Chapter 52

Angela POV

I quickly turned to David, wanting to divert Sean and Elizabeth's attention. "You're so considerate," I said with a smile. "Elizabeth can't handle greasy or spicy food right now, so we should keep meals like this from now on."

Then, glancing at Sean, I added, "If it's not to your taste, David can always make something just for you."

Sean shook his head, dismissing the idea. "I'm not picky. I just worry about you."

Elizabeth beamed at us. "It's so nice to see how much you care for each other. "

As lunch came to an end, David brought out a chilled fruit cake. Elizabeth, looking a little tired, excused herself to rest in her room.

I didn't hesitate. I ate two slices, then finished the one Elizabeth hadn't touched.

Sean raised an eyebrow, eyeing me. "Are you sure you're not eating too much?"

I grinned, teasing him. "What's the problem? Don't you like curvier girls? A little extra weight wouldn't hurt, right?"

He looked surprised, but there was something almost defensive in his response. I remembered two weeks ago when Christina had said I was too thin, implying Sean preferred women with more curves. It made me realize that for all his serious demeanor, Sean was just another guy with typical tastes.

To my surprise, Sean snapped back, "Who said I like curvier girls?"

I raised an eyebrow and made a playful gesture with my hands, forming an exaggerated "S" shape. "Come on. You don't have to hide it. Christina's big ass-you can't tell me that's not your type."

Sean's face turned red, his jaw tightening. "You don't understand anything," he muttered before standing up and walking away.

I watched him leave, a small, satisfied smile on my face. Another close call-my secret was still safe. I let out a quiet breath of relief.

The next morning at breakfast, I remembered I'd promised Christina I'd invite her over to meet Elizabeth. I suggested calling her and asking her to come by.

Sean, who had been casually sipping his coffee, looked up in surprise when he heard me mention Christina. "Why do you want her here?"

I shrugged, trying to keep things light. "She gets along so well with Grandma. She really knows how to make her laugh. I thought it'd be nice to have her over for a bit."

Sean's lips pressed into a thin line, and his voice was colder than usual. "So, you just call her, and she shows up? Doesn't she have her own things to do?"

I didn't expect him to react like this. Wasn't he happy to see Christina? I was just trying to help her bond with Elizabeth before they got married. Why was he stopping me?

Was he worried I was trying to make things awkward for Christina?

Before I could say anything, Elizabeth, who'd overheard us, smiled. "It's okay, Angela. Sean's right. Christina already spent a lot of time with me yesterday. I don't want to take up more of her time today."

I thought about it for a moment. Well, I'd already promised Christina. If Sean didn't want her over, then that wasn't on me.

I gave Sean a quick glance, then nodded at Grandma. "Alright, I won't call her."

Elizabeth smiled and didn't press further. But there was something about the way Sean's mood had shifted that made me uneasy. From the moment I mentioned Christina, his energy had become sharp, tense. It lingered, even as breakfast ended.

After Elizabeth suggested going for a walk downstairs with Sarah, and once she had left, Sean suddenly turned to me.

"Come to the study. We need to talk."

I kept my tone even. "I think we've already covered everything yesterday. What's left to say?"

Sean's dark eyes locked onto mine, calm but intense.

"Are you walking, or am I carrying you?"

I blinked, confused. "What?"

"Three seconds to decide."

"Wait, you-"

"One."

I stared at him, bewildered. Was he really being this childish?

"Two."

Before I could react, Sean took a step forward, effortlessly lifting me into his arms.

I gasped, thrown off balance by his sudden move, my head spinning as I tried to catch up.

Didn't he say three seconds? He barely made it to two!

When we reached the study, he still didn't put me down.

"Put me down," I said, pounding his chest lightly.

He didn't even react, only looked down at me with those calm, ocean-like eyes.

"I'll make sure Christina won't show up in front of you," he said quietly.

I raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean?"

He held me tighter, his voice low. "From now on, Christina won't come to the office. She won't come here. She won't wear your clothes."

A chill ran through me at his words. What was he saying? Why was he so determined to cut Christina out completely? What was really going on in his mind?