PopularNovelChapter 146 Chapter 146: Don't You Know How Annoying You Are?-1 Christopher Pov "You went by yourself?" I asked, keeping my tone light despite the suspicion gnawing at me.
A noticeable pause. "Yes, I went alone." The lie hung between us, invisible but palpable even through the phone connection. I didn't need to see her face to know she was hiding something-her hesitation said everything.
She had gone with Sean.
The realization made my knuckles whiten around the phone.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"I see," I replied, forcing a smile into my voice that my face didn't mirror. had a proper conversation in days." "I can't tonight,” she said quickly. "The children- "Would you like to meet for coffee tonight? We haven't "I'll have my assistant look after them," I interrupted smoothly. "We'll stay at the café near your home. An hour at most.
"Christopher, I don't think " 'I'll see you at eight," I said firmly before ending the call, refusing to give her another chance to reject me.
I watched Angela from across the small table, studying the subtle tension in her shoulders, the forced politeness in her smile. The café's ambient lighting cast soft shadows across her face, highlighting her cheekbones but failing to soften the weariness in her eyes.
"What do you think about the hazelnut latte? Or perhaps the caramel macchiato?" I asked, deliberately weighing each option as I examined the menu. "They also have a new vanilla bean pastry that pairs well with either." "That sounds fine," Angela nodded, her patience still intact.
"Or the chocolate croissant? I've heard it's exceptional here." A flash of impatience crossed her features. "Christopher, honestly, I don't need anything elaborate. Just coffee is fine." I continued as if I hadn't noticed her growing irritation. "What about their almond cake? Would you prefer that instead?" "It doesn't matter," she said, her polite mask slipping. "I won't eat much anyway. Let's just order." I handed the menu to the increasingly uncomfortable server. "We'll start with these, thank you." When the server departed, I reached into my inner jacket pocket and withdrew a small blue box, sliding it across the table toward Angela.
"Aria and Ethan already have their Christmas gifts," I said softly. "This is for you." Angela hesitated before accepting the box. Opening it, she revealed an elegant brooch-a delicate design from this season's most exclusive collection, perfectly matching the beige coat she favored.
1/2 Chapter 146: Don't You Know How Annoying You Are?- I watched her expression carefully, noting the conflict playing across her features. She recognized the thought behind the gift, knew rejecting it outright would seem ungrateful after everything I'd done for her family.
"This brooch is beautiful, she said finally, offering a polite sinile.
My heart accelerated as I leaned forward slightly. I'm glad you like i Her next words cut through my optimism like a blade. "I do like it. it I like the brooch-not the person giving it.
My expression froze as the words registered, a sharp pain blooming in my chest.
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"Beautiful jewelry deserves appreciation, Angela continued, her voice gentle but firm giftsle but firm But accepting gifts depends on who's giving them.
Not everyone's gifts should be accepted," She carefully returned the brooch to its box and pushed it back toward me. The simple gesture felt like a physical blow,
"This gift... you should save it for el someone deserving. And please stop wasting your tme. These past five years, you've been so kind toove and the children. I'm grateful, truly. If you ever need anything, I'll help however I can." I pressed my lips together, fighting to maintain my composure despite the ache spreading through me.
"When I choose a gift, it's because I, Christopher Blake, believe the m recipient is worthy. Your existence O inspiredto buy this brooch. If you won't accept it, what value does it have now?" I lowered my gaze, attempting to hide my devastation. "Is that why you refused to letaccompany you to look at cars this afternoon? To tellthis?" Chapter Comments LIKE POST COMMENT NOW SHARE
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