Tania's face turned red, a mix of anger and humiliation flashing across her features. She opened her mouth to retaliate, but the icy finality in Lyan's tone and the calm firmness in Angela's words left her utterly speechless.
"You don't deserve Lyan, nor any other man," Angela continued, her gaze steady, unflinching. "Not until you take a long, hard look at yourself and learn what respect and kindness truly mean."
Lyan and Angela seemed to get along very well that no one had ever been this close to his heart. The warmth and camaraderie that had grown between Lyan and Angela were undeniable. Their laughter and easy conversation filled the room, leaving no space for her usual antics or biting remarks.
For the first time, she realized she wasn't the center of attention—not in Lyan's house, not in his heart. But she couldn't just accept the truth. She blamed Angela for not winning Lyan's heart.
Angela's eyes lit up as she recounted a funny story from her childhood, her voice animated. Lyan listened intently, his face softening into a smile as he leaned closer to her, completely immersed. Even Mrs. Jones, as she moved around the room, seemed drawn into their lighthearted exchange. Her stories were intriguing to Lyan.
Angela's stories painted vivid pictures of a simpler, carefree childhood, something Lyan had never truly experienced. He could almost see it: kids running barefoot through muddy puddles, laughter echoing as they played tag in the rain, neighbors calling out to one another in warm camaraderie.
"Sounds like you had the perfect childhood," Lyan said, his tone laced with a mix of admiration and wistfulness. "I can't imagine what that must've been like—being free to just... live."
Angela looked at him, her expression softening. "It wasn't perfect," she admitted. "But it was beautiful in its own messy way. I wouldn't trade those memories for anything."
Lyan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Growing up in my world, everything was structured. Planned. Calculated. There was no time for playing in the rain or running wild with friends. It was always about what came next—what I had to do to keep up, to succeed."
Angela studied him for a moment, her heart aching slightly at the vulnerability in his voice. "That sounds... lonely," she said softly.
Lyan met her gaze, his expression thoughtful. "It was. But I didn't realize it until now, listening to you. Your stories—your life—it's so different from mine. And I think I envy that."
Angela smiled, leaning forward slightly. "It's never too late, you know," she said, her tone playful. "To live a little, to experience the things you missed out on."
Tania sneered, "Who is interested in that lowly life? Lyan and I are from the same world, and we should keep enjoying life as we always did. Lyan is a businessman, Angela wake up! That life of yours... he would never enjoy!" she said, trying to gain attention.
Lyan and Angela looked at each other and burst into mocking laughter as they ate.
Tania's face twisted in confusion and annoyance as Lyan and Angela continued to laugh, their genuine amusement only adding to her frustration. "What's so funny?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "I'm being serious!"
Lyan wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, still chuckling. "That's the problem, Tania. You're always so serious about things that don't matter." He glanced at Angela, his expression softening. "What Angela's describing isn't about status or wealth. It's about freedom. Simplicity. And honestly? I think I'd enjoy it far more than the rigid, controlled life I've been living."
Angela grinned, leaning back in her chair. "Who knew the great Lyan Chandra would trade boardrooms for playing in the rain?"
"Maybe not completely," Lyan replied, still smiling. "But there's a balance, and I think it's time I start finding it."
Tania scoffed, crossing her arms. "This is ridiculous. Lyan, you can't seriously mean that. You're a businessman. Your world isn't about chasing rainbows or dancing in puddles."
"And that's exactly the problem," Lyan said, his tone turning serious. "I've spent so much of my life focused on deals, profit margins, and endless meetings that I've forgotten what it's like to just live. Angela reminded me of that, and I'm grateful."
Tania's eyes darted between them, her frustration bubbling over. "So, what? You're just going to abandon everything for her?"
"No," Lyan said firmly. "I'm not abandoning anything. I'm evolving. And maybe, Tania, it's time you did the same."
Lyan knew that if he told Tania to leave his house, she wouldn't agree, so he chose to deceive her. "So Tania, go change into something nice, we're going somewhere."
Tania's expression shifted from frustration to curiosity, though her guard was still up. "Somewhere? Where exactly?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at Lyan.
Lyan gave her a calm, measured smile. "You'll see. It's a surprise. But trust me, you'll want to dress appropriately."
Angela raised an eyebrow, watching the exchange with quiet amusement. She could sense that Lyan was up to something, and the faint glint in his eye confirmed her suspicions.
Tania hesitated, clearly torn between suspicion and intrigue. "Fine," she said finally, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "I'll change." She was happy that Lyan was ready to work on their relationship. She turned her head to look at Angela with a mocking stare as she ascended the stairs.
Angela caught Tania's mocking stare and simply smiled, her expression calm and unbothered. She leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea as if the whole exchange were nothing more than a passing breeze.
Once Tania disappeared upstairs, Lyan turned to Angela, his expression softening. "As for you, I want you to get ready. Andrew will take you to where your mother is. I will deal with this annoying so-called fiancée of mine."
"What!" Angela shouted in amusement, "did you really rescue my mother? I thought it was impossible to get off Anthony's capture. Thank you!"
Lyan smiled at Angela's wide-eyed expression, his voice gentle but confident. "Yes, Angela. Your mother is safe now. Anthony's influence isn't as untouchable as he likes to think. Your mother was brought to my second house yesterday, but I had to wait and see if we had no loose ends to tie up before telling you," Lyan explained. "I wanted to make sure you and your mother would be completely safe."
Angela's hand flew to her mouth, "I will go get ready now! I—I thought there was no way out. Anthony's grip on us felt unbreakable."
"Go, get ready." Lyan said, leaving no room for arguments.
After she had left, he told Mrs Jones, "If Tania leaves my room, pick up all her belongings and put them in her car. Don't let her see you."
Mrs. Jones raised an eyebrow at Lyan's command but nodded in understanding. "Of course, Mr. Chandra," she said with a quiet smile. "I'll make sure it's done without a hitch."
Lyan leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table as he stared out of the window. He knew Tania wouldn't take kindly to being dismissed, but he also knew that her presence in his life had become more of a liability than anything else.
A few minutes later, Tania descended the stairs, dressed to the nines in an elegant outfit. Her confidence radiated as she strutted into the dining room, clearly believing Lyan's invitation to "go somewhere" was a sign he wanted to rekindle their relationship.
"Ready," she announced with a self-satisfied smirk, looking at Lyan expectantly.
Lyan glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "Good," he said simply, rising from his seat. "Let's go."
As they headed for the door, Lyan turned back to Mrs. Jones, giving her a subtle nod. Mrs. Jones began her task immediately, her movements swift and discreet.
Tania, oblivious to the plans unraveling behind her, clung to Lyan's arm, chattering about where they might be going. Lyan didn't respond much. "Lyan, I knew you liked me! In your own way. So, are we going on an official date?"