Chapter 4 Angela, So Attractive

Fred stepped out of his wardrobe and entered the bathroom. He walked toward the shower, turned it on, and stood under the cascading water for a while, still deep in thought about Angela.

"Angela, my heart feels so connected to you. Why didn't I see you before Kitana? Is this a test of my loyalty or merely a temptation? Could Kitana be deliberately setting me up with her best friend?"

He sighed and rubbed his hands over his face.

"Fred, you must tread carefully around that alluring temptation sitting in the living room. Be a man-don't let your gaze linger on her, or you'll be swept away by her beauty and curvaceous figure."

He tried to push thoughts of Angela aside as he reached for the soap and sponge. Lathering the sponge, he proceeded with his bath.

Kitana opened the bedroom door and heard the sound of running water. "He's taking a shower," she thought, then gently closed the door again.

....

"Apologies for keeping you waiting, dear," Kitana said as she descended the staircase, heading toward the dining table. She set down the food and walked over to Angela.

"Kitana, you're so lucky to have a billionaire fiancé who's humble, caring, and affectionate. I wish I could be like you," Angela said as Kitana smiled, picked up the remote, turned on the television, and lowered the volume.

"He means the world to me, and I love him deeply. He loves me too," Kitana replied, pouring juice into two glasses.

"So, you're still single, Angela? Has no man approached you with genuine interest in love or marriage?" Kitana asked, meeting her gaze.

"I have suitors, but I don't love any of them," Angela replied, sipping her juice.

"Why not accept one? Aren't they attractive?" Kitana pressed.

Angela smiled. "They are, but they lack responsibility. They have no steady work to support a family."

"But you already have a job. Why not give one of them a chance? Well, don't worry-when the time is right, the right man will find you. Just keep building your business," Kitana encouraged, taking a sip from her own glass.

Suddenly, they heard footsteps descending the staircase. Both women turned to look.

It was Fred, coming down the stairs with a smile. His gaze lingered on Angela.

Angela glanced up and saw him-well-dressed in a vintage shirt and black trousers with flat shoes. His eyes were captivating, and she quickly looked away to avoid suspicion from Kitana.

"I'm really starting to feel attracted to my best friend's fiancé. Everything about him draws me in-his charm, his ambition. He's the kind of man I've always wanted. Kitana is truly fortunate," Angela thought, focusing on the television.

Fred approached the dining table and sat across from them.

"Angela, will you join me for a meal?" Fred asked with a gentle smile.

"She just ate not long ago with me," Kitana quickly responded.

"Thank you, sir, but I'm fine," Angela replied, returning the smile. Her heart raced as their eyes met.

"What a stunning woman. I can't take my eyes off her," Fred thought, smiling and nodding slightly.

Kitana observed them closely, then smiled faintly. She got up and walked to the fridge. "I nearly forgot to serve the drink." She retrieved the juice and a glass, then turned to see Fred still focused on Angela, who appeared absorbed in the television.

"Why is she so irresistible to me? I feel at peace just looking at her. Could she be my soulmate? But what about Kitana, whom I'm about to propose to? I need to see how this unfolds," Fred mused, captivated by Angela.

"I don't want to believe Fred could fall for Angela so quickly. Why is he gazing at her with such emotion?" Kitana thought, clearing her throat to disrupt his attention.

Fred quickly shifted his gaze to Kitana, who was already looking at him. He averted his eyes, adjusting the collar of his shirt.

"It seems my fiancée noticed me staring at her friend," he thought, sitting upright and refocusing on his food.

Kitana returned to the table with the juice and sat across from him.

"My love, you don't seem to be enjoying your food. Are you alright?" she asked, capturing his full attention.

"I'm fine, darling. Thank you for the drink," he responded, smiling and trying to appear composed.

Suddenly, Kitana's phone lit up beside Angela. A message from Jude appeared: "HELLO SEXY BABE, YOU HAVEN'T COMPENSATED ME AFTER THE SEX WE HAD THIS MORNING."

She quickly snapped a screenshot, turned off the screen, and her heart began to race in panic.

"Jude? Kitana's gym coach? Did they really sleep together this morning, and now he's asking for compensation? I saw him leaving earlier, looking at me strangely. Is Kitana cheating on Fred-sleeping with another man while engaged to a billionaire? No wonder she loves staying home when Fred's out. Should I tell him? No, I can't. She's my best friend. I'll confront her and try to make her change before it's too late," Angela thought, sipping her juice and watching the screen.

Just then, Kitana's phone rang.

Kitana walked over to retrieve it from beside Angela. "Oh, it's Jude," she muttered, giving Angela a suspicious glance.

Angela smiled innocently, pretending to be busy on her phone.

"Hello Jude, I'll call you later... oh right, I almost forgot-I'll do that immediately... I'm not sure yet, we'll talk later. Okay, bye."

She turned to Angela with a forced smile, then glanced at Fred, who was already watching her.

Feeling uneasy, she rubbed her neck with her left hand and held her phone in her right.

She transferred five dollars to Jude and sighed heavily as she sat down.

"That was Jude, my gym coach. He asked if I could attend training tomorrow," she explained, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, that's fine. So, are you planning to go?" Angela asked, maintaining a composed demeanor.

"Hmmm... I told him I'll let him know later," Kitana replied, taking another sip from her glass.

"I've told you to stop going to that place you call a gym," a firm voice suddenly echoed from the dining room.