Chapter 5: Date with His Fiancée

“Remember, Kyle Alexander, you paid to save my grandma back then. I’ve always been grateful. I’ll find a way to pay you back.”

Kyle scoffed. “So you’re calling me by my full name now? And you think you can pay me back? Seems like you’ve grown some guts.”

Angela bit her lip, struggling for words.

Kyle let go of her wrist. “Fine. If you’re so set on ending this, then let’s end it. Forget the money. Consider it payment for all those years. The house, the car—they’re yours. But don’t you dare think about seeing some other guy.”

Did she really think he couldn’t live without her? She was just a plaything.

The word "payment" stung. Angela said, “I don’t want the house or the car.”

She might be broke, but she still had pride.

Kyle had treated her well over the years. Back when she was in college, juggling studies and caring for her grandma seemed impossible. Kyle had stepped in, helping her out a lot.

He rented a place for her grandma near the hospital. Later, he bought a bigger apartment and told Angela to move in. It was a nice place, in a prime spot. But she couldn’t take it.

Kyle didn’t argue. He just stormed off, leaving the car and driver for her.

Angela asked the driver to take her to her grandma’s. She tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

The next day at work, she heard Kyle had gone on another business trip.

As his secretary, she knew his schedule inside out. He had just gotten back from a trip. This must’ve been a last-minute decision.

Angela had been staying with her grandma, who cooked her favorite meals every day, worried about her working too hard.

Her grandma was the only family she had.

That evening, Angela was leaving work when her phone rang.

“Come home.” The voice on the other end was cold.

It was her father, Sam. She hadn’t seen him in over a year.

She remembered when she had gone to him, begging for money to save her grandma. He hadn’t even met her. Her stepmother had thrown her out.

“I’m busy,” Angela replied flatly.

“You want your mother’s things, don’t you? Come home. I’ll give them to you.”

Her mother’s belongings were still at the house. Sam had never let her have them.

Why was he changing his mind now? She had to go find out.

Just in case, she messaged Vivian. If she didn’t text within an hour, Vivian should call the police.

That night, Angela took the subway to her father’s house. The place was buzzing with guests.

Years ago, the family had been big shots in the city, their mansion worth a fortune now.

As soon as she stepped inside, she saw her stepsister Ashley.

Sam had a son before he married Angela’s mom, and later, a daughter. After her mother died, he brought them both into the house. Ashley had taken everything from Angela, then kicked her out.

Now, Ashley wrinkled her nose. “Hold it right there! Are you even clean? Sara, get the disinfectant. We don’t want the bitch bringing any germs into our house.”

Angela stood at the door, not moving.

“Your father called me here. I don’t want to stay. Just give me my mom’s things, and I’ll go.”

Her voice was calm, but there was something striking about her. Even in a simple white T-shirt, she had a quiet grace.

Angela stepped through the doorway, and Sam greeted her with a smile that didn’t sit right. 

“Angela, you’re here. Come on in, I just finished cooking. Join us for dinner.”

She’d known Sam too long to fall for that act. He’d never smiled at her like that before.

“Where’s my mom’s stuff?” she asked, eyes sharp.

“Eat first,” he said, voice low. “Behave yourself, and after dinner, I’ll give it to you.”

He nudged her inside, and soon she found herself standing next to a man who looked to be in his thirties, round-faced, with a receding hairline.

Sam seated her beside him. “Angela, this is Juan Albert. He’s done well for himself—quite the success story. And look at him, a fine gentleman. Mr. Albert, meet my daughter Angela. Just graduated, now interning at X Corporation.”

Mr. Albert nodded, his gaze lingering on her. It made Angela’s skin crawl.

Her phone buzzed—a message from Vivian. Angela, have you seen the news?

Another buzz. Vivian had sent a link. Angela opened it, her heart sinking at the bold headline:

Kyle Alexander, head of X Corporation, spotted on a riverside date with his fiancée. Congratulations to the couple.

The photo was blurry, just silhouettes, but she knew that figure too well. It was Kyle. And next to him, a woman.

So that’s why he’d rushed off on “business.” Not work—just another date.

It felt like ice water down her back, the hurt sharp and spreading. She barely registered the conversation around her, snapping back only when she heard Mr. Albert say, “She’s beautiful. I’m satisfied.”

Sam grinned, barely containing his excitement. “Then it’s settled.”

Angela set her fork down. “Settled? What’s settled?”

Sam shot her a look, warning her to stay quiet.

Juan turned to him, eyebrows raised. “Sam, does your daughter not know?”

Sam forced a laugh. “She’s been busy with work. I haven’t had a chance to tell her yet.”

Ashley chimed in from across the room, her tone dripping with mockery. “Angela, this is your future husband. You should start planning the wedding. Mr. Albert’s rich—you’ve really lucked out. Time to leave your old life behind.”

Angela knew all about Juan. Wealthy, sure, but not a good man. Rumor had it he’d divorced twice because his wives couldn’t give him a son. He liked them young and pretty, but only if they could bear children.

Sam’s business had been struggling, desperate for cash. When Mr. Albert came knocking, Sam didn’t hesitate. Originally, Mr. Albert had shown interest in Ashley, but Sam wouldn’t let that happen to his “precious” daughter. Instead, he offered Angela.

Angela—the convenient choice. Her beauty, that delicate face—it was a deal too good for Sam to pass up.