," he said, his eyes flickering with resolve. "I think they were yours—"
Atlas raised his brows as she suddenly covered his mouth. Her hand trembled against his lips, just as the gleam in her eyes trembled.
"Don't you dare," she breathed, shaking her head. "Atlas, don't."
Don't you dare give me hope.
Lola's chest rose and fell heavily as her breathing slowed. Her eyes remained fixed on him, yet the only sound between them was the heavy silence.
"I am fine when I said I am — I will be," she continued, her voice cracking. "Don't console me like this, Atlas. Not like this, please."
Atlas studied her face and reached for her hand over his mouth. "I'm —"
