Chapter 22

**Angela's POV**

My attempt to slow my breathing was worthless. This union had cost me a lot. Friendships, a family, my job and not to mention my sanity!

Being someone I wasn't was taking its toll. I was no submissive wife and I hated playing that role. I felt my breathing worsen and I suddenly felt heated and flustered.

I wasn’t aware when Brad came behind me, his arms resting lightly on my shoulder.

“Angela?” His tone turned soft and I grew even more bothered. I didn’t want his concern.

“D-don’t... touch me.” I tried to shrug him off.

He spun me around to face him, but my vision was clouded and I didn’t dare look into his eyes.

“Let go.” My voice was a whisper that even I couldn’t hear it. He didn’t listen.

“Just l-let me go!” I screamed and he hesitantly stepped backwards. I knew he had tensed up from being brushed off. But he was still there.

The palm of my hands flew up to cover my eyes.

“Please...please just leave me alone.” I pleaded. I didn’t want him to see me cry and right now I desperately need to defuse these screwed up emotions.

“I am not leaving Angela. Tell me what’s wrong.” His voice was so compelling.

“N-nothing. I just—“ My breath caught, my hands uncovered my face and rested on my chest in a futile attempt to slow my heart rate.

“I can’t breathe.” I confessed. I felt so confined. My hands went up to my hair and I unbound it hastily. Letting the soft waves fall over my shoulder for the first time in a really long time. I pulled all the clips that held my hair up and they fell soundlessly on the floor.

I ran my fingers through my hair and felt somewhat better. I knew my skin was flushed and heated.

I felt Brad advance once more, this time he tried to wrap his arms around me but I couldn’t let him. I just couldn’t!

I tried to pull away but he kept trying. My arms flayed out and I hit him a couple of times until I gave in and he held me.

“It’s okay.” I heard him whisper as his fingers trailed over my hair. I felt myself give over to the feelings trying to escape. My face was buried against his chest and the beating of his heart calmed me. He steadied me and when I felt as if I couldn’t support myself anymore. He lowered us onto the kitchen floor where he continued to hold me until I regained my sense.

I felt so much more drained than before, but I loved the comfort I received in his arms. It was nice to be comforted for once but it was time to go back to reality. This was beckoned by the sound of the house phone.

I slowly moved away from Brad and stood up. I saw that he followed suit and stood behind me.

“Hello?” I spoke into the phone.

**Brad’s POV**

I had no explanation for the turn of events the morning took. Angela and I started off in a verbal conflict, like always. Yet, what had changed that she had such a reaction. I had never seen Angela so vulnerable and I knew it was my fault.

All I could dream of doing was hold her and hope she would regain control. I looked at her now as she walked over to the ringing phone. Her hair had become loose during her outburst and I marveled at the beauty it added to her.

This was more Angela. She hadn’t allowed her hair to spill freely in a long time and I felt she was always assuming a façade. Something to hide behind but I saw her now. I hoped she never wore it up again.

I heard her speak into the phone. I hadn’t the slightest idea who it was.

“Hello?” She paused and then her tone took on a cheerier tinge.

“Mrs. Regal, how are you?” She asked and my attention was caught.

It was my mother.

“I really happy to hear that! Things are great here, thanks for asking.” She responded to whatever my mother said to her and paused again. Her blatant lie catching me off guard. What did I expect? Her complaining to my mother about our marriage? Actually, that’s exactly what I expected, and the reality that she just lied made me listen with more interest.

“Brad’s at work, but I am sure he would love to come! He always talks about how much he misses you. But he just doesn’t get the time. When is the dinner party?” She spoke and I grew more and more suspicious.

Did Angela lie on my behalf? I never speak to my mother anymore, forget about even visiting.

I just couldn’t. Too many commemorations that I wished to forget.

Angela was surprising me. I never realized the things she did for me.

“This Saturday? Oh my, Brad has a business trip this weekend. I am so sorry.” She paused again.

“Of course I will be there... it was wonderful speaking to you also. Take care.”

She placed the phone down and gifting me a brief glance she walked closer. She bent down and lightly brushed up the clips she threw on the floor. She began to bind her hair when I caught her hand.

“Leave it down,” I whispered and she bent her head, avoiding my gaze.

“Of course, as you desire.” Her voice was tight and very haughty. “After all, it is my life’s purpose to do what you please.” Her voice bore the same effect as acid and I furrowed my brows.

It was really funny. I had thought that we made some sort of progress just we seemed to have arrived at step one all over again. I let her hand fall out of my grasp and she stormed away, but not before adding, “Shouldn’t you be getting to work?”