Chapter 26

Angela POV

Before I could reply, I looked up to find Sean standing before me, his expression unfathomable. He stepped closer and said quietly, "We need to talk."

I glanced at him and set down my teacup. "Go ahead," I said.

"This has to stop," he said, gripping my wrist. "Whatever issues we have, we can't let them affect grandmother right now."

I pulled my hand free, careful to keep my voice low. "I'm well aware of our responsibilities, Sean. I've been managing appearances for two years now."

His jaw tightened. "Then why are you suddenly acting like my touch burns you?"

"Maybe because I'm tired of pretending." The words slipped out before I could stop them. "Tired of playing the perfect wife while you spend your nights with-"

"Don't." His voice carried a warning edge. "Not here."

As if to prove his point, a nurse walked past, her curious glance lingering on our intimate positioning. Sean immediately shifted closer, one arm sliding around my waist in a practiced display of affection.

"Smile," he whispered against my hair. "We have an audience."

I forced my lips to curve upward, even as my body tensed against his chest. This close, I could feel the steady beat of his heart, could smell the faint traces of expensive whiskey still clinging to his clothes from the night before.

I pulled away from his embrace, saying, "Grandmother is waiting for her tea."

I picked up the teacup and headed toward the garden to find her. Sean followed, his arm wrapping firmly around my waist as we walked side by side.

Elizabeth beamed at the sight of us together.

"You two remind me so much of my younger days with your grandfather," she said wistfully. "Such a handsome couple."

Her eyes sparkled with joy, but before she could continue, a nurse came over to inform us it was time for Elizabeth's routine checkup.

We waited outside the examination room, Sean still holding me close.

"You went to the club last night," he said suddenly, his fingers tightening fractionally on my hip. "Evan told me."

I could feel the temperature rising between us, and I tried to pull away from his embrace, but his grip remained firm.

"I didn't go last night," I said quietly.

"You're lying," Sean's voice hardened. "Evan called you, and he saw you there."

"Yes, Evan did call me," I admitted. "But I went to bed early last night. He must have seen someone else. Besides, taking care of you is Christina's responsibility now, not mine. Why would I interfere between you two?"

He finally released me from his grip, saying arrogantly, "Evan called you on his own initiative. I never asked him to call you. And I certainly wasn't expecting you to come pick me up."

Just as our argument was escalating, Dr. Carter opened the examination room door.

"Mr. and Mrs. Shaw?" His expression was carefully neutral. "Could I have a moment?"

Sean's arm stayed around my waist as we followed the doctor to a private waiting area. The room was decorated like an upscale living room, with plush leather chairs and tasteful artwork, but nothing could completely disguise its clinical purpose.

"Elizabeth's latest tests show some concerning developments," Dr. Carter began. "Nothing immediately dangerous, but I believe we should move up the surgery schedule."

"How much sooner?" Sean's voice remained steady, but I felt the tension in his body increase.

"We need to move the surgery up by a week." Dr. Carter glanced between us. "I know it's short notice, but waiting carries unnecessary risks."

A week earlier than planned. The timeline we'd been using to measure our marriage's remaining days had suddenly shortened dramatically.

"Does she know yet?" I asked.

"I thought it best to discuss it with you first." Dr. Carter's smile was sympathetic. "Elizabeth tends to handle such news better when it comes from family."

"We need to tell her together," Sean said finally. "Present a united front."

"Of course."

"Angela..." He ran a hand through his hair, a rare display of frustration. "This isn't about playing parts. Grandmother needs both of us right now."

"I know." My voice softened despite myself. "I won't let her down."

His hand found mine, fingers intertwining with practiced ease. For a moment, I allowed myself to remember how natural this used to feel - the simple comfort of his touch.

"Truce?" he offered quietly. "Just until she's recovered?"

"Truce."

When we returned to Elizabeth's room, she was sitting up in bed, her sharp eyes taking in our joined hands with obvious approval.

"There you are, my dears." Her smile could still light up a room. "Such perfect harmony. I always knew you two were meant for each other."

"You know, I've been thinking about the future lately. About legacy, and what truly matters." Her gaze moved between us, unusually serious. "Promise me something?"

"Anything," Sean said immediately.

"Promise me you'll take care of each other. No matter what happens with this surgery." Her voice carried the weight of years of observation.

"Life is too short for pride to stand in the way of love."