Chapter 83

Sean POV

I stared at him, my anger giving way to a creeping sense of dread.

"What do you mean by that?" My voice came out rougher than intended.

"I mean that Angela trusted me enough to tell me everything, Sean. About your marriage contract, about how it expires soon." His lips curved into a knowing smile. "Did you really think she had no one to confide in?"

I felt the blood drain from my face. "She told you about our arrangement?"

"Of course she did." His tone carried a hint of satisfaction. "Did you think she had no one to turn to while you were falling over yourself to please Christina?"

The casual admission caught me completely off guard.

For all the years I'd known them, Christopher had always treated Angela like a sister. Even during our Yale days, he'd never shown any romantic interest in her.

His sudden departure to London five years ago had only reinforced that impression of brotherly affection.

"This is... unexpected," I said slowly, studying his face. "You've never shown any interest in Angela before. Why now? After five years away?"

Christopher's amber eyes met mine with cool intensity. A slight smile played at his lips.

"Five years can change a lot of things, Sean. The way I see Angela now..." He adjusted his platinum cufflinks with deliberate precision.

"Let's just say I no longer view her as a sister."

"You've been too busy with Christina to notice what's been happening right in front of you." He took a step closer, his presence commanding. "You had something precious, Sean, and you took it for granted. But I won't make that same mistake."

His expression turned serious, almost dangerous.

"When I want something-or someone-I don't play games."

Before I could respond, my phone buzzed insistently. Mother's name flashed across the screen, her third call in as many minutes.

My jaw clenched as I brought the phone to my ear. Mother's voice crackled through immediately, sharp with barely contained fury.

"Get back here right now!" she demanded. "Your wife has been attacked and kidnapped, and where were you? Running after Christina again?"

"Mother, I-"

"Don't 'Mother' me," she cut me off. "Get back here immediately. And Sean? You have some serious explaining to do."

The line went dead. I closed my eyes briefly, feeling the weight of my mistakes pressing down on me.

Christopher was already back in Angela's room when I stepped in behind him.

I made my way to Angela's bedside and sat down, reaching out to touch her face, but she quickly turned away. Her eyes were closed, but I could tell she was awake.

"Angela, I'm going to check on Elizabeth. I'll be back to keep you company soon, okay?"

Her response was nothing but silence.

With a pang in my chest, I stood up, each step toward the door feeling heavier than the last.

The atmosphere in Elizabeth's recovery room hit me like a wall of ice. Mother stood by the window, while Father sat quietly in a corner, his usual diplomatic demeanor notably strained.

"Well?" Victoria's voice cut through the silence. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

I remained silent, knowing nothing I could say would justify my actions.

"Your wife was attacked today, Sean." Mother's voice trembled with rage as she approached me. "She was kidnapped and hurt while you were chasing after Christina. Do you have any idea what could have happened to her?"

The sharp sound of her slap echoed in the quiet room.

I didn't move, accepting the blow as my due.

"Victoria," Father warned softly, but Mother wasn't finished.

"How dare you?" she hissed. "How dare you betray Angela like this? That girl has stood by your side through everything. She's been more loyal to this family than you deserve. And this is how you repay her?"

"I made a mistake," I admitted, my voice rough. "I should have been there for her."

"A mistake?" Mother laughed bitterly. "You've been making 'mistakes' ever since Christina came back into your life. That girl has you wrapped around her finger, and you're too blind to see it."

"That's not fair," I protested weakly. "Christina saved my life-"

"So What?" Mother's voice could have frozen hell. "Is this how you repay her-by hurting Angela?"

I fell silent...

"I've watched you throw away everything that matters," Mother continued, her voice softening slightly. "Your marriage, your family's peace, Angela's trust-all for what? For Christina?"

"I'll fix this," I promised, meeting her eyes. "I'll make it right."

"Will you?" Mother studied my face intently. "Then prove it. Start making the right choices, Sean. Before it's too late."

"I know," I replied, thinking of Angela lying in her hospital bed. "And I'm going to start now."

Once I confirmed that Elizabeth's surgery went smoothly, I drove to the hospital where Christina was.

Later, when I finally entered Christina's room, the sight that greeted me was achingly familiar-Christina propped against silk pillows, looking delicate and vulnerable in the harsh hospital lighting. But this time, I saw through the careful performance.

"Sean, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just run off like that today. I know I worried you."

"Where are your friends? Do you have any idea where they went?" I glanced around the room.

"I'm not sure," Christina said, shaking her head, her lip caught between her teeth. "I stepped out earlier, so they're probably out looking for me."

She reached out, tugging lightly at the corner of my shirt. "Sean, please don't be mad at me, okay?" she said softly.

I slowly pulled her hand away.

"I'm asking you again-are you sure you don't know where they went?"