Angela's POVI sit beside my father’s hospital bed, my eyes fixed on the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest. The tension in my shoulders refuses to ease, even as I try to tell myself that he’s safe for now. My mind keeps drifting back to Fiona, to the way I slapped her across the face, to the twisted smirk she wore even as she cradled her injury. I’m worried about the fallout. Lyle’s family is powerful and vengeful, and Fiona won’t hesitate to use every resource at her disposal to make my life hell. I don’t regret it. That bitch had it coming, and the look of shock on her face when I finally fought back was worth every ounce of trouble it might bring.Taking a deep breath, I push those thoughts away. Worrying about it now won’t help my father, and I need my focus here. The room feels stifling, the air heavy, so I decide to step outside for some fresh air. I rise from the chair, give my father’s hand a gentle squeeze, and quietly slip out.At the hospital entrance, I nearly co
Lyle's POVI can’t shake this gnawing feeling of unease. It started earlier, after Angela’s uncle showed up at my house.I remember how the visit began—Angela’s uncle standing at my door. I didn’t want to let him in. His presence was a disruption I don’t need, but I didn’t have much choice.Now, he sits across from me in the living room, and I struggle to keep my irritation in check. He wastes no time getting to the point, launching into a monologue about Angela’s behavior. “You understand how much pressure she’s been under,” he tells me firmly. “We’re worried about her. The family, I mean. We can all see something is wrong.”I listen, but my patience is thin. Sure, Angela’s been acting erratically, but what does that have to do with him?That old, familiar greed drips from every word he says, and my stomach turns.“She needs support,” he says, wringing his hands in a display of false concern. “She’s not herself. If you could reconsider the breakup, maybe things could stabilize.”I
Lyle's POVI stand outside the hospital entrance, gripping my phone in one hand, replaying Fiona’s words in my mind. Her voice, filled with accusations and complaints about Angela, still rings in my ears. My head throbs, and I try to shake off the frustration. Why can’t the two of them just get along? What was so impossible about some basic respect?As much as I know I should focus on Fiona’s concerns, my mind keeps drifting back to Angela. It feels natural, almost instinctual, to want to defend her—even against my sister. I can’t explain why. I run a hand over my face, exhausted. I think about Angela as she was when we first started, back when we weren’t fighting or accusing each other, back when we were… happy. A specific night comes to mind—a memory of a night at the office that feels a world away from where we are now.It was late. The building was quiet, the hum of the AC the only sound breaking the silence. I was sitting at my desk, drowning in paperwork, but I couldn’t focus
Angela's POVSeeing Lyle standing in front of me, fury practically radiating from him, catches me completely off guard. A swirl of emotions rises inside me—surprise, resentment, a flicker of sadness. What is he even doing here? The way he’s looking at me, as though I’ve done something wrong just by standing beside Michael, stirs a fire I’d been trying to keep under control.“Angela,” he says, his voice biting. “Is this why you wanted to break up?”For a moment, I’m speechless, too stunned by the accusation in his tone. This is how he chooses to confront me? After everything, he’s really here, trying to make me feel guilty for talking to a friend? I take a deep breath, steadying myself before meeting his gaze.“Lyle, this isn’t your concern anymore,” I reply, my voice as calm as I can manage. “We broke up. You have no right to interfere in my personal life.”His eyes narrow, a dangerous glint flashing in them. “Friends?” he scoffs, glancing dismissively at Michael. “Is that your exc
Angela's POVAfter several weeks, my relationship with Michael has grown into something I didn’t expect. We’ve been spending so much time together over the last week, from strategizing legal moves to grabbing late-night coffees after dealing with endless documents. He’s become more than just a friend—he’s my anchor, my strength. With him, I’m not only defending my father but also learning to stand up for myself.Today, we’re meeting in his new law office, a space that’s bright and sleek, full of that fresh, clean scent of new furniture and paint. Everything here is modern, polished, and perfectly put together, just like Michael. I take in the place, glancing at the organized shelves and neatly arranged files.“Well?” he asks, leaning against his desk with a smile. “What do you think; will it do?”I grin, nodding as I survey the room. “It’s very… you,” I reply, a little teasingly. “Clean, organized, maybe a bit too polished.”He raises an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Too polished? Ou
Angela's POVThe moment I step into the conference room two days later, the noise hits me like a wave. Executives, managers, and shareholders are bickering in raised voices, and no one seems to be in control. The tension is thick, and I can tell right away that something big is brewing. As I settle into my seat, I catch bits and pieces of their arguments, murmurs about a recent bid the company lost—one worth more than a billion.The missed project is a serious loss for the company, one that I’m sure has all of them on edge. Still, as I sit here representing my father, I can’t help but feel uncomfortable, awkward even, with the way they’re treating me. No one acknowledges me directly. It’s as if I’m just filling an empty seat, as if they’d all rather I wasn’t here at all.The acting CEO, my uncle, finally takes his place at the head of the table. He doesn’t even glance my way, and for a second, I think maybe I can slip through this meeting unnoticed. Then he clears his throat and lo
Lyle's POVI spot Mark across the café, looking as sharp as ever, with that slight smirk that usually means he’s about to ask something I won’t want to answer. We’ve known each other too long for me to brush him off, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a pain. As soon as I sit down, he’s already studying me with that calculating look.“So,” Mark says, leaning back in his chair, “was helping Angela enough to prove your point, or are you planning something bigger?”I scoff, waving a hand dismissively. “It’s not about Angela,” I reply, rolling my eyes. “I just needed a way to push back against my mother. She’s been sticking her nose into everything, thinking she can control my decisions and the business. Supporting Angela irritates her—and if it keeps her out of my affairs, that’s a win.”Mark raises an eyebrow, looking anything but convinced. “Uh-huh,” he says, his voice full of skepticism. “So, just to be clear, you’re helping out your ex, but it’s purely a play against your mother. Angel
Angela's POVSitting by the window, I feel torn, my mind bouncing from one conflicted thought to another. The soft glow of my phone lights up the room, pulling me back to the present. I glance down, my heart skipping as I read the name on the screen—Lyle. Even now, his name alone brings a surge of emotions that I’m not sure I’m ready to deal with. My thumb hovers over the screen, but after a moment, I let it keep ringing. I don’t need this; I don’t need him disturbing the fragile peace I’ve managed to build.Despite my decision, I can’t shake the question that immediately rises in my mind: Why is he calling me? I close my eyes, forcing myself to breathe steadily, reminding myself that this chapter of my life is over, or at least it’s supposed to be. I’d chosen to cut him out, to sever the ties that kept pulling me into his orbit. I don’t want to be dragged back into his games.Hours pass, but Lyle’s call lingers in my mind. I try to focus on other things, anything to distract mysel
Angela's POVIt’s taken almost three weeks, but I’m finally starting to feel like I belong at the firm.The initial chaos of adjusting to the fast-paced environment has settled into something manageable. Victoria, my supervisor, is no less demanding, but I’ve come to appreciate her relentless push for excellence. She’s fair, and when she says good job, I know it means something.My colleagues have been welcoming too. Susan often shares tips on drafting airtight contracts, and James, though intimidating at first, has warmed up enough to crack the occasional joke during late-night meetings.I’ve even found myself laughing more—something I hadn’t realized I missed.Work keeps me busy, and I thrive in the busyness. Every day brings a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and grow. The weight of the past feels lighter, almost like it’s finally behind me.Even better, Lyle hasn’t bothered me. No sudden calls, no unexpected appearances.For the first time in years, I feel… free.Most eve
Michael's POVAngela moves through the crowd with a grace that turns heads wherever she goes. The navy gown she’s wearing fits her perfectly, the shimmer of the fabric catching the light with every step.It’s not just the dress. It’s the way she carries herself—poised, confident, and warm. Her voice, calm but engaging, floats over the hum of conversation as she speaks with the guests.“She’s incredible, isn’t she?”I glance to my left to see one of the clients I’d been speaking with earlier nodding toward Angela. “A perfect blend of beauty and brains. Hartman’s daughter knows how to make an impression.”“She does,” I agree, a touch of pride in my voice. “She’s one of the most remarkable people I know.”The client raises an eyebrow. “Sounds like you know her well.”“We went to college together,” I explain, keeping my tone neutral. “Angela’s always been impressive. It’s no surprise to me that she’s handling herself so well tonight.”The client chuckles softly before excusing himself, le
Lyle's POVHer words hit me like a punch to the gut.The crowd around us faded, the hum of the gala becoming distant and inconsequential. I stood there, unable to move, my mind reeling from what Angela had just said.I don’t understand why I can’t let this go. Why can’t I stop trying to fix something that’s clearly broken beyond repair?The truth in her voice, the raw honesty of her accusations—it wasn’t just painful. It was shattering.She’s right.I’ve spent so much of my life focused on building my company, climbing higher, and chasing success. All the while, I’d neglected the most important person in my life.Angela had stood by me through everything. She had loved me, supported me, and asked for so little in return. I’d given her even less. I hadn’t seen her, really seen her, until now—when it’s too late.The realization cuts deep.I didn’t value her the way I should have, and now I’m paying the price.Even tonight, I’d tried to help her. She’s living who knows where, and I thoug
Angela's POVI don’t want to hear anything he has to say.I make it three steps back toward the ballroom before Lyle catches my arm again. His grip is firm but not forceful, his expression a mix of frustration and something that looks uncomfortably close to desperation.“Angela,” he says, his voice low but intense. “Please, just listen to me.”I turn to face him, yanking my arm free. “What could you possibly have to say, Lyle? You’ve said enough already.”His jaw tightens, and he exhales slowly, as if trying to steady himself. “I was wrong,” he begins. “I misunderstood you.”I freeze, my chest tightening as I wait for him to continue.“I know I accused you of being… someone you’re not,” he admits, his gaze fixed on me. “I let my assumptions cloud my judgment. I thought you were after my money, that you only stayed because of what I could give you.”I frown, unsure of what to make of it all.“I found out about what my mother did,” he continues, his voice quieter now. “The pressure she
Angela's POVThe ballroom is bathed in a soft, golden glow, chandeliers casting warm light over the crowd of elegantly dressed guests. The sound of clinking glasses and polite laughter fills the air as I move through the sea of people, offering practiced smiles and handshakes.Tonight is a big night. It’s my father’s first public appearance since his recovery, and all eyes are on him. After everything our company has endured recently, his presence is a signal to the world that we’re still standing. As his daughter, I know I’m being watched too.I adjust the hem of my dress, a sleek navy gown that fits perfectly, and lift my chin higher. Every detail tonight matters, from my confident smile to the grace in my movements. This is my chance to support my father and show that the Hartman family is stronger than ever.“Angela, you look radiant tonight,” a familiar voice says as an old associate approaches, his hand extended.“Thank you,” I reply warmly, shaking his hand. “It’s wonderful to
Angela's POVThe aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted garlic wafts through the air as I glance around the cozy Italian restaurant. I smooth the napkin across my lap, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Michael arrives exactly on time, his familiar, easy smile lighting up his face as he spots me at the corner table.“Angela,” he says warmly, pulling out a chair. “This place is great. Did you pick it?”“I did,” I reply, unable to suppress a smile. “It’s one of my favorites. Thank you for coming.”“I wouldn’t miss it,” he says, settling into his seat.As we place our orders, I feel a flutter of anticipation. Tonight is about gratitude—for everything Michael has done for me over the past few weeks, and for helping me find my footing at the firm.Once the waiter leaves, I turn to him, unable to hide my excitement. “I just wanted to say thank you—for everything. These past few days have been incredible. I’ve learned so much already.”Michael raises an eyebrow, his curiosity
Angela's POVThe morning sun streams through the window as I adjust my blazer in the mirror, taking a deep breath. Today is the day—a new chapter, a fresh start.My father is finally home, recovering from weeks of illness. It’s a relief to see him smile again, to watch him slowly regain his strength. Leaving his company wasn’t an easy decision, but we both agreed it was time for me to forge my own path.Michael’s firm is the perfect place to do that.Still, as I step into the sleek office building, my nerves buzz like static electricity. I smooth my hair again, clutching the strap of my bag tighter. The lobby is alive with the hum of phones ringing, conversations overlapping, and the steady rhythm of heels clicking against polished floors.I remind myself why I’m here. I’ve spent years sacrificing my ambitions for other people—for Lyle, for my family. This time, it’s for me.A woman in a tailored navy suit approaches, her posture straight and her gaze sharp. She looks like someone who
Lyle's POVFiona’s tearful face lingers in my mind as I leave my mother’s house the next day. My conversation with her always leave me drained, though I try to push the guilt aside. I knew addressing her behavior would be difficult—it always is—but it needed to happen.Her hostility toward Angela has been glaringly obvious for far too long, and no amount of excuses can justify the harm she’s caused. Fiona’s condition is real, but it doesn’t absolve her of responsibility.In any case, her dependency on me needs to be controlled.As I drive back to my place, the memory of Angela comes rushing back, uninvited. That chance encounter at the restaurant, seeing her dressed up and glowing in a way I hadn’t seen before—it’s like a snapshot burned into my mind.Why does she still haunt me?I grip the wheel tighter, jaw clenched as my thoughts spiral. Angela was affectionate, devoted even, and yet she gave up on me. On us. She walked away, taking everything, including the child we were supposed
Lyle's POVSince the meeting with Angela, my mind hasn’t been at peace. The conversation between her and Fiona keeps playing in my head, unraveling every certainty I once held about my sister.Fiona has always been obedient, thoughtful, and—at least in my eyes—incapable of malice. But the accusations Angela made, especially about colluding with her uncle and causing her father’s illness…It’s unthinkable.Yet, I can’t ignore the nagging doubt that’s taken root. Fiona’s behavior lately has been erratic, even by her standards. If there’s any truth to Angela’s claims, I have to know.I pull into the driveway of my mother’s house, the familiar sight of the place doing little to ease the tension in my chest. As I step inside, the faint sound of the television drifts from the living room, accompanied by Fiona’s soft voice humming along to the music playing in the background.When I enter, she looks up from the couch, her pale face breaking into a tentative smile.“Lyle,” she says warmly, he