Chapter 61: Surprised by Surprise

Angela's POV

Angela's heart raced as the man's shadow crept closer, sending shivers down her spine. The urge to scream welled up inside her, but his hand clamped over her mouth before any sound could escape. Panic surged through her, and she thought, "This can't be a dream." His grip tightened, making it hard to breathe, as she struggled to break free from his grasp. But his strength was overpowering, leaving her gasping for air.

"And then she realized she wasn't dreaming," Angela's mind raced as his grip grew even tighter. A surge of desperation propelled her to fight back, her efforts proving futile against his superior strength. Then, as the veil of shadows lifted, his identity was revealed, a shocking revelation that left her breathless. "Andrew?" Her voice wavered, a mix of disbelief and fear.

"Angela, I can't... endure it any longer," Andrew's voice cracked, pulling her into his arms. Memories flooded her mind, memories of another, memories of Fredrick. His kisses, once tender, now carried a punishing force that sent chills down her spine.

"Andrew, what on earth are you doing?" Angela's voice trembled as she pushed him away, trying to distance herself from his unsettling advances.

"I love you, and I want you to be mine," Andrew's words hung in the air as he pressed kisses upon her, each one moving with a possessive fervor. His lips trailed down her neck and toward her chest, an invasion of her personal space that left her pushing against him, struggling to escape his hold.

The tension was shattered as the door swung open, a new shadow emerging, breaking their twisted dance. With a forceful pull, Andrew was torn away from Angela, and she watched in stunned silence as a tall figure confronted him. A fist struck, connecting with Andrew's face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Angela's shock held her captive as a brawl erupted before her eyes, Andrew and Leonardo locked in a chaotic clash of emotions. Fists flew, kicks landed, and Andrew bore the brunt of Leonardo's rage. The word "traitor" rang in the air, a testament to the betrayal that had unfolded.

"Stop!" Angela's voice pierced through the chaos, desperation and fear driving her to intervene. "I want to slap him," her voice carried a fierce resolve, "Stay away from me, Andrew!" Tears streamed down her face as her voice trembled, "Get out!"

"I'm sorry, Angela," Andrew's apology fell on deaf ears, his pleas overshadowed by the maelstrom of emotions.

"Disappear from our lives, or face the consequences," Leonardo's stern command echoed as he shoved Andrew out, sealing the door with finality.

Angela trembled on the edge of the bed, her world shattered by Andrew's sinister intentions. She had never anticipated the darkness lurking beneath his facade of sincerity. Her trust had been shattered, her heart wounded.

Beside her, Leonardo offered a gentle presence, a hand extended in comfort. "Don't fear, he can't harm you now," his soft words reached her ears, wrapping her in a cocoon of solace. "Come back to me."

Haunted by the past, Angela took Leonardo's hand, finding solace in his embrace. She feared Andrew's return, but with Leonardo by her side, she took a step toward healing, leaving behind the nightmare that had unfolded.
Vera's house glowed with a warm radiance, the lawn adorned with twinkling lights that cast a magical glow. Leonardo's grip on Angela's hand remained steadfast, a tangible reassurance after the ordeal they had faced. Angela felt a sense of comfort, allowing Leonardo to take the lead. Mrs. Vera's welcoming smile greeted Angela as she stepped through the main door, followed by Mrs. Gale, both radiating genuine joy. The prospect of sharing a meal was a comforting notion.

"Perhaps we should consider hiring a new gardener, Mom," Leonardo's voice held a hint of concern, prompting Angela to glance at him, her guilt surfacing.

"Why? Has something happened with Andrew?" His mother's innocent inquiry held no inkling of the truth.

"He assaulted Angela, and he must face the consequences," Leonardo's words cut through the air, his gaze locking with Angela's. "Angela, please inform me if he tries to contact you. We need to ensure he can't hurt anyone else. He's pretending to be Fredrick."

The mere mention of Fredrick stirred a churn of emotions within Angela. "He sometimes acted and sounded like Fredrick," Angela admitted, her voice heavy with unease.

"Let's put that behind us," Leonardo's decisive tone sealed Andrew's fate in silence. The topic was left untouched, an unspoken agreement between them. Later, in the intimacy of his room, Leonardo extended an invitation to Angela.

"Promise me, Angela, that you won't leave me again," Leonardo's sincerity echoed as they sat together on his bed. Angela felt a blush tint her cheeks, aware of his unwavering gaze that seemed to peel away her defenses.

"Don't look away," Leonardo's voice was gentle yet firm. "I want you to be with me officially."

Angela's heart swelled, the weight of his words both overwhelming and reassuring. "Leonardo, people might talk about you, judge you for choosing me."

"I'm not concerned with their opinions. What matters is us, together," Leonardo's conviction radiated. "Your scar doesn't define you; it's your heart that matters."

Helplessness washed over Angela in his presence, a sensation akin to melting into him like warm chocolate. Nodding was all she could manage, surrendering to his wishes.

As their lips met in a tender kiss, Angela's eyes fluttered closed, absorbing the love they shared. That night, their connection was more profound; Leonardo's touch remained gentle, and Angela appreciated the respite. "It's time to rest, we have a short trip ahead," Leonardo's hushed words held an enigmatic tone, hinting at something beneath the surface.

In the pink room, Angela's fatigue was palpable, her thoughts swirling in a haze. A vague sense of oddity brushed her mind, but her weariness overrode any inquiries. Settling into bed, she pondered the swift turn of events, her mind too foggy to dissect the mysteries around her.
The following morning, Angela rose ahead of the rest, settling herself at the kitchen table. The quiet rustling of groceries caught her attention, and Mrs. Gale emerged from the doorway, arranging items in the cabinets with an air of subdued unease. Angela sensed an undercurrent of something amiss in her actions.

"Is something bothering you, Mrs. Gale?" Angela inquired softly.

"A loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter were stolen from here," Mrs. Gale's voice held a hushed concern, her gaze distant.

Angela was taken aback. "Stolen? But who would do such a thing?"

Mrs. Gale's suspicion rested on the new guard in the guardhouse, a notion that didn't sit well with Angela. She urged Mrs. Gale to consider extending generosity to those in need. "Perhaps the person was hungry," Angela suggested, hoping to ease the tension.

"Let's have breakfast outside," Leonardo's voice floated in from behind. Dressed in a grey jacket and dark glasses, he exuded an enigmatic aura. Angela nodded in response, and they followed him to his car in silence, memories of her driving him resurfacing as they headed off. "Where are we headed?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"You'll find out," Leonardo's smile held a mysterious charm, and silence enveloped the journey.

As familiar landmarks came into view, Angela's realization dawned. "The beach?"

"Yes," Leonardo's reply was brief as he maneuvered the car to a quieter part of the park along the shore.

Angela's curiosity remained unquenched. "What's the plan here?"

"I want to capture you in a photograph," Leonardo revealed as he guided her to a specific spot. The memory of the day when she had guided him in his blindness resurfaced, adding a layer of meaning to the moment.

"Why, Leonardo?" Angela's puzzlement mirrored in her gaze.

"I want to capture you in this moment," Leonardo's explanation held a quiet intensity as he began to take photographs. Angela's hair danced in the breeze as he continued to capture her essence through his lens. The intimate connection between them was palpable in the air.

Afterward, they indulged in breakfast at a seaside restaurant, the sound of the waves serving as a serene backdrop to their shared moments. The tranquility of the scene contrasted with the mysteries that seemed to surround them.

Returning home that afternoon, Leonardo directed Angela to her room while he retreated to a dim, locked chamber of his own. Angela couldn't help but wonder what lay hidden within those shadows.
Angela's mind continued to whirl with questions about Leonardo's motives behind photographing her, yet the tranquility of his presence was a comforting anchor. With her thoughts still circling Esmeralda's diary and Lara's possible involvement in the murder, Angela sought solace in its pages.

Evening settled in with a silence that seemed to stretch, and they retired early to their respective rooms. Leonardo's preoccupations remained a mystery, his interactions with Angela growing briefer as time passed.

The following morning brought an unexpected request from Leonardo. Angela had just finished breakfast when he approached her, inviting her to accompany him to his studio. Uncertainty pricked at Angela, her heart racing as they stood before the closed studio door. Leonardo's enigmatic tone only heightened her apprehension.

"Are you ready?" Leonardo's words hung in the air, laden with intrigue.

Angela's response was tinged with confusion. "Ready for what?"

Leonardo's smile hinted at something monumental, his fingers lifting her chin to meet his gaze. The anticipation was palpable, a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within Angela. "Yes, I'm ready," she finally managed, curiosity overriding her fear.

As Leonardo unlocked the door, Angela's hesitance persisted, but her determination carried her inside the studio, yearning to uncover the surprise that awaited her. She was greeted by a covered canvas, its presence shrouded in mystery.

"Do you see that canvas?" Leonardo directed her attention to the enigmatic piece.

Angela nodded, her heart pounding in anticipation.

"Unveil it," Leonardo's words were filled with a blend of excitement and happiness.

Her hands trembling, Angela removed the cloth, revealing a painting that seemed to freeze time. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the figure of a woman, tears shimmering in her eyes, her head bowed in melancholy. Emotions welled up within Angela as she stared at the canvas in disbelief. "It's me," she whispered, awe and wonder mingling in her voice.

"Yes, Angela," Leonardo's voice held a note of reverence. "The Crying Lady is you."

Angela's eyes remained fixed on the painting, the emotions it evoked swirling within her.