Chapter 57

**Angela’s POV**

I woke to an empty bed, Brad was probably getting ready for work, I assumed. I rose and showered. I went downstairs to get breakfast ready. Yesterday’s events flooding through my mind. I was so terrified but now, back home I felt safe. I didn’t want to dwell in the unfortunate circumstances of yesterday.

I began setting the table when I saw a note stuck to the morning paper. I peeled it off and unfolded it.

*I had an early meeting; I couldn’t be there when you woke up.*

*-Brad

I stared at the paper longingly. Was it just me or did it sound really impersonal? I shook the thought away. He was probably in a hurry. I looked up and Harvey came into the kitchen yawning. He smiled and gave me a hug.

“Morning, mom.” He called and I smiled.

“Good morning.”

“Where’s dad?” He questioned, I handed him the note and he shook his head and rested it aside.

“How are you feeling?” He asked cautiously and I squeezed his arm reassuringly.

“I am fine! Stop worrying.” I smiled. After breakfast, I drove Harvey to school and went to work.

The day turned sullen and by noon it was raining none stop. The sky turned an eternal grey and the day darkened. I picked Harvey up from school and we ventured home. The rain still continued.

We ate dinner together, Brad still hadn’t come home and pretty soon the weather mimicked my emotions. I desperately wanted him home, but I knew he was probably busy. Harvey went straight to bed after dinner to catch up on sleep I cleared the dishes and cleaned the kitchen.

I hadn’t realised when Brad came home due to the powerful taps of droplets harmonising on the roof of the house. It was around ten when he wandered into the kitchen. I rose from my chair and strode towards him. I wrapped my arms around him. It took him a while to embrace me and I felt embarrassed. I pulled away and lowered my gaze.

“How was work?” I questioned.

“It was fine.” His voice was cold and I shivered.

“OK.” I responded cautiously. I wasn’t sure what the problem was and I tried to ignore the anger at being disregarded. “I am going to bed.” I declared.

“Wait.” He called and I stopped. “We need to talk.” He declared and I grew suspicious.

“Ok, then talk.” I encouraged.

He circled me and walked over to the kitchen sink; he leaned against it and looked at me. “This isn’t working out.” His words struck me, the effect no less than a physical blow.

I inhaled sharply. This couldn’t be going in the direction I thought. I was a shaking mess on the inside but I tried to maintain some level of neutrality.

“You’re saying you want to end our relation.” I clarified, every word escaping my lips were painful. I was foolish to think he would really want me.

“Not just the physical. I am also saying...” he paused. “I want a divorce.” He handed me some papers and I eyed them, my eyes misting over. I was sure my chest was heaving. How could he be so cold? I lost all strength and my moth dried.

“I-I thought you wanted our marriage to work.” I stared directly into his eyes. I didn’t dare take the divorce papers from him.

“I did, but I wasn’t banking on you falling in love with me.” He countered his voice rough. I stilled.

“How did—“

“You proclaimed as much in your sleep last night.” He answered my unfinished question.

“And it took you mere hours to decide I wasn’t worth it?” I spat through the tears trailing down my cheeks.

The room was silent, only the pounding of the rain sounded and it seemed to intensify the atmosphere.

“I told you Angela, I don’t love, I can’t give you that. It’s better this way.” He ground out, stepping a few steps closer to me.

“I never asked for your love.” I countered.

“But you gave me yours and I don’t want it. It’s too much pressure. You deserve someone to love you and I can’t give that.” His voice softened.

“Please don’t do this.” I begged. “I don’t want anyone else.” He pulled me closer and laid a lingering kiss on my forehead.

“I am sorry.” He looked into my eyes and strode away.

I stood for a few seconds. My feet moving to mirror the steps he took.

”Brad, Wait!’ I called. I had to run to catch up and I still didn’t. Halfway to the front door I heard it open and close.

I ran faster, I pushed open the door and ran into the rain. I paid no attention to the biting kisses scattering on my skin, I tried to look for any movement but I couldn’t see anything.

“Brad!” I called, the sound of the rain drowning my words. I ran my fingers threw my hair and felt the true blow of what just occurred I was glued to the spot as wave and wave of tears shook my body.

**Brad’s POV**

I stood in the rain and gazed at our house as I saw the door open and Angela ran out. She was searching frantically, she even called me but I could go back. She deserved better and I needed to leave yet I still stood immoveable as she gave into her emotions. I wanted to scold her, tell her to get out of the rain but I couldn’t go back. I ran my fingers threw my hair. I would leave when she decided to go indoors.