Chapter 32

Sean POV

"Sorry, I was still half-asleep," Angela murmured, her voice drowsy and slow.

She started to get up, and out of habit, I reached out to help her. But the moment my hand moved toward her, she flinched, pulling away as if I'd burned her.

It stung.

"What's wrong? Do I have thorns or something?" My voice came out colder than I intended.

I'd told Angela more than once that even after our divorce, I still saw her as a friend. But lately, it felt like she was doing everything possible to keep her distance-cold, distant, almost like she found me repulsive.

"Sorry, I just forgot about our arrangement," she whispered. She leaned in briefly, almost too close, then quickly pulled back and glanced at Elizabeth.

The apology barely registered. That tiny movement-her pulling away-only made the space between us feel wider, the distance heavier.

"Lunch together?" I asked, forcing a smile.

"Oh, I already have plans with Sophie. I need to go."

She didn't even wait for a response. Instead, she hopped out of bed, walked over to Elizabeth, and kissed her forehead with effortless warmth-something she never did with me. Then, just like that, she was gone, slipping away like smoke through a crack in the door.

Any guilt I'd felt for snapping at her disappeared instantly.

By the time I got to my office, frustration had built up inside me. I yanked off my black suit jacket and tossed it onto the couch.

Michael walked in, took one look at me, and seemed ready to turn right back around.

"Something wrong?" I asked before he could leave.

He shrugged and set a gift box on my desk.

It was the batch of cookies Christina had dropped off earlier. I'd handed them to Michael at lunch before heading out.

That's when it hit me-I hadn't eaten all day. I'd made time to visit Angela, hoping to have lunch with her, but she had been as cold as ever.

Michael glanced at me, smirking. "Oh, don't mind me. These are from the one and only Miss Christina. How could I possibly dare lay a finger on them?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

I shot him a sharp look. "Are you mocking me?"

He let out a low chuckle but didn't say another word.

"Get out," I said coldly.

He made a face but didn't argue, turning and walking out.

I loosened my tie and threw it onto the couch, exhaling sharply. But barely five minutes later, Michael knocked and walked back in.

"What now?" I asked, barely containing my irritation.

He held up a beautifully wrapped bag. "An Italian restaurant just delivered this for you. They said Miss Angela placed the order."

Right then, my phone buzzed with a new message.

It was from Angela.

"Grandma mentioned you haven't eaten, so I ordered something for you. The restaurant just confirmed delivery. Did you get it?"

The tension in my chest loosened slightly. My mood lifted, though I still muttered, "Wasn't she avoiding me? What's with the sudden thoughtfulness?"

I glanced at Michael. "Bring it in."

"On it."

He set the takeout on my desk, then gestured toward the cookies. "So what do you want me to do with these? You said I could have them."

"Hm?" I barely looked up.

"I mean, I can't eat all of them myself. Should I share with the office? Feels like a waste to throw them out."

I sighed, already tired of the conversation. "Do whatever you want with them. Just don't bother me with this."

"Got it."

Once he left, I opened the takeout box. Most of it was food I liked.

A small, reluctant smile tugged at my lips.

That stubborn woman-she acted like she didn't care, but she still did.

After finishing my meal, I was just settling into work when a sharp knock interrupted me.

"Come in," I called, already annoyed.

To my surprise, it was Christina.

I frowned. "Oh. I thought it was my assistant. What's wrong?"

She looked hurt. "I stayed up late baking those cookies for you, and now I find out you gave them away?" She lowered her head for a moment before looking up, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Sean did I do something to upset you? If you don't want me to come by anymore, just tell me."

I sighed. Looking at her, remembering how she had once nearly died saving me, I felt my irritation soften.

"Don't overthink it. I just don't really like sweets."

"Really? You're not mad? You don't think I'm bothering you?" She wiped at her eyes.

"How could I be mad at you?" I smiled, trying to ease her worries. "You can come by whenever you want."

Her expression brightened instantly as she slipped her arm through mine. "Sean, you're always so good to me."

"If it weren't for you back then, I wouldn't be standing here now. If you ever need anything, just ask."

She hesitated, then said, "Since I've been back, I haven't had a chance to visit Elizabeth. Do you think I could see her next week?"

I frowned, shaking my head. "Let's wait a bit. I don't want anything upsetting her recovery."

Elizabeth had never been fond of Christina for some reason.

Christina nodded obediently. "Okay, I'll listen to you."

Then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around my neck.

For a second, I felt like pulling away. It was too intimate-especially during office hours. But seeing the remnants of tears on her face, I didn't have the heart to.

So I let her hold me.

And as I stood there, I couldn't help but think-Angela had never once held me like this.