The Life we never Planned

Chapter 60

Chapter 60

ANGELA’S POV

By the time I woke up the next morning, my phone was already vibrating nonstop.

I reached for it without opening my eyes.

One notification.

Then another.

Then another.

I frowned and unlocked the screen.

My stomach dropped.

There were hundreds of messages.

News alerts.

Missed calls.

Social media notifications.

I opened the first article.

My picture was everywhere.

ANGELA WILLIAMS TAKES MULTIPLE MEDIA HOUSES TO COURT OVER DEFAMATION

I stared at the headline.

Then I opened another.

WHO IS ANGELA WILLIAMS, AND WHY IS SHE FIGHTING BACK?

Another.

DAMIAN'S WOMAN REFUSES TO BACK DOWN

I exhaled slowly.

At least they weren't hiding the fact that I had filed the case.

But the comments underneath were brutal.

She thinks because she's dating Damian, she's untouchable.

Let's see how long she lasts.

Another gold digger using a rich man.

When Damian gets tired of her, what will she have?

These women always act powerful until the man stops paying their bills.

I locked my phone.

I didn't want to read anymore.

A few seconds later, it rang.

Benedicta.

I answered.

"Hello?"

"You've seen the news?"

"Yes."

"Don't read the comments."

"I already did."

She groaned.

"Angela."

"I'm fine."

"You always say that."

"I'm actually fine."

There was a pause.

Then she said, "I'm coming over."

"You don't have to."

"I wasn't asking."

The call ended.

I smiled despite myself.

That was Benedicta.

She didn't ask permission when she decided she was needed.

I got out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

Before I could reach it, my phone rang again.

This time, I knew exactly who it was.

Damian.

I stared at his name.

Then answered.

"Good morning."

"Where are you?"

I smiled.

"Good morning to you too."

"Angela."

His voice was serious.

"I'm at home."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"I've seen the news."

"I assumed you would."

"Why didn't you tell me you were taking them to court?"

I leaned against the wall.

"Because it was my case."

"Your case?"

"Yes."

A pause.

"You're angry."

"I'm not angry."

"You sound angry."

"I'm trying to understand why you thought you had to handle this without me."

I sighed.

"Because I wanted to handle something myself."

Silence.

Then his voice softened.

"And you did."

I smiled.

"Yes."

"I'm proud of you."

I wasn't expecting that.

My smile disappeared.

"Really?"

"Really."

Another pause.

"But next time, tell me."

I laughed softly.

"I'll consider it."

"Angela."

"I said I'll consider it."

He chuckled.

"You're trouble."

"You've told me that already."

"I'll keep telling you."

Before I could answer, there was a knock at my door.

"I have to go."

"Who is there?"

"Benedicta."

"Fine."

He sounded relieved.

"Call me later."

"I will."

I ended the call.

The moment I opened the door, Benedicta walked in carrying two cups of coffee and a bag of pastries.

"Eat."

I laughed.

"You sound like Damian."

"That's insulting."

She dropped everything on the table.

"Now, sit."

I sat.

She took the chair opposite me.

"I've already spoken to my lawyer."

I looked at her.

"You did what?"

"I told you yesterday. You're not fighting alone."

"Benedicta, you don't have to involve yourself."

She stared at me.

"Angela, I'm your best friend."

"I know."

"Then stop trying to protect me from helping you."

I looked down.

She reached across the table and squeezed my hand.

"Those media houses have money and lawyers."

"I know."

"They're going to try to make you look like the problem."

"I know."

"They'll probably say you're only doing this because Damian is behind you."

I nodded.

"They already are."

Benedicta smiled.

"Then let them."

I looked at her.

"My family has connections in this industry. People who own media groups, people who sit on boards, people who know exactly how these companies operate."

She leaned back.

"I've been quiet for a long time, Angela."

I smiled.

"I know."

"But I'm not powerless."

"I never thought you were."

"Good."

She picked up her coffee.

"Because I'm about to remind everyone."

I laughed.

For the first time since waking up, the heaviness in my chest eased.

Then my phone buzzed again.

Another headline.

Another article.

Another insult.

I didn't open it.

I didn't need to.

The words were already predictable.

People were talking.

People were judging.

People were waiting for me to fall.

And maybe they expected me to defend myself.

Maybe they expected me to cry.

Maybe they expected me to use Damian's name.

I wasn't going to do any of those things.

I had already taken them to court.

That was my answer.

Benedicta looked at me.

"You know what they're saying now?"

"What?"

"That once Damian leaves you, you'll be helpless."

I stared at her.

She watched me carefully.

I said nothing.

Not one word.

I simply picked up my coffee.

Benedicta smiled.

"Exactly."

"What?"

"Let them believe it."

She leaned forward.

"They're about to learn that you have a life outside Damian."

I looked at her.

And for the first time, I realized something.

Maybe everyone had been looking at me as Damian's girlfriend.

Maybe they thought his power was the only reason I could stand.

But they were about to learn that I had my own name.

My own career.

My own voice.

And a best friend who had been hiding her own influence behind a smile and a lot of jokes.

I took a sip of coffee.

Then my phone rang again.

This time, I didn't answer.

I turned it face down.

Benedicta smiled.

"Good."

I smiled back.

The battle had already started.

And I wasn't running.