Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

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"Cordy, what's wrong?" I look up to see Tilly watching me. Seeing her look of concern I almost start to cry.

"Nothing." I lie. "I just... I just saw Atlas is here with...her.

I don't need to tell Tilly who. She and I have had enough late-night cry sessions to know exactly why seeing them together might make me upset.

"If you want, we can leave," Tilly suggests, picking up her coat. "I don't want you to suffer..."

"No," I insist, wiping my tears away. "See, I'm fine. In fact, I think I'm going to go over there and say hi." I try to appear pleasant, but inside I am angry, sad, and frustrated. I am feeling it all at once.

It's worse than going through puberty, I'd almost rather be a confused teenager again. Maybe if I go over there, be direct, and stop hiding in the corner, I can feel more like a grown-up in control of her life.

"Atlas," I smile as brightly as I can manage while on the verge of tears. "And Sydney! I just saw

over here and wanted to say congratulations," the smile on my face is so wide, it is painful ask at

keeping my face frozen in happiness. "You two make a beautiful couple."

"Cordelia," Atlas starts to stand, a hand reaching out. It's not what you think I.."

"You know what, Atlas, I'm glad to see you have moved on." I continue to grin like a maniac. His hand slowly goes back to his side. "I am happy for you both, really." I then attempt to laugh, but it sounds broken and sad even to my ears.

A hand lands on my shoulder and my laughter settles. "Jude," I look up as I see him, my whole body turning towards his comfort.

"Are you okay, Cordy? I saw you were upset and so..."

"Who is this," Atlas grumbles, glaring at the hand Jude has on my shoulder. "Cordelia, answer me? Who is this guy who thinks he can..."

"Whoa, hold up buddy," Jude steps in front of me, shielding me from Atlas' wrath. "I don't care who you think you are, but you don't get to talk to my friend like that."

Atlas' face is that angry shade of red that it becomes when he feels his authority challenged.

"Listen, "friend," Atlas growls loud enough to draw the attention of the neighboring tables. "I don't appreciate you coming between my wife and me when we are having a private conversation. So if you'd just go back to whatever frat party you just came from.." Jude pushes Atlas, his face tight, his rage only noticeable in the tightness of his voice as he says, "I've had pompous assholes like you try to make me feel unworthy my whole damn life," Jude curses. "We are not children."

"Are you sure?" Atlas snaps back, taking a step closer.

A nervous waiter comes over with the restaurant manager. It is only then that we notice the entire restaurant is watching.

Chapter 21

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"We need the two of you to leave, immediately." The manager insists. "You are disturbing our other guests."

Shamed, the two parties are forced out onto the street. As soon as Atlas and Jude step outside, Atlas says something to Jude who turns around and smacks him. Atlas punches Jude with a solid thud. Jude hits the ground but then gets back up and rams into Atlas, pushing "Atlas! Jude! Stop! What are you doing?" The two men are tearing into each other and over what? Their pride?

Tilly tries to hold me back, but I can't bear the two of them brawling in the street like children. Especially not over me. I'm not worth the trouble.

As soon as I see an opening, I push myself between the two of them. Jude has his hand raised ready to strike, but he sees me and comes to a full stop.

Atlas on the other hand doesn't notice me at all with his hair in his face, his eyes glazed over in rage. "Atlas, STOP!"

I jump to move out of the way, but I lose my footing and fall into the street. A car swerves to avoid me but collides into my side, not enough to send me flying, but enough to twist my body around, crashing me into a parked car next to us. The person driving the car didn't eve My body falls to rest in the gutter near the sidewalk.

Tilly screams.

"Cordelia!" Atlas rushes forward only to be stopped by Jude who was already by my side, checking my arms and legs.

"No," he holds firm. "She doesn't need your help."

"But she's my wife!"

"Not anymore," I speak for myself as Tilly's arms wrap around me, helping me sit. "And never again, Atlas Steele. I want nothing to do with you."

Leaning against Tilly, I feel a bruise forming where my body hit the car and I know I've made the right decision.

Atlas Steele can never know about this baby.

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