Page 70 of Atlas Uncharted

“But that doesn’t matter, does it?” I said quietly, my voice breaking. “Because perception is reality. And the reality is, being with you is costing me everything.”

The words hung in the air between us, heavy and final. His hands tightened on my shoulders, his jaw clenched. “Do you want to leave?” he asked, his voice low. “Is that what you’re saying?”

I didn’t answer right away. Because the truth was, I didn’t know. I loved Atlas. I loved him more than I’d ever loved anyone. But was love enough when the entire world seemed determined to burn you alive for it?

“I don’t know,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know if I can survive this, Atlas.”

The look on his face was enough to shatter what little composure I had left. He nodded slowly, his hands dropping to his sides. “Whatever you need to do, Kairi. I’ll understand.”

But that was the problem, wasn’t it? I didn’t know what I needed to do. All I knew was that the life I’d built was slipping through my fingers, and I had no idea how to hold onto it.

Chapter 51

Kairi

Brooklyn felt different. When I moved there, I’d been full of hope, dreaming about the possibilities ahead. Just a couple of months ago, it had been my home. Now, it felt like a city I barely recognized. It energy was muted by the storm cloud hovering over my life. The book fair was the only event that hadn’t canceled on me, and even that felt like a mercy invite. It was hosted by Black women for Black women—they were being empathetic.

Atlas had wanted to come with me, to “be there” for me, but things between us had been so tense lately. Every conversation felt loaded, every moment filled with frustrations. We both needed time apart, and this trip was supposed to be that. Instead, I found myself alone in a city that used to feel like freedom.

I sat in the corner of a quiet café near the fair, staring out at the street. My notebook lay open in front of me, but the pages were blank. The words that had made me a household name wouldn’t come, not like they used to. My career felt like it was slipping through my fingers, and for the first time, I wasn’t sure I could fight hard enough to hold onto it.

“Kairi,” a voice said, pulling me from my thoughts.

I turned and saw Mason standing there. He smiled.

“Mason,” I said.

“I’m sorry about everything. I saw what’s happening online, the lies Ashlen’s been spreading. I don’t even know what to say—it’s so messed up.”

I let out a bitter laugh and sat back down. “Yeah, well, it’s my life now.”

He slid into the chair across from me, his gaze searching my face. “You look tired.”

“I am tired,” I admitted. “Tired of fighting, tired of explaining myself, tired of people who don’t even know me deciding I’m the villain in some twisted soap opera.”

Mason leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “That’s why I called you here when I heard you were in town. I wanted to help.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Help how?”

He reached into his bag and pulled out an envelope, sliding it across the table. “This.”

I hesitated before picking it up. When I opened it, my breath caught. Inside were photos—Mason and Ashlen together. Their faces were close in one, her hand on his chest in another. There were screenshots too, texts and emails Ashlen had sent him.

My stomach churned as I skimmed through them. “Mason, I…”

“I didn’t know she’d turn on you like this,” he said, his voice low. “I thought she was just… I don’t know. We had a thing, but it was nothing serious. She always made it clear she was with Atlas for the money and the image. Some of those emails are in there too. She didn’t love him, and he didn’t care about who she fucked.She was happy as long as she had her lifestyle. So I was confused as to why she was lying about you.”

I shook my head. “Why are you giving me this?”

“Because she’s trying to ruin you, Kairi. And if you need to fight back, you should have everything at your disposal.” He leaned back, his expression serious. “I’m not saying you have to use it, but… if you do, at least you’ll have the truth on your side.”

I stared at the envelope.

“You didn’t deserve any of this.”

I closed the envelope and set it aside, my hands trembling slightly. “Thanks, Mason. I don’t know what I’m going to do with this, but… thank you.”

He nodded, his expression softening. “For what it’s worth, Kairi, you’re stronger than she’ll ever be. Nobody believed you were the one who needed her. Don’t let her break you.”

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