Chapter 20

Angela POV

Just as I pressed the elevator button, heavy footsteps sounded behind me. Sean's voice cut through the silence.

"Stop."

I didn't turn around, but my grip tightened on the suitcase handle.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway as Sarah hurried toward us, clearly having heard our raised voices. "Mrs. Shaw?" she called out, concern evident in her voice. "Do you need any help?"

I shook my head, forcing a reassuring smile.

"Sarah," Sean's voice was quiet but firm. "I need to speak with my wife privately. Please give us a moment."

Sarah hesitated, her eyes meeting mine with a look of sympathy before she reluctantly turned away, leaving us alone in the tense silence of the hallway.

I let out a soft sigh, then turned to face him with determined eyes. "I've made my decision, Sean."

"Have you?" His voice was closer now. "Or is someone else making it for you?"

Before I could respond, my phone's ringtone shattered the tense atmosphere. Nathan's name lit up the screen. I saw Sean's jaw tighten as he caught sight of the caller ID.

"I should take this," I said quietly.

Sean's expression darkened, but he made no move to stop me as I answered.

"Angela?" Nathan's voice carried clearly in the quiet hallway. "You haven't been to the office for three days. Did something happen? Are you feeling any better?"

I was acutely aware of Sean's presence as I replied, "I'm fine. I'm just taking an extended leave. Thank you for your concern."

"Are you sure? I could bring over some-"

"That won't be necessary," I cut in quickly. "Goodnight, Nathan."

I ended the call, but the damage was done. Sean's eyes had turned to ice.

"Nathan." He practically spat the name. "Calling at this hour to check on your... health?"

"He's a friend who's concerned about my wellbeing." I tried to keep my voice steady. "Nothing more."

Sean moved forward suddenly, taking my suitcase before I could react. "A friend who takes you to intimate lunches? Who calls you at midnight?"

"Give that back." I reached for the suitcase, but he held it easily out of reach.

"Answer me first." His voice dropped dangerously low. "What's really going on between you and Nathan?"

Anger flared in my chest. "You have no right to question my relationships with colleagues. Not when you spent last night with Christina."

"That was different-"

"Was it?" I laughed bitterly. "At least Nathan's concern is genuine. He's not trying to buy me off with insulting checks."

"Christina shouldn't have come to see you alone," Sean's voice tightened. "And she had no right to give you that check. I'll warn her about this."

Something dangerous flashed in Sean's eyes. "She had no right-"

"No?" I cut him off. "Isn't that exactly what you did? Writing checks after our night together, as if I could be bought and paid for?"

Sean moved closer, his tall frame towering over me. The heat radiating from his body made my skin tingle, and for a moment, I was acutely aware of every inch of space between us.

His presence was overwhelming, possessive - reminding me of that one passionate night we'd shared.

"I never meant to buy you off," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "That night..."

I tried to maintain my composure, but suddenly the room started spinning. A wave of dizziness hit me, and I swayed slightly.

"What's wrong?" Sean's anger seemed to evaporate instantly, replaced by concern.

"Nothing." I pressed a hand to my forehead. "I just need to sit down for a moment."

His touch was surprisingly gentle as he guided me to the nearest chair. "You've been like this for days now," he said quietly. "What's really going on, Angela?"

I closed my eyes, unable to meet his searching gaze. My hand drifted unconsciously to my stomach before I caught myself.

"I told you, I'm fine." I started to stand, but he placed a hand on my shoulder, keeping me seated.

"Grandmother could visit any day now," he said suddenly. "With her surgery coming up..."

My resistance faltered at the mention of Elizabeth. The older woman's health was precarious enough without the stress of finding her grandson's wife moved out.

"At least wait until after the surgery," Sean continued, his voice softer now. "If anyone needs to leave... it should be me. This is your home too."

The gentleness in his tone made my throat tight. For a moment, I could almost believe he actually cared.

"Fine," I managed finally. "I'll stay. For Elizabeth's sake."

Without another word, Sean turned and walked out of the apartment, the heavy door clicking shut behind him.