The Life we never Planned

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

ANGELA’S POV

I left the chairman's office and checked the time on my phone.

I still had my meeting with Daniel.

I was already tired, but I had agreed to meet him, so I wasn't going to cancel.

My phone rang before I reached the elevator.

"Benedicta."

"Are you done?"

"Yes. I'm heading to meet Daniel now."

There was a short silence.

"Don't eat him."

I laughed despite myself. "What?"

"You heard me. Don't eat him."

"Benedicta."

"I'm serious. And if he starts saying that nonsense again, just slap him."

I shook my head as I stepped into the elevator.

"You are crazy."

"I'm your best friend. I'm allowed."

"I'll be fine."

"I know you will. Just don't let him make you feel like there's something wrong with you because you work hard."

My smile faded slightly.

"He won't."

"Good. Call me when you're done."

"I will."

The call ended.

I slipped my phone into my bag.

Daniel had apologized before, but his words from our earlier conversation hadn't disappeared from my mind.

You've forgotten how to be a woman.

A man doesn't need another businessman at home.

What man is going to follow a woman who is always chasing the next business deal?

I hadn't forgotten any of it.

Maybe that was why I wasn't expecting much from this meeting.

I just wanted to see what he wanted.

When I arrived at the restaurant, Daniel was already there.

He stood when he saw me.

"Angela."

"Daniel."

I sat down across from him.

He looked at me for a moment before speaking.

"Before we talk about anything else, I owe you an apology."

I raised my eyebrows slightly.

"For what?"

"For the things I said the last time we spoke."

He leaned back.

"I've thought about it, and I was wrong."

I didn't say anything.

"I was trying to explain what I thought a relationship should look like, but I made it sound like your ambition was a problem. It wasn't my place to judge you."

I studied him carefully.

He looked sincere.

"I was also wrong when I said a man wouldn't want a woman like you."

I folded my hands on the table.

"What changed?"

He gave a small laugh.

"Honestly? Nothing dramatic. I spoke without thinking. And afterward, I realized I had no right to make assumptions about you just because you didn't fit what I was used to."

That answer was better than I expected.

"Okay," I said.

"That's it?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I don't know."

I shrugged.

"Apology accepted."

He smiled.

"Thank you."

I took a sip of water.

Daniel picked up the menu, but before opening it, he looked at me again.

"I also appreciate you coming."

"I told you I would."

"I know. But you didn't have to."

"You're right."

He waited.

I continued.

"I came because I think keeping a good business connection is important."

His smile disappeared for half a second.

I didn't mean it to sound harsh.

It was simply the truth.

"I hope that's not the only reason," he said.

"For now, it is."

He nodded slowly.

"Fair enough."

The waiter came over, and we ordered.

After that, our conversation became easier.

We talked about the expansion project, possible investors, and a few contacts Daniel thought could be useful to me.

He didn't bring up my personal life.

He didn't tell me how I should behave.

He didn't question my ambition.

For the first time, I could actually have a normal conversation with him.

When we finished eating, Daniel looked at me.

"I'd like to see you again."

I picked up my handbag.

"We'll see."

He smiled.

"That's not a no."

"It's not a yes either."

"I'll take it."

I laughed softly.

"Goodnight, Daniel."

"Goodnight, Angela."

I walked out of the restaurant.

I didn't know what Daniel wanted from me.

But I knew what I wanted.

A useful connection.

Nothing more.

At least for now.