Chapter 21

**Angela’s POV**

I stood in the kitchen. Breakfast was done but I had a feeling that only Brad would be eating. I couldn’t find it in myself to stomach anything.

I had another long sleepless night due to my body’s wonton desire for Brad and also due to the allusion of his relationship with Rose. Two causes for my concern which naturally meant double the distress.

I was so tired I didn’t even know how breakfast was made! I could feel myself slipping into the sweet confines of sleep.

“Good morning sweet heart.”

A voice, too cheerful for a time like this broke the spell and I was back at the table, slouching against the chair.

I peered into Brad’s eyes and saw humour.

Humour? This was very unusual.

He stared back at me and I saw him bite back a smile. An ass such as him had no right to be that sexy.

Yes I said, ‘sexy’ I was too tired to scold myself.

“No pleasantries? Okay. How did you sleep?” He attempted at conversation and this seemed so unlike him. He never spoke this much to me.

Hearing the question relating to my beloved forlorn sleep. I grew annoyed that he would even ask that when I was fully aware that he knew I had a crappy night. So obviously my annoyance meant that my tone was purposely sever.

“Is that going to be a regular question?” I spat as he walked forward to ease himself into the chair opposite me. I saw his eyes glint dangerously.

After what felt like a year he replied. “Yes. At least until you answer truthfully.” His lips quirked at the sides and I willed myself to not throw my coffee at him.

“Well then, I slept rather well.” I responded.

‘I see. I guess I have to expect a visit tonight.” He joked lightly and I was unaccustomed to him behaving this way.

“Oh? I wasn’t aware that Rose was going to stay the night.” I forced myself to speak calmly. Something that was not easy whenever I thought about them together.

I saw him change, I knew I hit a nerve and I felt satisfied. He stared at me, almost as if he was studying me. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed against his chest.

“It’s funny how you hold that against me but I have never held your— history with my best friend against you.” The words fell away as an accusation. I swear, it was as if I was on a murder trial and was undoubtedly condemned.

I stared back, I felt fully awake now. I was sure my shock was mirrored onto my features. I was also certain that I saw satisfaction etched on the hard planes of Brad’s gorgeous features.

“I was seventeen. Your affair continues even today.” My voice was controlled but I lack that very emotion. My insides feeling hollow.

No one knew about the kiss between Scott and me beside him and the girls, Rose excluded. I guess one more name was added. I mentally thanked Scott for this uncomfortable conversation.

“I have no disputes there. But sometimes it would do you good to step down from your high horse.” He shot back, not revealing any emotion. He was back to ruthless idiot in a snap. Old habits die hard I guess.

A sardonic smile swept across my face. “It was just a kiss. I am not screwing him while I am married to you! If anyone sits on a high horse, I am looking at him.” My voice rose an octave higher.

I saw that vein at his jaw bulge. He was probably clenching his jaw.

Serves him right!

“Me? I am interested to see how you condemn me. I am not in the wrong.” Was his response.

It was my turn to clench my jaw. I held back the exasperated growl forming in my throat. God did he infuriate me! Why in hell did he have to sound so void of emotion? Why was his tone so calm? How did he have so much control? It was obvious he was angry, I saw it in his eyes but everything else was so still so—

UGH!

Unable to sit so close to him, I pushed back on my chair. The sound an echo in screeching silence. I stood and walked over to the kitchen sink. I turned to face him. My face, I was sure, mirrored my annoyance. I backed against the sink for support.

“Are you saying that one kiss is worse than what you are doing? Is that it? The brilliant Brad Regal can do no wrong even when he’s banging his wife’s childhood friend?” I was sure I was screaming now. I could feel the hot sting of tears forming in my eyes.

On a normal day when I was rested this would not happen but I hadn’t the strength right now. It was so exhausting doing everything in this man’s favour.

I just felt the weight of it all pressing against me. It was all so unfair. I gave everything up and right now I just couldn’t deal. My life was crap! A loveless marriage, there wasn’t even civility present!

I guess I really shouldn’t have kept it all in. I peered at Brad. He just sat there, unaffected by my words. Then it hit me. He didn’t care he was degrading me by sleeping with her because he didn’t respect me. I was not important to him. And recently I was just another woman he wanted to bed to inflate his ego and when he was tired or bored of me, I too would be brushed aside!

I felt my breath shortening. My hand flew to my forehead and I closed my eyes. My chest heaving and I felt lightheaded.

I knew the tears were down. They felt hot and sticky against my cheeks. I turned away from Brad and leaned against the sink.