Chapter 109

Angela POV

"Stop...that's not right..."

I pushed against him with all my strength, but he still didn't budge.

Instead, he shoved me against the bedroom wall, his body pressing into mine. In one swift motion, he grabbed my wrists with a single hand, lifting them high above my head and pinning them there.

I squirmed, but his grip was unrelenting, like steel holding me in place.

He leaned in close, his voice low and resolute.

"This is the most right thing I've ever done," he said. "I should've done it sooner."

His breath brushed against my skin as he locked his eyes on mine, intense and unyielding.

"Tell me you want this too, don't you?"

My heart pounded, and I turned my face away, unable to meet his gaze, afraid of what he might see in my eyes.

He didn't wait for an answer. His lips found the left side of my neck, and he bit down lightly-right where Sean had kissed me earlier tonight.

The sensation was strange, a mix of sharp sting and warm pressure that sent shivers racing through me.

My breath caught, and I clenched my jaw to stifle the sound threatening to escape.

It felt odd-too odd.

"Mama?"

Aria's small voice cut through the moment like a knife.

Christopher immediately released me, stepping back as we both turned toward the doorway.

Thankfully, Christopher hadn't turned on the lights when he had pushed me into my bedroom, keeping us partially hidden in the shadows...

My daughter stood there in her pink unicorn pajamas, her dark curls tousled from sleep, eyes wide with confusion as she clutched her favorite stuffed rabbit.

"Aria, sweetheart, why are you awake?" I asked, my voice unsteady as I quickly adjusted my clothing.

Christopher cleared his throat, smoothing down his rumpled shirt. "I should go," he said, not meeting my eyes.

"I'm thirsty," Aria replied, rubbing her eyes as her gaze darted between us. "I wanted water."

Christopher picked up his keys from the coffee table. "Goodnight, Aria," he said, his voice softer than usual. "Angela, I'll see you tomorrow."

As he moved toward the door, Aria tilted her head curiously. "Blake uncle, why were you kissing Mama?"

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. Christopher paused, hand on the doorknob, waiting for me to respond.

"He was just... saying goodnight, darling," I managed, forcing a smile. "Come on, let's get you some water and back to bed."

I took Aria's small hand, leading her toward the kitchen while pointedly avoiding Christopher's gaze. I heard the front door close softly behind him.

"Does Blake uncle always say goodnight like that?" Aria asked innocently as I filled a small glass with water.

"No, sweetheart. That was... special." I handed her the glass, watching as she took small, careful sips. "Let's get you back to bed now."

After tucking Aria in beside her sleeping brother, I retreated to my own room, my mind a whirlwind of confused emotions. I collapsed onto the bed fully clothed, exhaustion claiming me despite my racing thoughts.

Morning light filtered through the curtains when I jolted awake.

I squinted at my phone-6:17 AM. My first coherent thought was of Olivia. Had she returned? Was she still with Sean at The Plaza?

I scrambled out of bed, not bothering with slippers or a robe despite the February chill. As I yanked open my bedroom door, I collided with a solid form in the hallway.

Christopher steadied me, his hands warm on my shoulders. "Whoa, careful," he said, concern etching his features. "What's wrong?"

I looked up at Christopher, memories of what he'd done last night flooding back, and my face quickly flushed crimson. I mumbled a "good morning" and awkwardly averted my gaze.

Christopher, however, remained perfectly composed, his shirt and suit impeccably neat-completely different from the wild, disheveled man from last night. Quickly regaining my composure, I refocused on my concern.

"Olivia," I gasped, trying to move past him. "Is she back? Did she-"

"She's fine," he interrupted, his grip gentle but firm. "My bodyguard kept watch at The Plaza until just a while ago. She's safe."

I stared at him, processing his words. "Your bodyguard was at The Plaza? Did she... Did she go inside? Did she go to his room?" The questions tumbled out before I could stop them.

Christopher studied me, his amber eyes narrowing slightly. "If I told you she did go to his room, how would that make you feel?"

I stepped back, frustration flaring. "Why are you testing me like this? Since last night, you've been trying to catch me in... in what? Some kind of reaction?"

"That's not my intention."

"Isn't it?" I challenged, wrapping my arms around myself as the hallway's chill registered. "Every question, every look..."

Christopher's expression hardened. "Fine, call it a test if you want. It's been five years, Angela. Five years, and you still can't let him go? Why should you care if he's with another woman? What does it matter to you anymore?"

I froze, sudden realization washing over me. "You know," I whispered. "You know I saw him last night."

Christopher's silence confirmed it.

"I..." I struggled to find words, to explain feelings I barely understood myself. "I don't care who he's with. Olivia is my friend, and I don't want her involved in... complications."

His gaze softened slightly, though skepticism remained. "You're shivering," he noted, changing the subject. "Go put something warm on. The children will be up soon, and I'll start breakfast. What would you like to eat?"

"Anything is fine," I mumbled, retreating into my room.

As I pulled on a sweater, my mind filled with unwelcome images-Olivia unbuttoning Sean's shirt, Sean waking to find her beside him, the two of them together. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thoughts.

Five years... Christopher was right. Why should I care?