Chapter 19- Resilience

Angela's POV

Sitting 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