Chapter 40

**Brad’s POV**

I had no idea what had gotten into me. I told Angela she had claim on me. What the fuck! It took all of me not to burn my bloody tongue off! I never gave women the privilege of having any say in my life. I was in charge, I made the rules and I was the one who broke them.

Drinking in her features, I knew. She wasn’t other women. She was my wife and I couldn't have done better for myself. If only that was enough to make this work. If only.

Yet why in hell did I grow angry when she threw my logic back into my face? She wasn’t wrong, we shared claim only until this ended. And it would, it was inevitable. But the thought of that day chilled me. The thought that Angela was in some way expecting it chilled me.

Would I ever truly tire of this woman? She frustrated the hell out of me yet she conjured a need that was strong and unparalleled.

The stiffness of her reaction didn’t go unnoticed as I mentioned Harvey. She sighed and delved into thought.

“He doesn’t really want to talk to me about that.” Her voice betrayed her otherwise impassive exterior. “He thinks I don’t care.” She attempted to shrug her emotions off, bending her head to fix her gaze on the floor, but I saw the reality and my chest constricted.

I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms burying her face against my chest. I felt her relax into my touch and felt some comfort in the fact I was able to compose her. She held onto the front of my shirt and her breathing steadied.

“Let’s go to bed,” I whispered, placing a light kiss on her head and I felt her nod against my chest.

**Harvey’s POV**

My secret had been utterly blown. Angela and Brad came to know about my constant fall from grace, so to speak. I saw the panic in Angela and had anticipated that specific reaction, hence the reason why I didn’t tell her. It was my problem. My burden to bear.

I still remembered her words to me last night and the offence protruding from her very readable eyes. I felt guilty for accusing her of indifference. I know she cared but it’s what I do. I push people away from me. I couldn’t help it. It was better that way.

Angela was more a mother to me than my own and I am grateful but I couldn’t help believing that her life would be better without my interference. After all things between her and Brad did seem as if it was on the mend.

I noticed the subtle differences in the way they regarded each other and I was happy for her. She deserved some happiness.

Brad was another story. I knew I would despise him and had thought I would continue to, but I don’t completely hate him.

He was trying and that made me try. Also, as freaky as it was, it sometimes felt as if we were cut from the same cloth. But I know that to be impossible, he has never had to face any hardships.

Besides what man would purposely avoid meeting their mother? Mine was not in her senses nor was she willing to see me and I still, despite it all wanted to see her. To know I am not the only one facing the nightmare. To feel the normalcy of having to deal with being different. But no one truly understood and it made me feel quite alone at times.

I walked into the schoolyard. Brad gave me a lift this morning, trying, the entire time to initiate conversation but I was not in the mood. He offered to have me transferred or even homeschooled. I was tempted to choose one. Most likely the one with the security of having to never socialize again. However, I know all too well that avoiding a problem doesn’t solve it.

It haunts and torments, playing on emotions one would never wish to feel. Emotions that burn just underneath the skin and leave you restless and empty. Thinking and fearing that everything you try to be a part of will have the same outcome. So you steel yourself, allow no one to get past skin deep.

I kept my head down and walked to class; maths. A subject I am not certain I like. I just do it because I have to.

At the corner of my eyes I saw some girls giggling, completely carefree. I tightened my hold on my backpack. What would it be like to be like that? To have friends and carry about as if the world rotated just for me?

To be happy.

It seemed such a trivial request and I smiled inwardly. Some didn’t understand the true value of that single emotion.

I took my seat at the centre of the classroom. I would much prefer to sit at the back but thanks to seat assignments my hope to just blend was shattered.

All my resolve to come back to this wretched school was snapped faster than my attempt to build it as soon as I saw Drake Blandwell entering the classroom with his puppet of a friend, Chase. I scowled and steeled myself.

I wasn’t exactly afraid of them. The pain of the beating was hell but I had faced worse. I could defend myself against these idiots, I just didn’t want to. I was already considered a freak, kicking their asses would draw more attention to me and I sort of got some thrill from the beatings.

As sick as it sounds, I thought I deserved it. I let my father destroy my mother, unable to do anything, this was my punishment. I had no right being fine when she was lost in such a state. I don’t deserve to live some else’s life.

Taking their seats behind me, I trailed their movements. Expecting to feel the cliché throbbing of balled paper against my skin. I have always assumed he used his notes, it would explain his stupidity.

I caught movement from the corner of my eye, Chase was about to flick paper at me when suddenly Drake reached out and held Chase’s hand, ceasing the assault. I raised my brows at this.

“What are you doing?” Chase questioned, pulling his arms out of Drake’s grasp.

“We can’t harass him anymore.” He lowered his voice but I was still able to hear. I cocked my head slightly, focusing on their conversation.

“We can’t?” Chase echoed the question in my mind.

“No my dad warned me against it.” Drake informed in a hiss.

“Your father doesn’t care if you harass some kid. He encourages it.” Chase countered and I grimaced. This was taking forever.

“You're right, he doesn’t but apparently Harvey’s father is far richer than mine and my dad told me that his father came over and attacked him. He said that if I continue then he would lose his footing in business.” Drake finally clarified.

“Footing in business? What does that mean?” Chase questioned and I rolled my eyes.

I tuned out then. Our teacher walking into class a few seconds later.

Did Brad threaten Drake’s father...for me? I was being left alone. I was being protected. I raked my fingers through my hair and passed my hand across my face.

Of all the pity and self-loathing I felt before now stupidity took precedence. It stood as an intruder, blatantly deeming me as ungrateful

I behaved foolishly, rashly and disregarded two people who have done more for me than anyone would even consider. And I accused them both of not caring. I caused pain to Angela when she did nothing but accept me.

I really did ruin everything. And for once, I didn’t feel completely alone.