Angela stepped into the school grounds with a lightness in her steps, her mood brighter than it had been in days. Without hesitation, she made her way toward the garden, a quiet place she had always liked.
A smile spread across her face the moment she spotted him.
"Mr. Matt!" she called out warmly.
He turned, surprised, then smiled.
"Angela… you're back. I'm glad you've recovered so quickly." He paused slightly. "What about Fiona?"
Angela shrugged carelessly.
"Who cares? I have nothing to do with her."
Mr. Matt studied her expression, but she continued, her tone sharper now.
"I actually wish she'd come back," Angela added, a faint smirk forming on her lips. "So, I can teach her the lesson of her life. I'm ready for Fiona and her friends this time."
Mr. Matt sighed softly.
"Just don't let them get to you, my dear."
Angela lifted her chin confidently.
"No one can frustrate Angela Scott. My happiness doesn't depend on anyone."
She smiled again, softer this time.
"Thank you, Mr. Matt. I know you always have my back."
They chatted for a while before Angela finally excused herself and headed toward the cafeteria.
*
"Glad you came," a familiar voice said.
Angela stopped mid-step and turned, her brows knitting in surprise.
"Jerry? Are you stalking me or something?"
He chuckled lightly.
"Angela, believe me… my intentions toward you are good."
She gave him a sceptical look, folding her arms.
Before she could respond, Jerry suddenly raised his voice.
"Attention, everyone!"
His tone was loud and commanding, instantly drawing attention. Students nearby turned, and within seconds, a small crowd began to gather, curious about the sudden announcement.
Angela's eyes widened.
"What are you doing?" she whispered sharply.
Jerry ignored her, his gaze fixed on her as if nothing else mattered.
"I love Angela!" he declared boldly. "I love Angela Scott! I want everyone to hear this, to witness this moment!"
Murmurs rippled through the crowd as all eyes fell on them.
Angela's heart began to race, a mix of shock and anger building inside her.
"Jerry, stop this..." she tried to say under her breath.
But he stepped closer.
"I want to prove to you how much you mean to me," he said, his voice softer now, but no less intense. "I love you, Angela."
Before she could react, he pulled her toward him and kissed her.
"Enough of that, Jerry!" Angela pushed him away, her temper flaring.
"Please, Angela… help me. Don't break my heart," he pleaded, his voice cracking with raw emotion.
"Are you… that serious?" she asked, taken aback by his intensity.
"Absolutely. I'll even go down on my knees if I have to," he said, attempting to kneel. But Angela, swift as ever, grabbed his hand.
"Just stand up," she murmured, pulling him into a hug.
From across the street, Chris watched them silently, jealousy gnawing at him. But before he could act, he turned and left, unable to bear it.
"I… I'll think about it," Angela said softly, releasing him. "But don't expect too much from me."
"Are you still angry at me?" he asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
"No, Jerry, I'm not mad," she replied with a carefully measured smile, hiding the storm inside. "I really must go now."
Later, Angela and Elsa walked through the quiet halls toward the library.
"I'm so confused, Elsa. I honestly don't know what to do," Angela confessed, her voice tight with frustration.
"Come on, Angela… don't you still love Chris?" Elsa asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Of course I do," Angela admitted.
"Then you already know what to do. Tell Jerry you're not interested. His love… might not even be genuine."
"But… How can I be sure Chris even loves me? I know he likes me… but…"
"But what?" Elsa pressed, suspicion and concern mingling in her gaze.
"Elsa, please… not now. I have bigger things to worry about than this," Angela said, her voice stable, though her heart betrayed her.
*
"Are you trying to date Angela because you truly love her… or because you want something else?" Chris demanded.
"Oh, shut up, Chris! What business is it of yours? Nothing! So let me be!" Jerry shot back, eyes blazing.
"You'd better be careful," Leam interjected. "Surely you know who Angela is."
"Look, I will have Angela, no matter what. I'll do everything to make her mine," Jerry said, voice low and determined.
Chris's jaw tightened. "And the same girl you called a prostitute… that's who you've fallen for?"
"Yes," Jerry admitted, tone heavy with regret. "I realize my mistake."
"Just… make sure you have no bad intentions toward her," Chris said, his eyes a mix of warning and concern.
Angela prepared for the day, finishing her bath and dressing with precision. Her reflection in the mirror revealed anger simmering beneath her calm exterior.
"What even gave him the nerve to kiss me?" she muttered to herself, clenched fists resting on the sink. She exhaled sharply and left.
On the way, she stopped at a boutique, eyeing a pair of elegant heels. The price made her heart sink. "I can't afford this," she murmured. "I need the new edition of my textbook more."
As she turned to leave, their eyes met. Chris. His gaze lingered on her, steady and warm.
"Chris," she called, surprise lacing her tone.
"Angela… nice seeing you here," he replied, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
"What are you doing here? And why are you leaving without buying anything?" he asked.
"I'm running late…," She replied with a hint of awkwardness in her voice.
"Are you leaving because of me? Are you avoiding me?"
"Yes… I don't want to ruin your reputation," she whispered. "Everyone sees me as… someone bad."
Chris stepped closer, taking her hands in his. "Don't say that. What others think doesn't matter. Your intentions… that's what counts."
He gently tugged her along. "Choose whatever you want. Please, Angela… let me do this for you."
Her heart raced. Chris… he was being so kind, so attentive. Maybe… he was beginning to like her, she thought.
He guided her through the store, picking out dresses and shoes with care.
"Chris, this is more than enough. Thank you," she said, astonished.
"I should be thanking you," he smiled. "Thank you for letting me."
After shopping, they strolled through the park, sunlight dancing across the path.
"Never in my life did I think I'd have all this… thank you, Chris," she admitted, feeling a warmth she hadn't known in years.
"Thank you too, Angela," Chris said with a gentle smile. "So… what about your family? I've never seen any of them, nor have you ever talked about any."
"I don't have any,"
"What do you mean?" he asked, concerned.
"I'm an orphan," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "I grew up on the streets… that's why I ended up… dancing at bars. Or maybe even… a prostitute, like people call me. Chris… I'm not really a good person." Her words quivered, and she struggled to hold back the tears threatening to fall.
"Angela! That's not true," Chris said quickly, his hands clasping hers. "You're unique… special. That's what makes you strong. I never knew… I'm so sorry you had to go through that."
He gently caressed her hair. "Everything will be okay. You just need to stay strong."
"Thanks," she muttered, feeling a small warmth in her chest.
Chris walked her home, and Angela felt a quiet appreciation for his company.
"You've made me feel… special today," she said, wrapping her arms tightly around him. His heart raced at the warmth of her embrace, a longing stirring he hadn't felt before.
"See you tomorrow," she whispered with a soft smile, gently releasing him from the hug.
Later, Chris lay in his room, unable to sleep. His mind replayed every moment with Angela. Maybe… I'm starting to love her? he thought, a strange mix of excitement and fear in his chest.
Meanwhile, Angela admired the clothes Chris had brought her. She ran her fingers over the fabric, a smile tugging at her lips. For once… I feel truly special today, she thought.