A faint sound of a door opening and closing coming from Angela's bedroom indicated that Gael must have finished his shower and that he'd come out any time soon. Angela straightened her back, suddenly aware that there were still many things she hadn't told Gael yet. The guy also had secrets, so she could keep hers, right?
However, she couldn't be mad that her brother made sense. But what difference would it make if she told Gael about what happened three years ago? It's not like he could change anything. What happened already happened.
Besides, the two of them still hadn't had the chance to talk about what they were. This thing between them started all because of that Sunday night when they came home from dinner with her father. When he asked her that they'd forget about everything else for the night. When she asked him to stay for the night.
A lot of things could have happened that night. They were too close—more than what friends should have been. But they weren't really friends, to begin with, were they? Who was she kidding? She and Gael were obviously beyond that. And every day since then, they've just been very comfortable around each other. She even went to New York with him—and they friggin' kissed under the first snowfall. It couldn't get any more romantic than that!
And then there was that...delicious...mindblowing orgasm he gave her on the plane. It was so intense she even passed out. Not that she was complaining.
However, with everything going on with her now, Angela just had to know what they were. Or at least what he's up to. He's not from Esmea, and he couldn't live here. So what then? How long was he staying? What would happen when he needs to leave later? Was she really signing herself up for a heartbreak?
'Heartbreak? Why would you even think that, Anj?' she thought. 'Heartbreaks only happen when you love the person. So it wouldn't matter if he leaves, right? You've done casual flings before—this shouldn't be any different.'
Angela's brows knitted together, not liking what she was thinking. Her heart raced in protest as if to show it did not agree with what she had in mind.
'Come on. You know we like him more than that. Don't even try to deny it. It's okay if we're falling in love,' said her heart.
'Uh… What are you on about, Heart? Gael is a hot piece of MAN. Of course, we like him! We like his body. We like it a looot… We just want sex, that's all,' remarked her brain.
If someone heard her inner voices right now, they'd think she was crazy. It shouldn't be this difficult to know what she wanted, right? Well—she knew what she wanted… She wanted Gael. But that's not really the question. Angela had to know if Gael would stay—not necessarily in Esmea, but would he stay with her? Or was he only looking for something physical?
Not only that… But his lifestyle. His family. Just everything about him. How was that going to work? Would she really give up her life to be with someone in the mafia? She felt like her brain might explode with all these questions in her head. She had to know the answers...because if he wasn't really staying, then there's no need for him to know what happened three years ago.
"Anj," Oliver called, interrupting her chaotic train of thought and pulling her back to earth.
Angela nodded, releasing a sigh before she answered, lowering her voice so that only the two of them could hear, "I was contemplating whether or not I should tell him about it. There's no point if this is...just a fling. Besides, I don't like the thought of telling him about Evan just to use him, Oli. It doesn't feel right. It may be easy for people to say I should do this or that, but I don't feel good involving people when it's not their problem."
"You're right. I didn't mean it like that. It's just… Years ago, something happened to Daniel's wife, Samantha. It was a tough year for the couple. Anyway, Gael eventually became part of their circle. I can't tell you everything—but all I'm saying is, he's also a capable man. Daniel Cho is very picky with his peers. But again, you're right. You don't have to get him involved with this thing about Evan. But at least tell him about what happened then. Whatever he decides to do with what you tell him, that's up to him."
She pressed her hands on her face, knowing that she knew she had to, but still couldn't do it so easily. She brought her arms around her stomach and hugged herself. "I don't know, Oli. This issue about the orphanage… There's just a lot going on. It's not the right time. I just want this thing about the kids to be solved. Gael has been really supportive lately. I probably would have already broken down if he wasn't there. And if...if I tell him about what happened, I…" She swallowed. "I don't know what he'd do."
Oliver placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it and reassuring her, "Sorry. I don't know this guy well enough to tell you what he might do. Damn it, I'm really just complicating it more now, aren't I? I should have thought about it thoroughly first before telling you what I think. Anyway… Whatever you decide to do later, I'll be right here."
"Thanks, Oli…" Angela smiled. Oliver didn't always say mushy stuff, but she appreciated it whenever he did.
"Oh, right. I think we'll be able to get another restraining order," he told her. "I'll let you know what happens."
The door to her bedroom opened, and Gael came out already wearing jeans and a clean white shirt. The two men nodded at each other as a casual greeting. He walked towards them and said, "Thanks for letting me shower. I guess I have to head out now—"
"Oh, please, you can stay." Oliver pushed himself off the counter. "I was only dropping by to check on Angie. I have to go back to the office and finish more paperwork."
"You're still working at this hour? Have you eaten?" asked Angela. "Why don't you stay for dinner? My new neighbor gave me this casserole."
"I'll just order something when I get there."
"This is really good. Just bring some with you," she said as she began to pack her brother some of the food to bring with him.