Chapter 60

**Angela’s POV**

I sat in my car and pulled out my phone, I dialled Harvey’s number and prayed he answered.

“Hello.” My heart constricted at the voice and I felt all off my breath squeeze out of my chest.

“Why are you answering Harvey’s phone?” I am sure I sounded breathless. The line grew silent for a while.

“I-I” He cleared his throat. “He just gave it to me.” He clarified.

“So he is with you?” I questioned, my body feeling weak and shaky.

“He is. He came to meet me. We are at my mothers. You can come pick him up.” He suggested and the tears flowed down my cheeks at his dismissal.

“I will.” I replied quickly and hung up the phone.

I didn’t know how I was going to face him. I cleared the tears away and decided to drive over. The divorce papers burning a hole in my line of sight. Maybe this is why he wanted me to come over to ask if I signed the blasted thing!

I pulled up in front of Mrs Regal’s house. I couldn’t say my mother in law anymore. That tie would be severed soon enough. I walked up the pathway, my entire body in anticipation. I felt nauseous and about ninety-five percent of my brain screamed for me to get back into my car and leave. I rang the doorbell and waited. Mrs Regal opened the door and her features softened as she looked at me. She embraced me in a hug that spoke volumes, I was certain she knew about the separation.

“Are you alright?” she questioned.

“Perfectly fine.” I replied defiantly. “Can I please see my son?” I questioned and she led me inside.

“Hey, mom.” Harvey called as he eased of the couch and made his way towards me. I crossed my arms at my chest and looked at him.

“Don’t ‘hey mom’ me. What were you thinking?” I scolded, the panic felt at not knowing where he had gone rose up.

He stared at me and shrugged. I sighed heavily and pulled him into my arms. “Don’t you ever do that again. You could’ve given me a heart attack.” I confessed and he looked at me disbelievingly.

“I am fine.” He proclaimed and walked out of my embrace. I smiled and then my eyes connected with Brad’s. He was eyeing me carefully and it seemed that electricity crackled between us. There was so much tension. Even Harvey and Mrs Regal gazed back and forth between us.

I inhaled slightly and schooled my expression. I pulled the paper out from my purse and held it out to Brad.

“What is it?” He questioned, his eyes connecting with mine.

“What you asked for.” I replied.

“Well, I need to go run some errands.” Mrs Regal interrupted and we all stared at her. “Harvey dear, why don’t you come with me, we can get some ice-cream on our way back.” Harvey nodded and they left.

Alone, the atmosphere grew even more heated.

**Brad’s POV**

It was what I asked for wasn’t it? But why was that mere piece of paper seeming to be catastrophic? Asking for a separation was easy; going through with it was a different story. I couldn’t break ties with this woman; I would have no life without her. Yet I hurt her too much, she looked drawn and tired, dark circles were lining her eyes and I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her senseless.

I ran my fingers through my hair and pulled. This was difficult. I was confused. I turned away from her.

“Aren’t you going to take it? The sooner you sign the sooner you can apply and the sooner you are free. For the record, you can have the house but I will need time to arrange other prospects for myself and Harvey. You have all rights to visit him and we can work on a schedule. As for settlement, I require none. I don’t want half or any part of anything it’s all yours and—“

“Angela, stop!” I ground out and her words ceased. How could she be so practical about this?

She sighed. “We will need to speak of this sooner or later and I really don’t think we want to see each other again. Better to settle this now.” She replied and that did it. My control snapped. I spun around to face her.

“You don’t want to see me again?” I questioned and her jawline clenched.

“You’re not the one who hurts when we meet. Since we are not going to have a life together I need time to come to terms with my love being unrequited.” She snapped back. “So take the goddamned papers and sign them.” She tried handing them to me again. This time I pulled it out of her grasp and stalked into the kitchen. She groaned and followed me.

I took up a box of matches; I clasped a grain and rubbed the head causing a flame to ignite. I pressed the burning head to the divorce papers and it started to crumble. I dropped it into the sink and watched as it became completely engulfed. The fire extinguished and I turned back to Angela.

Her eyes were wide with shock.

“I not letting you go.” I spoke clearly and she smiled sardonically and ran her fingers through her hair.

“You are insane.” Her voice rose and octave. “You’re the one who gave me those papers.” She reminded me, she was obviously annoyed.

“I know and I am sorry it was a mistake.” I replied as I strode out of the kitchen. She followed.

“Mistake? What game are you playing?” She yelled at my back. Once we were back in the living room I faced her.

“I am not playing any game. I don’t want our relationship to end. Please forgive me.” I answered and she scoffed.

“Really? Why?” Her voice was rough and she was angry.

“Do I need to have a reason to stay with my wife?” I questioned.

“Yes!” She yelled. “I am not something you can use at your convenience. You think you can just snap your fingers and I will forgive you?”

“You want a reason?” I questioned my voice at dangerous levels. “Because I love you!” I screamed and I saw her suck in breath. I was also astonished. I laughed. I did love her and it took me losing her to see it. There was no one else in the world I would ever consider giving my heart to but it went willingly to her and I hadn’t noticed.

“You love me?” She replied in disgust. “It’s not enough.” She responded and I closed the distance between us.

“Loving you is not enough?” I questioned, my hands reaching up to cup her face.

“Mine wasn’t enough for you.” She countered.

“It was, it is. I was just battling my own emotions. I didn’t want to ruin your chance at happiness and I thought you couldn’t possibly be happy with me.” I pleaded with my eyes.

“Why is it so hard for you to believe I love you?” She questioned.

“I guess I just couldn’t accept that I could deserve your love.” I answered but she shook her head.

“I can’t do what you’re asking of me Brad. How do I know that one day you won’t decide that having this relationship is too much pressure for you?” She questioned, her eyes searching mine.

“Because I know what it’s like to lose you and I never what to feel that again. Angela I am a mess without you. I am surprised I survived this long.” I confessed and she closed her eyes and tears streamed down her cheeks.

“And would you have come for me if I didn’t come here today?” She inquired.

“I told you, I always will. I might have taken a longer time to fully understand my feelings but I know I would’ve found my way back. There is no one else who could ever take the place you made in my heart.” I confessed to her and I could sense her resolve weakening.

She wanted me just as much as I wanted her and I couldn’t let her go. Not now, not ever. I pulled her forehead to rest on mine. Our breaths mingled and meshed.

“Please give me one more chance. I promise I will not screw it up. Allow me the opportunity to give you the love you’ve inspired in me. Give us a chance to develop our family.” I inched closer to her lips, “Please give us another chance.” I breathed against her lips and they parted in wait for me.

“Well?” I whispered.

“Yes.” She breathed. “Just please don’t ever leave me again.” She warned and I smiled.

“I wouldn’t even dream of it.” I pressed my lips against hers in a lingering kiss, one filled with pure, incorruptible emotions. I pressed her closer to me and swore to never let her go. She was mine and I was hers.