Chapter 15: Secrets Revealed

"Get out, don't keep your suitor waiting," Leonardo snapped, his words cutting through the air like a blade. Crawling onto his bed, he turned away from Angela, lying on his back, a silent dismissal that left her reeling.
Angela's body froze for a moment, her mind grappling with the shock of the encounter. Slowly, she made her way outside, seeking solace in the cool embrace of the afternoon air. The lawn beckoned her, and she found refuge on the swing, its rhythmic motion soothing her troubled thoughts. Unbeknownst to her, Fredrick stood nearby, still clutching the elegantly arranged bouquet of white roses.
"These roses have been waiting for you for hours, Angela," Fredrick spoke; his voice gentle and warm, accompanied by a smile. "How come you didn't tell Leonardo you were beautiful?"
A flicker of sadness danced in Angela's eyes as she recounted her mother's words. "It's pompous to tell someone you're beautiful," she recalled, her voice carrying the weight of ingrained lessons. "My mother told me to wait for someone to compliment you. But I'm not beautiful in my own eyes."
Fredrick's smile deepened, his gaze filled with sincerity. "You are, and that is why you deserve beautiful flowers."
The weight of expectations hung heavy in the air as Angela's voice grew resolute. "What do you expect of me, Fredrick?" she declared, her words carrying a firmness that matched her unwavering gaze. "I know you're expecting something from me. If you don't want something from me, I'm not worth a rose."
A moment of charged silence passed between them, pregnant with unspoken truths and uncharted territory.
"What are you even talking about, Angela?" Fredrick's pupils dilated his confusion evident as he struggled to comprehend her words.
Angela met his gaze with unwavering determination, refusing to back down. "I'm not so naive that I couldn't see through your motives," she asserted, her voice laced with a mix of skepticism and defiance. "It's clear that I'm not your type of woman. So don't pretend that you like me. Please, forgive me. I have a patient to attend to."
Fredrick's grip tightened around her hand, his frustration mounting. "What's gotten into you, Angela?" he snapped, his patience wearing thin. "I don't appreciate your sharp tongue today. Don't be impolite to me."
Angela hesitated, drawing her hand back reluctantly. She locked eyes with Fredrick, her voice steady and composed. "I'm not as naive as you think I believe you do have feelings for me."
"Fine, if you don't want to befriend me, so be it," Fredrick responded tersely. "But I have a question for you."
Angela braced herself, ready to face the forthcoming inquiry. "What is it?" she asked, her tone guarded.
"Is your story about the two snakes you saw the other day true?" Fredrick inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
A sarcastic smile tugged at Angela's lips. "Does it bother you?" she retorted.
"Just tell me the truth," Fredrick pressed, his tone growing more insistent.
Angela sighed, her patience wearing thin, "Fine. The truth is, I saw the two of you," she hissed through gritted teeth, "Entangled inside the studio, naked, indulging in a display of impropriety."
Fredrick was taken aback, his face paling to the color of ash. His jaws clenched tightly as despair seeped into his voice. "So, you saw us," he moaned, his tone heavy with resignation. "The 'snake' you referred to is us."
"Of course, it was the two of you," Angela snorted, her voice laced with contempt, “You and Miss Lara.”
Fredrick turned around abruptly, scanning their surroundings for any eavesdroppers. Fear etched across his face, and his complexion drained of color.
"We're only human, easily swayed," Fredrick pleaded, attempting to rationalize their actions.
Angela's eyes narrowed her voice cutting through the air with accusation. "If you truly love someone, you would be the first to suffer when they suffer. You should have had a bond of empathy and protection with Leonardo. But instead, you... you betrayed him."
Fredrick took a deep breath, his tone tinged with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. "What is your plan?" he asked, his voice laced with caution. "Are you going to expose us?"
"No," Angela replied firmly. "You and Miss Lara Chavez are not my primary concern. But... if my patient is harmed and if he ever feels the urge to die again because of you, rest assured, you will pay."
A cold, menacing hiss escaped Fredrick's lips as anger seeped into his voice. "I will make sure you suffer first," he threatened. "So, take my advice. Do not dare engage in any indecent acts in this house, or you will live to regret it."
"You can do whatever you want outside of this house. I don't care," she declared, her voice filled with resolute determination. With those final words, she turned away from Fredrick and made her way into the living room, gasping for air. Glancing out of the window, she caught sight of Fredrick standing motionless by the side of the swing, an eerie stillness enveloping him.
After their intense conversation, Angela found herself needing a moment to collect her thoughts in the living room. The weight of the situation pressed upon her, but she couldn't dwell on her safety. Her primary concern lay with Leonardo and the potential devastation he would face upon discovering Lara and Fredrick's betrayal. It was a bombshell that had the power to shatter him completely.
Just then, Mrs. Gale approached Angela, carrying a tray of food. "Do you want to bring this food to Leonardo?" she asked, offering the tray to Angela.
"I'll take care of it," Angela replied, reaching out to accept the tray from Mrs. Gale's grasp.
Observing Angela's interaction with Fredrick earlier, Mrs. Gale couldn't help but inquire, "Did you disagree with Fredrick?"
Angela paused for a moment, considering her response. "We had a serious discussion," she explained, choosing her words carefully.
Mrs. Gale's eyes narrowed with concern. "Fredrick seemed quite agitated. What did you talk about?"
Angela offered a dismissive smile. "It wasn't anything significant," she replied, downplaying the gravity of their conversation.
Mrs. Gale's intuition persisted, and she probed further. "He's been showing interest in you, hasn't he?"
A hint of weariness crossed Angela's features as she replied, "Yes, but I don't have time for a boyfriend. It's not something I require. Please excuse me; I should bring this food to Mr. Vera."
Mrs. Gale nodded understandingly, "Of course. Thank you," she said before returning to the kitchen, leaving Angela to make her way to Leonardo's room with the tray of food in hand.
Angela stood frozen, her heart sinking, as she witnessed Lara Chavez holding Leonardo's hand. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks—Lara had made a promise to resign from her job for Leonardo's sake. It was a blow that caught Angela off guard, almost causing her to drop the tray she held in her hands.
"Come here, Angela. We have something to tell you," Leonardo called out, beckoning her closer.
Reluctantly, Angela approached, her mind filled with a mix of apprehension and resignation. "I'm just here to bring you your food, sir," she murmured, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Leonardo chimed in with an air of triumph, “Thank you.”
Lara interrupted, "By the way, Angela, I'll contact the agency tomorrow to find another candidate for a new nurse."
Angela's heart sank further as she realized the weight of her words.
"You can do that after our wedding," Leonardo proclaimed, a wide smile stretching across his face as if he had emerged victorious in a game.
But Angela's concern lay elsewhere. It wasn't about who had won or lost. Her worry stemmed from the fact that Lara was the epitome of an insidious and malevolent fiancée.
With a calm and cold tone, Leonardo predicted, "She'll no longer be my nurse after you quit your job, Lara."
Angela responded casually, "Don't fret, Miss Chavez. You won't have to encounter me once the wedding takes place." She turned towards the door and exited, with Miss Lara trailing behind and closing the door behind her.
As the weight of their conversation settled upon her, Angela's expression hardened. There was an eerie aura surrounding Lara, and Angela couldn't shake off the sense that there was an underlying danger beneath her seemingly innocent façade.
"You're deranged, Angela," Lara ground her teeth. "Tell me, are you in love with my boyfriend?"
A cold smirk formed on Angela's lips as she looked at Lara. "What makes you think that Miss Chavez?" her voice dripped with icy sarcasm.
Lara's eyes widened in disbelief, "You know what? You're the worst nurse I've ever encountered."
Angela's expression turned stern. "And you're the most treacherous girlfriend I've ever come across, Miss Chavez."
Lara was taken aback by Angela's sharp words. "What do you mean? You think I'm a traitor?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.
Angela locked eyes with Lara and was about to walk away when Lara grabbed her arms, her tone turning harsh. "Tell me what's on your mind, bitch," she spat out.
Angela's gaze remained unwavering as she retorted, "If I tell you, you won't be able to look at yourself in the mirror without feeling shame." She felt the urge to slap Lara but restrained herself. "Don't make me say something that you'll regret hearing."
"Get out of here. You're not a positive influence on the people around," Lara snapped.
A sly smile played on Angela's lips as she replied, "I know exactly why you despise me so much. Perhaps it's because I am aware of one of your most sinister secrets."
Lara's frown deepened as she responded, "What secret are you talking about?"