Page 74 of Atlas Uncharted

“Because it’s not going to fix anything,” he said. “All it’s going to do is make you look just as bad as her. Worse. People don’tsupport revenge porn, Kairi. They’ll turn on you faster than you can blink.”

“It’s not porn,” I said, my voice rising. “It’s her nasty-ass secrets being exposed.”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said. “This isn’t the way. You think putting those pictures out there will make her go away? It won’t. It’ll just make everything worse.”

I stared at him, my chest heaving. “Okay, Atlas,” I said finally, my tone flat. I didn’t want to argue anymore. But deep down, I knew what I was going to do. As soon as this fair was over and I was back in Florida, I’d post the pictures. Shit couldn’t get worse than it already was. If Ashlen wanted to ruin me, then fine. But we could both be humiliated.

Let’s see how she liked it.

Chapter 54

Atlas

Kairi would probably kill me if she knew what I was doing, but I didn’t care. I had to do something. She was strong, but even the strongest people have their breaking points—and she was at hers. I didn’t want her to end up really ruining her life by revealing those pictures Mason had given her. I was pissed at him. Why would he even do that?

That’s how I ended up sitting across from Jordan Lyles in his Manhattan studio. He was one of the most popular social media stars turned podcast hosts. I had met him when he hired me to build his website and an app.

“You sure about this?” Jordan asked, leaning back in his chair and running his hand through his dark hair. “I have almost twenty million followers, Atlas. Once it’s out there, it’s out there.”

I nodded, my jaw tight. “I’m sure. People need to hear the truth.”

Jordan gave me a look—one that said he wasn’t entirely convinced—but he nodded to his producer to start recording. The red light blinked on, and there was no turning back.

“Welcome back,” Jordan said smoothly into the camera. “Today, we’ve got a guest who’s been at the center of some serious drama lately. Atlas Carter, thank you for being here.”

“Thanks for having me,” I said, sounding calm, though my pulse was racing.

Jordan leaned forward, his tone turning serious. “Let’s get right into it, Atlas. The internet’s been on fire about you, Kairi, and Ashlen. People are calling Kairi a homewrecker, and they’re painting you as the bad guy who left his wife for another woman. What do you have to say to that?”

I took a deep breath, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. “I want to start by saying this: Kairi is not a homewrecker. That narrative is a lie, and it’s unfair. If anyone’s to blame for what happened, it’s me. I made decisions that hurt people. I take full responsibility for that.”

Jordan nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened. “Why do you think this narrative has gotten so big?”

“Really? A bit of racism and people’s love of drama. Because it’s easier to believe that Kairi’s the villain than it is to believe Ashlen is,” I said. “The truth is, I should have never married Ashlen. I was trying to live up to expectations that weren’t mine. My parents wanted me to marry someone who fit their idea of perfection—someone like Ashlen. And I tried. I tried to be the son they wanted, but the reality was, from the first moment I saw Kairi, I knew she was my one and only.”

Jordan leaned in. “What was real?”

“Nothing,” I said simply. “I never loved Ashlen the way I should’ve. I cared about her, but that was just because I made myself. And your heart was with Kairi?”

I nodded. “It was. It’s always been about Kairi. She’s smart, funny, and the most genuine person I’ve ever met. She dragged herself back into me and Ashlen’s bullshit because Ashlen had a miscarriage. She took care of her even though Ashlen hadn’tbeen her friend in years—if ever. Ashlen always knew I wanted Kairi. Since college. I loved her then, and I love her now. But back then, I was too afraid to choose her. I was too afraid of disappointing my family.”

Jordan’s expression softened, and he nodded. “So why now? Why step up for her now?”

“Because she deserves it,” I said, my voice firm. “Ashlen’s been spreading lies, trying to destroy her reputation, and Kairi’s been handling it well." I embellished that part a little, leaving out the beating she’d given Ashlen. "But she should have never had to. She didn’t break up my marriage. That was already over before we got back together. I owe it to her to tell the truth, no matter how fucked up it is.”

“And what about the people who will say you’re just defending her because you’re in love with her?”

“They’re absolutely right,” I said, leaning forward. “I am in love with her. I’ve always been in love with her. But this isn’t just about love. It’s about fairness. It’s about correcting the lies and standing by the woman who’s been dragged through hell because of me.”

Jordan nodded. “That’s a lot to put out there, Atlas. Do you think it’ll change anything?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “Fuck the people who don’t believe it, as long as they leave Kairi alone. Attack me if you have to vent at a complete stranger about shit that has nothing to do with you.”

Jordan laughed. “Well, there you have it, folks. Atlas Carter, unfiltered.”

Now that it was over, I just had to hope Kairi would forgive me for doing it without telling her.

Chapter 55

---