I Swear I Still Hate Him (Atlas Lawson) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Emery’s POV

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I am the worst daughter in the entire universe.

Like… call Guinness. Write my name in the freaking records.

Stamp it on a plaque.

“Emery Collins: World’s Most Pathetic Daughter.”

Just why… why did I have to be this way?

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My dad had been nothing but the best father, and he was finally, after so many years, getting married to a woman he loved. I should’ve been excited. I was happy for him, believe me, but… my heart still ached for him.

For Atlas.

I was in love with my dad’s fiancée’s son. My soon-to-be stepbrother.

You’d think saying it in my mind would make me feel like shit…well, it did…but nothing compared to the annoying ache in my chest when I thought about last night.

About her…. The beautiful girl who looked like a freaking K-pop star.

Atlas’s ex-girlfriend.

Mindy.

And yes, I was worried about that.

W

I had hoped going for a jog would clear my mind, but nope. I felt ten times worse. My head pounded from lack of sleep, and every breath made my chest tighten. I felt like shit, okay? I felt terrible. Angry. Jealous. Exhausted. And I just wanted a break from… everything.

My legs felt like they were made of jelly, so I slowed to a stop, bending forward with my hands on my knees as I tried to catch my breath. Sweat dripped down my forehead, and I wiped it with the back of my hand. Every muscle in my body ached, but somehow it still didn’t feel like enough punishment.

“I deserve worse,” I muttered under my breath, straightening up. “God, I’m such a horrible person.”

When I turned around, I froze. There she was.

Mindy.

Looking annoyingly beautiful even in the early sunlight. Her brown hair was tied back in a sleek ponytail, her skin glowing, her workout set expensive enough to pay my tuition. She looked like she belonged in a Vogue fitness campaign, while I, apparently, looked like a flustered pink flamingo.

15:19 Tue, Dec 30

Chapter 78

Of course she showed up.

Of course the universe hated me.

I plastered on the fakest smile known to humankind.

“Hi,” I breathed out.

“Oh! I wasn’t sure if it was you,” she said with her soft British accent. Because of course she had a British accent. Why wouldn’t she? Her dad was some billionaire CEO who jumped between London and the US, and she literally grew up between countries.

“Yeah,” I said, forcing my shoulders back. “You came for a morning jog?”

She nodded, brushing a strand of hair behind her car. “Yeah, my dad has a gym close by. If you ever want to use it, or need a jogging partner, I’m always around.”

I nodded, trying not to die. “Thanks.”

Can this conversation end please.

“Oh, and I just have to say, you look really pretty today. I love your pink-on-pink,” she said with a bright

smile.

I blinked.

Was she mocking me?

Or being genuinely sweet?

Honestly, if she was mocking me, she deserved an Oscar.

Because yes, I did put effort into my workout look today. Light makeup. Gloss. Concealer. Cute pink matching set. Hair in a high ponytail.

And yes, it was absolutely because I hoped Atlas might see me.

He didn’t.

He was still in his room.

Probably texting her, my brain whispered.

I hated that voice.

“Well,” Mindy said, breaking my spiraling thoughts, “I should get going, but it was really nice meeting you. I hope we can catch up sometime.”

“Yeah… me too.” I delivered the world’s fakest smile.

She waved, then jogged off effortlessly, ponytail bouncing like she was in a movie.

15:19 Tue, Dec 30

Chapter 78

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I stood there for a moment, my breath stuck in my chest, my hands on my hips as I stared at the ground.

God.

I hated this.

I hated this so much.

Hated the jealousy….Hated the guilt…Hated wanting someone I wasn’t supposed to want.

But most of all…

I hated wanting him.

I walked back toward the beach house, completely lost in my thoughts, my chest tight, my legs dragging. I was replaying Mindy’s perfect face, perfect body, perfect everything in my head… and that was already enough torture for one morning.

So of course I didn’t see the wall of muscle in front of me until I slammed right into it.

Strong hands caught my shoulders, steadying me.

I looked up.

My breath caught.

Atlas.

No. No no no. Not now.

His eyes widened the second he saw me-my messy ponytail with strands sticking out like broken antennae, sweat dripping down the sides of my face, makeup smudged under my eyes like a sad raccoon. Oh, and let’s not forget my puffy eyes from the stupid tears that had escaped earlier.

Great just great… Can the ground upon up. Hey guys I think it’s time cause what the freak…

His brows pulled together instantly. “Emery… what happened?”

The gentleness in his voice almost broke me. My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard, looking down because if I met his eyes for too long, I was going to ugly-cry in 4K.

He stepped closer, voice deeper now. “Emery, did someone do something to you?”

Yes.

You.

Your ex.

Your stupid perfect smile.

15:19 Tue, Dec 30

Chapter 78

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