Chapter 19: Chapter 19

779 words

<html><head></head><body>Angela POV Christina stirred her iced coffee with practiced grace, studying me from across the terrace table. "I've been so concerned about your future arrangements after the divorce," she said, her voice dripping with artificial warmth. "After all you've done for Shaw Group these past two years, I feel personally responsible for ensuring you're taken care of." "Just a small token of appreciation. Three hundred dollars should help with the transition." I stared at the check, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. "Three hundred dollars? Is that how little you think of my contributions?" "Oh darling, don't misunderstand." Christina's smile remained perfectly fixed. "This is just to thank you for being such a wonderful caretaker of Sean's interests these past two years. Consider it a friendly gesture." "I appreciate the thought," I said carefully, "but my position at Shaw Group provides more than adequate compensation. I don't need charity." "Angela, dear." She leaned forward, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "We both know how... precarious corporate positions can be after a divorce. I'm simply trying to help ease the transition." "My position was earned through merit, not marriage." I met her gaze steadily. "But thank you for your concern." Christina's perfect composure cracked slightly. "Don't be naive. Once Elizabeth's surgery is over and the divorce is final, how long do you think Sean will want his ex-wife around?" "That's between Sean and me." I stood, smoothing my skirt. "And definitely not something requiring your financial intervention." "You're making a mistake." She snatched up the envelope, her manicured fingers crushing the expensive paper. "This offer won't remain open indefinitely." "Good. Because my answer won't change." The check landed on the table with enough force to rattle the coffee cups. Dark liquid sloshed over pristine white china. "You'll regret this." Christina's voice trembled with barely controlled anger. "You had your chance to leave gracefully." I watched her storm off, her heels clicking against the marble floors with military precision. Only when the elevator doors closed behind her did I allow myself to exhale. Sarah appeared silently to clean up the spilled coffee. "Shall I bring fresh tea, Mrs. Shaw?" "No, thank you." I paused. "But I do need your help with something else. Could you start packing my personal belongings?" Sarah's hands stilled on the cleaning cloth. "Are you going somewhere, Mrs. Shaw?" "Yes." I managed a small smile. "It's time for a change." Night had fallen by the time Sean returned home. I looked up from the suitcase I was packing to find him standing in the bedroom doorway, still in his office suit. "What are you doing?" His voice was carefully neutral, but his eyes fixed on the half-packed suitcase. "I've found an apartment on 82nd Street," I said, continuing to fold a silk blouse. "I'm moving out tonight." Sean stepped into the room, his presence filling the space. "Tonight? What brought this on?" "Your grandmother's surgery is next week. After that, there's no reason to maintain this charade." I closed the suitcase with a decisive click. "I'm also returning these." I held out an envelope containing the check he'd given me after our night together. "Along with any other... compensation." "Angela-" "I don't want your money, Sean. Or Christina's." His jaw tightened at the mention of her name. "She came to see you?" "She did." I resumed packing, carefully wrapping my jewelry. "She was quite generous with her appreciation." "Whatever she offered-" "Doesn't matter," I cut him off. "I refused." "The apartment here on Park Avenue," he said after a moment. "It's already in your name. I had it transferred months ago." I paused, then shook my head. "Thank you, but no. I prefer to make my own way." A faint smile touched my lips. "You should keep this apartment for Christina. She seems quite fond of it." "You don't have to prove anything. If Christina wants a house, I'll just buy her a new one. No way I'm letting her take your stuff." "This isn't about proving anything, Sean. It's about choosing my own path forward." "And where does that path lead?" Something flickered in his expression. "Are you really planning to leave everything behind?" My hand brushed my stomach briefly before I could stop myself. "My position at Shaw Group remains unchanged. Unless you plan to fire me?" "Of course not." He ran a hand through his hair - a rare gesture of frustration. "But living alone..." "I've managed on my own before." I picked up my suitcase. "I'll have the rest of my things moved tomorrow." Sean stepped forward. "Angela-" "No." I walked past him, my voice firm. "I'll send someone for the rest of my things tomorrow." </body></html>