It Ends with Us, #2
It Starts with Us
by Colleen Hoover
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Atlas
Overview
Ryle confronts Atlas at the restaurant, punches him, and blames him for the collapse of Ryle's marriage to Lily, but Atlas refuses to escalate the violence. Atlas instead challenges Ryle to accept responsibility and cooperate for Emerson's sake, making clear that Lily's safety and happiness are not Ryle's to control.
The encounter reinforces Atlas's steadiness in contrast to Ryle's volatility and shows that Lily and Atlas's future will include ongoing conflict with Ryle. Afterward, Atlas and Lily find comfort in each other, strengthened by Atlas's refusal to meet violence with violence.
Summary
Atlas sees several missed calls and urgent texts from Lily warning that Ryle is angry. Alarmed, Atlas leaves Darin to take over in the kitchen and calls Lily. Lily says she is safe and on her way to pick up Emmy, but she asks Atlas to call her later. While Atlas is still on the phone, Ryle barges into the restaurant kitchen, and Atlas ends the call without telling Lily that Ryle has arrived.
Atlas leads Ryle toward the back door to avoid a scene. Outside, Ryle ambushes Atlas, knocks him down, and punches him. Atlas refuses to fight back, partly because Atlas knows Lily is safe and partly because Atlas does not want to make Lily's situation harder. Ryle accuses Atlas of influencing Lily to contact a lawyer, though Atlas realizes Lily must have taken that step without telling him.
Ryle tries to blame Atlas for the end of Ryle's marriage to Lily, but Atlas calmly tells Ryle that Ryle's anger and violence caused the divorce. Atlas acknowledges that Ryle may have endured pain in his past, but insists that no past excuses hurting Lily. Atlas also tells Ryle that being a good neurosurgeon does not make Ryle a good husband, reminding Ryle that Atlas watched Lily be stitched up after Ryle hurt her.
Atlas shifts the conversation toward the future, emphasizing that Ryle, Lily, Atlas, and Emerson will have to coexist for years through holidays and milestones. Atlas argues that they should function as a team because a child is involved, and that Lily and Emmy deserve Ryle's cooperation. Ryle resists the idea but seems affected before leaving through the alley, warning that if Lily and Atlas fail, Ryle will not pick up the pieces.
After Ryle leaves, Atlas reflects that Ryle still does not understand Lily: Lily does not run to men for rescue, and her true center is Emerson. Atlas concludes that he and Lily may have to build a happy life while managing Ryle's ongoing anger. Back inside, Darin gives Atlas a wet rag for his bleeding lip, and Atlas admits Ryle may remain a problem for years, but says Lily is worth it.
Three hours later, Atlas visits Lily at her apartment for comfort. Lily notices Atlas's cut lip, and Atlas tells Lily what happened with Ryle. Instead of being weighed down, Lily appreciates that Atlas responded with restraint and empathy rather than violence. The chapter ends with Atlas and Lily reconnecting physically and emotionally before Atlas leaves to return to Josh.
Who Appears
- Atlas CorriganNarrator; absorbs Ryle's attack, refuses retaliation, and argues for peaceful co-parenting around Emerson.
- Ryle KincaidLily's volatile ex-husband; confronts and punches Atlas while blaming him for losing Lily.
- Lily BloomWarns Atlas about Ryle, later receives Atlas at home and appreciates his restraint.
- DarinRestaurant employee who covers Atlas's station and later notices Atlas's bleeding lip.
- DerekHead waiter who tries unsuccessfully to stop Ryle from intruding into the kitchen.