Chapter 25: Tag of war

Angelic took a deep breath as she entered the dimly lit café, her heart pounding in her chest. She had spent the last few days preparing for this moment, steeling herself for the role she had to play. The revelation from her father had shaken her to the core, but it had also given her a clear sense of purpose. Marcelino had to be brought down, and she would be the one to do it.
As she spotted Marcelino sitting at a corner table, his face lit up with a smile that seemed to warm the room. But to Angelic, it felt cold and hollow, a facade masking the darkness she now believed lay beneath. She forced herself to smile back, her expression one of practiced warmth and vulnerability.

"I'm glad you came," Marcelino said, standing to greet her with a gentle embrace. The familiar scent of his cologne was almost comforting, but Angelic reminded herself of the man she believed him to be—the man behind her father's suffering.

"I'm sorry for what I've said to you, maybe I was just so desperate to find the culprit behind my father's death," she said, her voice trembling with feigned emotion. She looked down, avoiding his eyes, to sell the act of a woman struggling with grief and confusion.

Marcelino reached out and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I know, Mariam. It's been a tough time for you. But I'm here, and I want to help you through this. We can start again," he said, his voice soft and soothing. His eyes, those deep, mesmerizing eyes, were filled with what seemed like genuine concern.

Angelic felt a pang of conflict in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it. This was not the time for doubt. She had a mission. "Thank you, Marcelino," she whispered, allowing herself to lean into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her, offering a warmth that she knew she had to resist. Her face, hidden from his view, twisted into a mask of cold determination.

In her mind, a storm of thoughts raged. You wait, she thought, her inner voice dripping with venom. I'll have a surprise attack on you soon. You will be shocked once I've gathered enough information against you. You are not the only one with power and connections. I will destroy everything you have.

As Marcelino held her, she felt his heartbeat against her cheek. It was a steady, comforting rhythm that once made her feel safe. Now, it only fueled her anger. She imagined him as the architect of her father's pain, the mastermind behind the suffering that had befallen her family. Her lips curled into a smile, but it was not one of joy. It was the smile of a predator, calculating and cold.
The café was quiet, the soft murmur of conversations around them a distant hum. To any outsider, they would have appeared as a couple finding solace in each other's arms. But inside, Angelic was a tempest of emotions—grief, anger, betrayal, and a burning desire for vengeance.

They spent the rest of the evening talking, Marcelino unaware of the storm brewing inside her. He spoke about moving forward, about rebuilding their lives together, and how he wanted to support her through this difficult time. Angelic listened, nodding and offering soft responses, all the while storing every word, every gesture, every detail in her mind. She needed to play the role perfectly, to draw him in closer, to make him believe she was still the woman he once knew.

As they left the café, Marcelino insisted on walking her to her car. The night air was cool, and the city lights cast a soft glow around them. Angelic glanced at Marcelino, his profile sharp against the night sky. She remembered the days when she had admired that profile, had been captivated by his charm and confidence. Now, those same features filled her with disgust.

"Thank you for tonight," she said as they reached her car. "It meant a lot to me."
Marcelino smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Anything for you, Mariam. I just want you to be happy."
Angelic smiled back, a sweet, innocent smile that hid the darkness in her heart. "Goodnight, Marcelino."

As she drove away, her mind replayed the evening's events. Marcelino's words echoed in her ears, each one a reminder of the role she had to play. She had to be patient, had to gather more information, had to find a way to bring him down without endangering her children or herself.

Angelic sat in silence, the weight of her mission settling heavily on her shoulders. She thought about her father, Arnold, and his warnings. The Conde family had resources and connections, but they were still vulnerable. The Innovation family was powerful, and Marcelino was a key figure in their plans.

Why did you do this, Marcelino? she thought, her hands clenched into fists. Why did you bring this upon my family? The answers seemed elusive, hidden behind layers of deceit and manipulation.
Angelic knew she had to dig deeper. She needed to find out more about the Innovation family's plans, their connections, and how Marcelino fit into the bigger picture. But for now, she had to maintain the facade, to play the game of shadows until the time was right.

As she prepared for bed, Angelic looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes, once filled with innocence and hope, were now hardened with resolve. She was no longer the naive girl who had fallen for Marcelino's charm. She was a woman on a mission, a mother determined to protect her children, and a daughter seeking justice for her father's death.

You won't see it coming, Marcelino, she thought, her lips curling into a dark smile. When the time is right, I'll be the one to bring you down. And you will know the true meaning of betrayal.
As she lay down, Angelic felt the weight of the day finally settle into her bones. The path ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but she was ready to face it. She had her father's support, her own determination, and the knowledge that she was fighting for something bigger than herself.

In the darkness of her room, Angelic closed her eyes, a single tear slipping down her cheek. It was a tear for the woman she once was, for the innocence she had lost, and for the battles yet to come. But it was also a tear of resolve, a silent vow that she would not rest until justice was served.

And as the city slept, Angelic's mind remained alert, planning her next move, ready for the games of deception and betrayal that lay ahead.