All her life, Lola had never been treated like glass. Like something fragile to be handled with care. If anything, she’d lived as if the people around her only wanted to see her break.
But now, without her even knowing, everyone around her had begun to shape themselves into a kind of bubble wrap to soften her fall. Because they all knew, sooner or later, she would fall.
And when she did, they could only hope that this thin layer of protection would be enough to keep her from completely shattering.
*
*
*
Thanks to Lola’s stubborn insistence, she didn’t have to stay in the hospital for what she called "a scratch."
As soon as she jumped out of the car, she stopped.
"Baby?" she called, making two men—Atlas and Baby—turn toward her.
Seeing that she wasn’t looking at him, Atlas frowned and followed her gaze. Baby had just stepped out of another car.
"Baby!" Lola ran toward him immediately, her expression sharp with worry. She circled him, studying the bulky man from head to toe. "Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be in the hospital?"
Baby’s right arm was in a cast and sling. Scratches and stitches marked his face and hands, visible evidence of what he’d done to shield her from the accident.
"Just a scratch," he said, smiling faintly. "Are you alright, Young Madam?"
"Scratch?" Lola scrunched her nose. "That’s not a scratch. That’s a collection of cuts, stitches, and a broken arm!"
"And a broken arm doesn’t require me to get admitted," he said calmly.
She frowned and glanced at Atlas, shooting him a glare. Her expression clearly saying ’see, I told you so!’ since he’d wanted to admit her for far less.
"Young Madam," Baby said softly, trying to draw her attention back. "I’m alright. This is nothing for me. I’m simply glad you’re safe."
His tone was steady and sincere, his faint smile reassuring. Lola’s lips pressed together. For a moment, words failed her.
Then Atlas stepped forward and stood beside her. "Baby will be fine," he said evenly. "If he weren’t, he wouldn’t be here."
"I know," she sighed and turned back to Baby. "I didn’t thank you earlier, but... thank you, Baby. You really saved me this time."
He nodded. For him, being able to fulfill his duty alone was enough. Her safety was thanks enough.
Silence began to settle on them until it was suddenly shattered by a bright and familiar voice.
"Sis~!"
Lola’s brows twitched instantly. She turned, eyes widening in disbelief. Standing just outside the residence was Penny, glowing as radiant and dramatic as ever.
"Penny?" Lola called, half in surprise, half in confusion, as Penny jogged down the steps. "Penny, what are you—"
Before she could finish, Penny leapt forward and wrapped her in a tight hug, nearly lifting her off the ground.
"Penny!" Lola’s forehead creased as she froze in place, her arms stiff at her sides. After a second, she awkwardly patted the other woman’s back. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
"Oh, sis!" Penny hummed happily, squeezing her once more before finally letting go. She drew back, her hands still resting on Lola’s shoulders. "I missed you so much! How are you? I heard what happened, and I was so worried!"
For a moment, Lola could only blink at her. "Wait... you flew all the way here just because of that?"
"..." Penny blinked.
Actually, that wasn’t the reason she came. Penny had flown over because she knew her brother and Lola would both need her. Atlas rarely asked for help, but when he did, she always came. Even if he hadn’t asked this time, she understood enough to know that these two would need another support system.
Penny grinned. "Yep! You can say that."
"Penny," Lola sighed softly. "You didn’t have to."
I guess... Baby thought, watching his back. It’s time to go home.
Slater huffed, his expression softening with concern. He leaned forward slightly, about to say more when a knock came at the door.
Both men turned.
Allen stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "Sir," he greeted, lowering his head before stopping a few steps from the desk. He glanced briefly at Slater but continued his report.
"We’ve confirmed that today’s incident wasn’t just an unfortunate accident." He handed over a folder. "Mike is responsible. We gathered enough evidence against him... and one more thing, we found out he’s been hanging around the guy named Hudson."
Atlas scanned the documents while Allen spoke. The evidence was thorough. Solid enough to end Mike for good.
"What should we do, sir?" Allen asked.
Atlas didn’t answer right away. He read every line before speaking. "Have you decided what to do with my order?"
"Yes, sir," Allen replied steadily.
Atlas lifted his eyes, expression hard to read. He said nothing, only gave a slight nod.
"Put a few men in Hudson’s shadow," Atlas said finally. "If I’m right, Mike’s people will move against him soon. As for this document..." He exhaled softly, then looked toward Slater, who was watching him closely.
"I’ll deal with them myself," Atlas said, turning back to Allen. "Good work."
"Yes, sir." Allen bowed slightly and turned to leave, but paused when Atlas spoke again.
"Wrap up everything we need in Novera," Atlas said, his tone calm but final. "Our work here is almost done."
Allen hesitated for half a second, then nodded. "Understood, sir."
As he left, he heard Atlas’s voice once more. This time, directed toward Slater.
"Tell Mom and Dad," Atlas said quietly, "we’re going home soon."

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