The Life we never Planned

Chapter 43

CHAPTER 43

DAMIAN

I watched the entrance of Angela’s apartment building from inside my car.

Seven minutes.

That was how long it had been since I texted her.

I checked my phone again.

No response.

I leaned back against the seat and sighed.

I wasn't used to waiting for anyone.

Usually, people waited for me.

But Angela had somehow made patience feel like a requirement.

My phone finally vibrated.

Angela: I'm coming.

A smile pulled at the corner of my mouth.

I put my phone down and looked toward the building.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

And then I saw her.

I forgot what I had been thinking.

Angela walked toward the car slowly, her black dress fitting her perfectly without trying too hard. Her hair fell around her shoulders, and the small gold earrings caught the light whenever she moved.

She looked beautiful.

Too beautiful.

I got out of the car before she reached me.

Her eyes met mine.

For a second, neither of us spoke.

Then she smiled.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

I closed the distance between us.

“You look…”

I stopped.

She raised an eyebrow.

“What?”

“Beautiful.”

Her smile grew.

“Thank you.”

I opened the passenger door for her.

She got in, and I closed it before walking around to my side.

Once I settled behind the wheel, I glanced at her.

She was looking out the window.

“You're quiet.”

“I’m fine.”

“That wasn't what I asked.”

She turned toward me.

“I’m just thinking.”

“About?”

She hesitated.

“Tonight.”

I smiled.

“It's only dinner, Angela.”

“I know.”

“You look nervous.”

“I'm not nervous.”

“You are.”

She rolled her eyes.

“You're very confident.”

“I usually am.”

That made her laugh.

And just like that, some of the tension disappeared.

I started the car.

For the first few minutes, neither of us spoke.

I didn't mind.

I wanted her comfortable around me.

Tonight wasn't about forcing an answer from her.

I had already asked her to be mine.

She would give me her answer when she was ready.

But there was something I didn't know.

Something Angela hadn't told me.

The real reason she was slowly allowing me closer.

And when I eventually found out, I wasn't sure I would be able to forgive her for it.