CHAPTER TEN

Angelie felt like someone had poured a bucket of ice water over her.

Her body suddenly felt cold.

Tim’s voice stayed calm, too calm. “I was tired of lying down in that hospital bed, just doing nothing. It was getting to me, you know? I was slowly losing my mind. I needed something, anything, to stay connected; I needed to feel alive.”

Angelie’s lips parted slightly, but she couldn’t speak.

Tim continued, eyes not accusing, just heartbroken. “I got bored watching the ceiling. Tired of the same movies. So, I asked the nurse to bring me a smartphone. I thought maybe I’d scroll a little, catch up on what’s going on. You know I’ve always been a media guy.”

He took a deep breath. “And then I saw it.”

Angelie closed her eyes.

Waiting for him to drop the bombshell she has been hiding

“I didn’t want to believe it at first,” Tim said softly. “But it was everywhere, the blogs. The press, pictures. That small wedding, your face, his face. And Lucas… standing next to you.”

He looked away, jaw tight. “What happened, Angelie? What happened? You were always in love with Jeffery. You worked at Lu Corp just to be closer to him. You told me, and I saw how you looked at him.”

She couldn't hold it anymore. The tears spilled freely, silently. Her chest rose and fell like she was trying to breathe through pain.

“I’m sorry,” she finally whispered.

Tim turned back to her. “Tell me. Please.”

And so she did. Every word. Every tear-soaked truth, from the hospital hallway to Lucas’ offer. The wedding, the contract, the fear, the heartbreak.

She told him everything.

But she didn’t tell him how painful it is for her seeing the same man almost every day, you are suddenly close to him, but still very far.

Tim pulled her into a hug. He was weak, but his arms wrapped around her tightly, like he was trying to take away the pain.

“I’m the reason you did this,” he whispered.

“No,” she said, shaking her head hard. “You’re not. I made the choice, and it’s temporary. Just temporary.” Or maybe not, she thought within

Tim leaned his forehead against hers. “You deserve better than temporary.”

**********************

Across the city, Jeffery’s office was dim except for the glow of his computer screen.

The time on the wall read 10:00 p.m.

He was dressed in a fitted white shirt, sleeves rolled just above his elbows, showing his toned forearms. A dark grey vest hugged his torso perfectly. His jacket hung neatly behind his chair, the Lu logo on a silver pin near the collar.

The office walls were a clean matte grey, shelves lined with files and architectural models. The whole room was minimal, cold, but powerful.

Jeffery sat behind his desk, typing rapidly, his eyes red from staring at the screen for too long.

He looked perfect, polished, and unbothered.

But inside, he was unraveling.

Fred knocked once and walked in without waiting.

“If you keep working like this, you’re going to get sick.”

Jeffery didn’t look up. “ A Lu doesn’t fall sick by working too hard. I’ve got a backlog of reports. I’m fine.”

Fred folded his arms. “Backlog, or are you just running?”

Jeffery finally glanced at him. “Don’t start.”

Fred stepped closer. “I just don’t get it. Why didn’t you say something to her? All those years. You’re not the slow type, Jeff.”

Jeffery ignored the jab. “Have you found anything yet?”

Fred sighed. “Still nothing. No security footage, no receipts, no digital trail. All we know is you were at the bar, one drink, then blackout.”

Jeffery clenched his jaw. “That’s not normal. I need answers.”

“So many things have been happening lately, and I might just lose it.”

Fred nodded. “You’ll get them. But maybe you should also stop pushing people away.”

Jeffery looked back at his screen. “Good night, Fred.”

Fred didn’t argue. He just left.

*************

Back at the Lu estate, Anita sat in the dark.

She wore a wine-red silk dress that clung to every curve, with thin straps. She allowed her legs to come out today into play.. Her fragrance filled the room. 

She perched on the edge of Jeffery’s bed, one leg crossed over the other, her hair loose around her shoulders.

The room was still, quiet.

She waited.

And then, the door opened.

Jeffery walked in, dropped his briefcase by the entrance, and switched on the light.

“What the...” He froze. “Anita?”

She smiled slowly, standing up. “You scared, handsome?”

He exhaled. “What are you doing here?”

He now took a closer look at her.

“And why are you dressed in that…” The disgust look on his voice was loud.

She walked toward him slowly, hips swaying. “Let’s just say... I’m your masseuse for the night.”

“Anita, I had a long day. I’m exhausted. Please leave.”

“More reason why you need a masseuse to calm down your nerves.”

She pouted. “I’ve been thinking about you. Don’t you ever think about me?”

He moved toward the door. “Not like that.”

But Anita blocked his path. “I know you’re lonely, Jeff. I can feel it, let me help.”

“I said no.” His voice was firmer now.

He reached for her arm, gentle but determined, and began to guide her toward the door.

“I’m not doing this,” he muttered.

But just as he opened the door…

Angelie turned the corner, holding a small tray with a cup of tea in her hands.

She froze.

Anita saw her.

And without warning, she leaned forward, grabbed Jeffery’s collar, and kissed him.

Angelie’s eyes locked with his.

The cup slipped from her hands.

Hot tea splashed across the marble floor.