CHAPTER 34

I could hardly take my eyes off the full-body mirror in my small walk-in closet. I've probably been standing there for several minutes, just admiring myself. My hair was in a clean bun, and I used my two golden stiletto-type weapons, Saf, to keep my hair from completely falling out.

I feel confident about my back now because the scar Helios left on me is gone, thanks to Ria, who removed it. It's a good thing that several days have passed before Hyperion's birthday party. I can be sure that no one will see any scars there. The backless part of the long gown I chose reaches down to my waist. It would be a waste if it were hidden by my hair, so it's better that it's visible.

I did my own makeup, and I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out. It's a light makeup look, but my lipstick is a dark, bloody red. It's definitely eye-catching, especially because of my full lips. I smiled at myself in the mirror and made sure there was nothing wrong with my appearance.

It's perfect. I'm perfect!

I took a deep breath and calmed myself before stepping out of the walk-in closet. I went straight to the vanity table to grab Hyperion's invitation card because Atlas said we were supposed to give it to someone before we could enter his house. I slipped it into my dark red rhinestone clutch purse and glanced at my reflection in the mirror one last time before leaving my room.

"I thought you had no intention of leaving your room," Oceanus immediately greeted me when I arrived in the living room.

He was wearing a cream-colored t-shirt and white shorts. In his right hand, he was carrying a hoodie, while his black backpack was already slung over his back since he was headed straight for the airport on his way to Mexico.

"I just made sure I looked presentable," I replied, giving him an annoyed look.

Oceanus just shook his head and walked ahead toward the open elevator. I stepped inside and waited for the elevator to ascend to the upper ground.

"Atlas is going to borrow your car again," I said, staring at my reflection in the closed elevator doors.

"I know. You guys are just going to ruin it again, huh? I wouldn't be surprised if you returned it with just the tires and no sign of the car's body."

I suddenly glanced at him and made a face.

"You know what, you're such an overreactor, aren't you? Don't worry, Atlas will replace your car if anything gets damaged. We're going to a birthday party, not a war."

I couldn't help but part my lips when I caught sight of him rolling his eyes at me. I elbowed him sharply in the side and shot him a dirty look.

"You idiot. You know how to roll your eyes now? Who taught you that?" I snapped at him.

I heard the familiar sound of the elevator arriving at our floor. The doors opened on their own, and Oceanus and I stepped out together. When I looked around the warehouse, I saw people busy putting various things into large boxes.

"I only learned it from you. You love rolling your eyes at me whenever you get annoyed," he replied.

I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes at him, and we both left the warehouse. I even heard him muttering under his breath, and I could tell he was probably complaining again about me rolling my eyes at him.

"Crazy," I whispered to myself.

I went straight to Atlas, who was sitting on the hood of his car, talking on his cellphone. His arms were crossed, and he was still talking. Meanwhile, Oceanus had already gotten into a white car since one of Atlas' men was going to take him to the airport.

"I'll go ahead!" Oceanus shouted. When I looked at him, he was looking in our direction while sitting in the passenger seat. The window on the driver's side was down, and he was leaning out.

I just nodded. "Okay! Take care!"

I waved one last time until the car Oceanus was in drive-off. They left before Atlas and I did. It seemed like he was still busy talking to someone on the phone, and I knew it was probably Ismael.

I opened the passenger seat door and directed the air conditioner toward me as I waited for Atlas. The night had grown dark, the cool breeze was refreshing, and the road in front of us was eerily quiet. Since this was Atlas' private property, almost all the cars that passed through were his own, unless he allowed others.

We were running late because of some emergency meeting that came up in Mexico. But I figured it would be sorted out quickly since Oceanus was already on his way there.

"Let's go."

I glanced at the driver's seat as Atlas sat down. He adjusted his necktie before reaching for something in the backseat. It seemed like it was part of the three-piece suit he bought. The color was the same as mine, and since he was my escort, I thought it looked even better on him and more formal. His suit and vest were a deep, bloody red, and so was his necktie, while his shirt underneath was a plain white polo.

"How's the shipment in Mexico?" I asked.

He sighed. "It's fine. The consumers are just demanding that we send more drugs, even though the payment hasn't increased."

I couldn't help but chuckle softly, followed by a smirk. "What, are they lucky? We might end up losing money on this."

"I've already talked to Ismael about it. But if they still insist on what they want, we're not supplying them with any more drugs," he replied as he started the car.

I nodded in agreement. "You're right. But what if they keep pushing even after you've warned them?"

"It's not my fault if something happens to them. They won't like what I'll do if they try it. They signed a contract, and they have to follow the rules written in it."

I just shook my head and put on my seatbelt. I was only able to buckle up once we passed through the archway of Rarito. He was still talking about some of Ismael's transactions in Mexico since Ismael was the one keeping him updated now that he wasn't there.

I knew that anyone who went against Atlas was risking their life.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I couldn't help but be amazed when we arrived at Hyperion's house. It wasn't just any house—it looked like a palace! I think it's a luxurious Mediterranean mansion. The exterior design was so clear and visible, thanks to the light yellow lights that were on.

The passenger seat window was down, so I just leaned out to admire the beauty of Hyperion's house. The car was parked at the edge of the gutter. The driveway was spacious, so we weren't blocking anyone. Before we could enter the house, there were two curved staircases on either side of the entrance. In the middle, there was a small fountain with a statue of a mermaid—her arms raised, holding a large vase, from which the water flowed.

"Wear this mask and gloves."

I glanced at Atlas when he spoke. He handed me gloves that went up to my elbows. They were velvet, blood red in color, just like the long gown I was wearing. The mask was the same color as my gown but with a bold gold design. It also had black lace along the edges and a black feather design on the upper right corner of the mask.

"I didn't know Hyperion's birthday party had a masquerade theme," I remarked.

I slipped on the gloves and smiled when I saw how well they matched my gown. I raised my gloved hand into the air before looking over at Atlas. He was staring at me, his serious ash-colored eyes hard to read, and it was difficult to tell what was going through his mind.

"I forgot to mention that his birthday theme is always like this every year," he replied,

lowering the rearview mirror to check himself. I lowered my mirror as well, taking one last look at myself to check if my makeup had smudged. I just applied some lipstick, then raised the visor mirror again.

"I'm ready. Let's go, we're running late. It would be embarrassing for Hyperion," I urged him.

"I'm telling you, we're not late. Hyperion just set the time on the invitation early because he knows his guests will be an hour late," he replied.

I chuckled softly at what he said. "So we're still late, then?"

He nodded. "I don't like waiting for too long, Hexia. Besides, Hyperion knows we'll be late."

I put on the mask while shaking my head and adjusted my gloves for the last time. When I looked at him, he was already wearing his own mask—pure black, with black lace designs on the edges, just like mine.

"Don't forget to bring out your invitation card to give it when we get there," Atlas reminded me.

"Okay."

We both opened the door and stepped out. We walked along the sidewalk and headed up the stairs toward the entrance of Hyperion's house. We were also walking alongside other guests, so I started believing Atlas when he said that there would be a lot of latecomers.

"Invitation card, please," the serious-sounding man at the entrance said.

Atlas and I both handed over our invitation cards and waited for a few seconds since he seemed to be looking at something. I furrowed my brows when I noticed that he was staring at me for a long time, then he glanced at Atlas and then back at me again. He did this three times, and I didn't understand why.

What's his problem?

"Welcome back again, Mr. Collazo. Hyperion will be so happy that you could make it to his birthday," he smiled at Atlas and then looked at me. "You too, Mrs. Collazo. It's nice to meet you in person."

I couldn't control my reaction. I turned to Atlas with a grimacing expression on my face, hardly believing what the man at the entrance had just said. My face immediately soured because of my reaction to what he said.

I hesitated to laugh or smile, feeling weird about what he had said.

"Sorry, but I'm not Atlas' wife—"

"We're going inside now. Just let Hyperion know we're here," Atlas cut me off.

I felt his hand on my waist, and we walked inside together. He didn't wait for the man's response, just kept walking straight ahead.

We were greeted by a cool breeze coming from a large air conditioner. In front of us was a small hallway, and at the far end, I assumed that's where Hyperion's birthday celebration was happening. There were vacant rooms on the sides, with a large hallway on both our right and left.

We were sure the party was at the end of the hallway since I could hear faint music coming from that direction. The double doors had a large gap, and through it, I could see the flashing lights inside.

"Are you crazy?" I whispered softly to him as we entered. "Why don't you just tell them the truth, that I'm not your wife?"

"Let them think what they want. I just need to confirm something, Hexia. Just go with the flow," he replied in a low voice, just loud enough for me to hear.

I furrowed my brows at what he said. "Huh? Are you hiding something from me? Are you planning something without me and Oceanus?"

He didn't answer what I said. Instead, I felt his grip tighten on my waist, and we walked to the far end of the hallway in Hyperion's house. In the middle, I noticed there were more hallways on both sides. I thought I might wander around later if I get bored inside.

It didn't seem like they would notice if I walked off because they'd most likely be busy with their own conversations soon. I didn't know anyone here well, except for Atlas.

"I just need to confirm something. This wasn't part of the plan, but I noticed something," he said as we reached the end of the hallway.

"Why don't you just tell me, and maybe I can help? Maybe I and Oceanus can help you with whatever you're trying to do," I insisted.

"It's okay—"

Atlas didn't finish his sentence when the double doors suddenly swung open. A tall man in a black three-piece suit stepped out. His hair was brushed up, and I couldn't see his face because of the mask he was wearing. But when our eyes met, I saw that his eyes were ash-colored.

Even though I couldn't see his forehead, I could sense that he frowned when his gaze fell on my waist, where Atlas had his hand. At the same time, the corner of his lips lifted slightly, and his ash-colored eyes met mine, which were light brown, before he and Atlas passed each other.

I wasn't wrong. I knew it was Helios. I couldn't see his face clearly because of the mask, but somehow I just knew it was him. It was like something in me recognized him, and I was certain.

"Let's go, we need to go inside," Atlas urged me, which snapped me out of my thoughts.

"L-let's go," I replied, stumbling over my words.

When I looked at Atlas, I saw him quickly glance at Helios before turning his attention to the hall inside. I noticed him shake his head slightly and raise the corner of his lips as though he were muttering something to himself.

"I knew it," he whispered to himself.

"Huh? You knew what?" I asked, confused.

Atlas immediately looked at me and shook his head. "Nothing. Let's get inside. Hyperion's probably looking for me."

I felt his grip on my waist tighten slightly before we both moved toward the hall in the grand house. Just before a woman could close the double doors, I glanced at the spot where Helios had been standing one last time. To my surprise, I saw him standing at the edge of the second hallway on the right. He was leaning against the wall, as though expecting me to look back, which is exactly what he was waiting for.

I felt like his gaze was piercing through my skin. The way he was looking at me felt strangely familiar. He was standing with his arms crossed, and his serious, ash eyes seemed like they could melt me with just one look. For a moment, I lost my train of thought, my focus drifting because of what I was feeling.

I was confused and couldn't understand why I felt this way.

I furrowed my brows and averted my gaze. I'll make sure Saf will be buried in his body. I couldn't calm down until I had my revenge for what he had done to me.

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

I was sitting at our table with Atlas. We were joined by Hyperion and a few men I didn't recognize, but I assumed they were probably Atlas' frontlines and associates. My gaze was fixed on my plate as I cut into my steak.

We had already walked around the entire hall because Hyperion was introducing us to his people, especially me, since this was the first time Atlas had brought me to Hyperion's birthday party.

When I first joined their organization up until last year, Atlas hadn't attended any of Hyperion's birthday parties because of me. It had been almost five years, and it felt like such a long time.

As expected, whispers surrounded us as soon as we arrived. It felt like I was the one being judged, not by what I had done but by the fake news they thought they knew.

The night had deepened, and most of the people had already started mingling and enjoying themselves, but I chose to stay at the table and finish my steak. I deliberately ate slowly so that no one would come over to talk to me.

"She's even more beautiful in person."

"They look good together, both mysterious."

"Now I get why Atlas couldn't attend the previous birthday parties. It's because of her."

"If I were Atlas, I'd also spend time with my wife first."

I felt my right eye twitch at their words. People here are so gossipy! I expected to hear rumors related to their illegal activities, but I didn't expect to hear this.

I just shook my head and took a sip of my wine. I felt Atlas sit beside me in the empty chair, so I turned to him.

"Are you done?" I asked.

"Yes. We were just talking about some problems with Faction Tres," he replied quickly.

I nodded at his words. "I'm going to the restroom first. I've been holding it in, but I wanted to wait for you. I didn't want to lose our seats."

"Sure," he said briefly.

I stood up and grabbed my clutch purse, preparing to leave. The truth was, I didn't really need to use the restroom. I just wanted to get out of the hall.I couldn't keep up with the energy of the people inside. Some were dancing in the middle, while others were chatting around the edges. It was all so chaotic.

"I know you're not heading to the restroom, Hexia."

I sighed as I heard Atlas's voice behind me. I hadn't even realized he was following me. I turned to face him, and I could tell by his serious expression, even with the mask, that he wasn't messing around.

"I'm just going to look around. I won't go too far, and I don't know many of the guests here, except for you. So just let me be. I'll text you if there's a problem, okay?"

"Just don't talk to people you don't know. It's risky since we don't know what they want with you," he said, sounding like my father again.

"Okay!"

I turned around again and walked down the hallway of Hyperion's huge house. When I reached the middle of the hallway, I saw another hallway on both sides. I decided to head left because at the end of that corridor, a double wooden screen door was open.

I walked carefully, though even with careful steps, my heels made a sound against the floor.

I froze when I saw the double door slightly ajar. I knew what was inside even without stepping in. Something was pulling me to go in; it smelled like books. The scent was so familiar and comforting to me.

My past self, Sarah Dayanghirang, was resurfacing because of the books. Even though I was Valentina Imara Meadows now, when it came to books, it was like I couldn't refuse them. There was still a part of my heart that loved reading so much.

A smile automatically formed on my lips as I slowly entered the library. I couldn't help but feel awed at the sight. The towering bookshelves were filled with books, and there was even an open second floor. The designs were made of expensive, glossy wood and clearly well-maintained.

The sound of my heels echoed with each step as I walked inside. I headed straight for the staircase to reach the second floor of the library. I ran my hand along the handrail, not a speck of dust in sight. The smoothness of the wood was even more apparent because of the gloves I was wearing.

When I reached the top, the smile faded from my lips when I saw someone sitting by the bay window, smoking. The bay window was situated at the far end, and I was greeted by a wide reading nook. There were two sofas facing each other, with one-seater sofas on the side. A long, wide wooden table stood in the middle.

I remained standing there, observing the man smoking by the bay window. He was seated on the soft cushions, staring out the window. His face was serious, and his mask was no longer on, so I could see his entire face.

His brow furrowed as he held the cigarette between his index and middle fingers. He took a few more puffs of the cigarette before quickly looking at me, then returning his gaze to the outside world.

"What are you doing here, Mrs. Collazo?"

SHANGPU