Angel run as fast as her leg could take her down the stairs of the house. Merely looking at the house, you will know it's been used for ages, the cracked wall, the old couch, the fragile stairs too. They are one of the first class poor family in Mexico but still the daughter of the owner still act like she owns the world.
"You devil, come back here!" An angry voice of a woman could be heard as she walk hastily down the stairs.
"Mom, I'm sorry" Angel went on her knee immediately Aliyah caught her.
"How many time have I told you I'm not your f*** mother, go meet your mother in hell you brat" Anita which is know as Aliyah's mother yelled as she landed a resounding slap on Angel's cheek.
"Ahhh!!" Angel wince as tears rolled down her eyes.
Anita is Angel's step mother and Aliyah is Angel step sister. Looking at the situation at hand one would know Angel is really suffering in that house.
Quick Introduction, Angel lost her mother when she was fifteen and her father get married to Anita when she was sixteen. Her father died when she was eighteen and since then she had been passing through a lot in the hand of Anita and her daughter.
"She is just as useless as her mother" Aliyah snapped as she kicked Angel's tummy.
"Please, I promise to do what you want just stop hurting me please" Angel cried.
"No food for you tonight, now get in there and wash all the cloth before I lose my mind" Anita yelled and Angel quickly stood up from the floor and rush to the back of the house. She gasped when she saw the heap of cloth. She had been washing their cloth but it's hasn't been this much. Tears rolled down her eyes as she think of the only possible way to escape all this misery in her life.
Run away!!
But never the less, she squat and start washing the cloth.
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V-TECH AND AUTO MOBILE COMPANY
Vince walk dejectedly inside his office and sits on the couch, Phoebe's word range in his ear and he smiled sadly. No matter what she takes from him, he can never go broke that's why he isn't worried about the documents she took. She have access to his properties anyways since he love her so much not knowing she is going to backstab him.
He picked up his phone and called the only person that comes to his mind, his friend.
"Hey buddy, strange to see your call by this time aren't you working?" Romeo said from the other end and Vince sniffed.
"What? Are you crying- hold on I'm coming now" Romeo said and hanged the call.
Some minutes later Romeo rush into Vince office and saw him sitting on the floor looking haggard and homeless.
"Vincent, what the f** is wrong with you" Romeo asked and Vince began his tears again.
"She left me, she broke my heart Romeo, I love her" Vince cried like a baby and Romeo gets it at once.
"Phoebe? I told she's not worth you, I have a bad feeling about her but you won't listen" Romeo said and sat beside him too.
"I love her" Vince keep chanting and Romeo stare at him in pity. He hugged him.
"She doesn't deserve your tears" Romeo said as he pat his back, Vince keep crying like a baby.
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After what seems like forever, Vincent's tears subsidize and he wipe his face with the handkerchief given to him by Romeo. He looked around and memories of him and Phoebe flood his head. A lot of things they did together in his office.
"Just go home and rest, don't think too much about her okay?" Romeo said and he nodded.
"I will try" he said in a whisper.
"Can you drive, this is one of the reasons I told you to get a driver" Romeo scold and Vince smile.
"I like when you scold me" he muttered and Romeo flicker his forehead. Well Romeo is a year older then him, so Romeo actually treats him like a younger brother.
"I can drive don't worry about me" he said and Romeo nodded. They both walk out of the office and Vince branch at his secretary office.
"I will go home early today Alex" he said.
"Okay boss" he replied with a bow.
"Lock my office for me" Vince said and walk out.
They got outside and Romeo still looked worried.
"Are you sure you can drive, I can drive you home and come back for my car" Romeo said and Vince smile lightly.
"I will be fine Rom" he said and Romeo glare at him.
"I told you to stop calling me that you brat" Romeo said and knock his head.
"Ouch! Is that how you treat someone that's heartbroken" Vince said.
"You are really okay, now get going" Romeo said and Vince laugh and get in his car and zoom off. Romeo sigh.
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"Angel!!!!" Aliyah yelled on top of her voice and angel came running from the back of the house.
"You are not done washing that cloth? How long will it take you to watch it" Aliyah yelled and Angel keep quiet.
"Are you not the one I'm talking to?" Aliyah yelled again.
"The cloth are much, I can't wash it at a short period of time" Angel explain and a slap greeted her face at once.
"Ah, Aliyah?" Angel called shocked tht Aliyah slapped her.
"What will you do?" Aliyah asked and she was given a shocker when Angel slapped her back twice the way she slapped her...
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Tbc.....
Vincent was driving slowly, lost in deep thought, with Phoebe's words still echoing in his mind. The seat beside him was empty, but he couldn't help but perceive Phoebe's presence. The weight of her words weighed heavily on him, causing tears to well up in his eyes. Caught up in his emotions, he momentarily forgot that he was behind the wheel, resulting in a collision with someone. Panic coursed through his veins as he quickly got out of the car.
"Hey," he called out, but there was no response. He scanned the surroundings, but there was no sign of anyone. The thought of leaving the scene crossed his mind, but his conscience screamed at him to do otherwise. He knelt down to the injured girl he had hit and tapped her gently.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked, but there was still no response. His eyes trailed to her head and he gasped in horror upon seeing the blood. Shocked, he stood up and took a step back.
"No! No! I didn't... I didn't cause this, right?" he asked in disbelief, addressing no one in particular. With trembling hands, he retrieved his phone and attempted to call Romeo, but there was no answer. He dialed Romeo again, but there was still no response. Summoning his courage, he decided to take the girl to the hospital.
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Meanwhile, at Angel's house, Anita paced nervously in the living room. Angel was the same girl Vincent had hit before, and Anita had been chasing her due to an earlier altercation with Aliyah, her other daughter.
"Mom, don't worry about her," Aliyah snapped dismissively, attempting to reassure her mother.
"No, I shouldn't have chased her," Anita muttered anxiously, her fear palpable.
"She will be fine, and I'm sure she will come back home," Aliyah replied abruptly before storming off to her room.
"Angel..." Anita whispered, attempting to calm her racing heart.
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ALL WELL HEALTH CARE
Vincent rushed in with Angel in his arms, his breathing heavy. The nurse swiftly brought out a stretcher, and Angel was placed on it. She was quickly taken to the emergency room, and the doors closed behind them. Vincent let out a sigh, a mixture of relief and anxiety, as he prayed silently.
"Please don't let her die," he whispered to himself, his voice filled with desperation. He sat down on a nearby waiting chair, burying his head in his lap, consumed by his thoughts. Romeo's phone call interrupted his racing mind, and he answered it immediately.
"Romeo, I'm in trouble," Vincent blurted out, his voice filled with urgency.
"Trouble? How? Where are you?" Romeo's concerned voice came from the other end.
"I'm at the hospital. I accidentally hit a girl," Vincent explained.
"What? I'm coming there right now!" Romeo exclaimed before ending the call.
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At a secluded mansion on a remote island, strange sounds could be heard emanating from one of the rooms.
"Oh my God! Right there, baby!"
"Yes! Yes! Harder, baby!"
"I want more!"
"Oh, shit! Slow down!"
Those were the sounds coming from the room before the two people involved emerged. They collapsed onto the bed, their breathing heavy.
"That was incredible! I can't believe Vincent has never slept with you," the man remarked, amusement evident in his voice. They both laughed, basking in the afterglow.
"Oh, please! I told him I was a virgin, and the fool believed me," Phoebe said, a foolish smile adorning her face.
"He really is a fool," the man chuckled, pulling her in for another kiss.
"Let's go for another round," he suggested, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.
"No, Gray... ouch!" Phoebe cried out as he eagerly thrust into her again.
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Back at All Well Health Care, Romeo rushed into the hospital and quickly made his way to Vincent's side.
"Vincent!" he called out, concern etched on his face. He sat down beside Vincent, tightly gripping his hand.
"Vincent, I don't want to be a murderer," Vincent confessed, his voice filled with guilt and fear.
Romeo shook his head, understanding Vincent's tendency to be overly emotional. "Don't worry, she will be fine," he assured his friend.
Just then, the doctor emerged from the emergency room. Vincent and Romeo hastily stood up and approached him, their hearts pounding.
"How is she?" Vincent anxiously asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The doctor smiled reassuringly. "She's going to be okay. It's just a minor injury and severe stress. She needs rest."
Vincent breathed a sigh of relief, his guilt slightly assuaged. "Doctor, are you sure? She's not..."
"Thank you, doctor. Can we go see her now?" Romeo interjected, eager to see Angel.
"Of course. She has been moved to the last ward on the left," the doctor informed them before going about his duties.
"Thank you," Romeo expressed his gratitude before leading Vincent towards the ward.
"Why didn't you let me finish my question before interrupting me?" Vincent innocently asked, confusion etched on his face.
Romeo shook his head, chuckling softly. "Oh, you big baby."
As they entered the ward, they saw Angel lying on the hospital bed, her face pale and bruised. Vincent felt a sharp pang of guilt piercing his heart as he observed the consequences of his thoughtlessness.
Romeo gently squeezed Vincent's hand, offering him words of support. "She'll be okay, Vincent. We just need to give her some time to heal."
Nodding, Vincent kept his gaze fixed on Angel. Despite the pain he felt, he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. His mind involuntarily traveled back to the moment of impact, replaying the horror in his mind. He berated himself for allowing his thoughts to distract him, for failing to pay enough attention to his surroundings.
As they approached Angel's bedside, she stirred and slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze met Vincent's, and he could see a mix of pain, confusion, and relief reflected in her eyes.
"Hey, are you okay?" Vincent asked softly as he stood beside the bed, his voice filled with concern.
"Who are you? What am I doing here?" Angel's voice trembled as she winced, a sharp pain coursing through her head. Vincent instinctively moved closer to her.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked again, his worry evident.
"Are you a kidnapper? Please don't kidnap me. No! You can't kidnap me, my family doesn't care anyway," Angel uttered, tears streaming down her face.
Vincent's heart ached at her words, realizing the depth of her pain and the scars she bore. "Hey, I am not a kidnapper, okay? I accidentally hit you earlier today," he clarified, his gaze filled with sincerity.
"Really? Then who are you, and who is he?" Angel glanced at Romeo, her expression still filled with caution.
"My name is Vincent, and he is Romeo," Vincent introduced gently, trying to convey a sense of reassurance.
"Hi, girl," Romeo waved, attempting to lighten the mood. Angel managed a slight smile in response.
"Did you see anyone when you hit me? Like someone chasing me?" Angel asked Vincent, her voice filled with a flicker of hope.
Vincent looked at her with confusion, trying to comprehend her words. "No, I didn't see anyone," he replied, searching her eyes for any signs of explanation.
Angel sighed, knowing her message had been lost. "Never mind," she mumbled and lay back down on the bed. But then her stomach growled loudly, causing her to sit up in embarrassment, her cheeks flushing.
"What would you like to eat?" Romeo interjected, breaking the awkward silence.
"Huh? Fried rice and chicken legs with soda and a hamburger," Angel blurted out, her desires pouring out. Both Romeo and Vincent exchanged glances and then turned back to her.
"Oh! Sorry, I'll just go with noodles," she added awkwardly, feeling self-conscious.
Vincent and Romeo couldn't help but burst into laughter at the sudden change of request. Angel looked at them bewildered, her confusion evident.
"What's so funny?" she demanded, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"It's just... your food choice," Vincent managed to say between fits of laughter. "It's so specific and random."
"Yeah, most people would go for something simple like soup or porridge when they're in the hospital," Romeo chimed in.
Feeling a wave of embarrassment, Angel blushed, realizing her initial food request might have sounded extravagant. "Well, I guess I was just craving something different. But noodles will do. It's fine," she muttered, her voice laced with both defensiveness and apology.
Vincent and Romeo nodded, still smiling, and Vincent took out his phone to order some noodles for Angel. As they waited for the food to arrive, they engaged in lighthearted small talk to help distract Angel from her discomfort.
"So, Angel, what were you running away from earlier?" Vincent asked curiously, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Angel hesitated for a moment, unsure whether she could trust these strangers with her story. But seeing their genuine concern and kindness, she decided to open up a little.
"I... I don't want to talk about it," Angel whisper hired, her voice barely audible.
Vincent's expression softened, his eyes reflecting empathy and understanding. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely, his heart going out to her.
The conversation continued, and as they got to know each other better, the initial tension between them began to dissolve. Vincent couldn't help but feel a growing sense of responsibility towards Angel, determined to make amends for the accident he had caused.
"You'll be discharged tomorrow. Can I have a number for your family or someone to contact?" Vincent asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"I don't want to go back to them," Angel mumbled, her voice choked with emotion. She looked up at Vincent, her eyes filled with desperation and a glimmer of hope.
Vincent and Romeo exchanged another glance, realizing the gravity of Angel's situation. They understood that she needed help and support, and they were determined to be there for her.
"You don't have to go back if you don't want to," Vincent said softly, his voice filled with utmost sincerity. "You can stay with us."
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Tbc....
NEXT MORNING>VINCENT MANSION
Vincent's car drove into the driveway of the mansion. Vincent and Angel stepped out of the car, and Angel was in awe of the grandeur of the building. She looked around, her eyes wide with wonder.
"Is this your house?" Angel asked innocently, her voice filled with amazement. Vincent smiled at her reaction.
"Yeah, this is my humble abode," Vincent replied.
"What? You call this humble? Nah, you've got to be kidding me now," Angel said playfully, causing Vincent to laugh at her funny expression.
"Anyways, let's get in," Vincent suggested, and they walked into the house.
As they entered the living room, Angel gasped in awe. She looked around, admiring the luxurious furnishings and decorations.
"Wow!!!" Angel exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. "Seriously, this is not anywhere near humble. This is four times the size of our living room back at home!"
Angel continued to blabber on about the grandeur of the mansion, and Vincent couldn't help but smile at how cute she looked.
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?" Angel asked, noticing his gaze. Vincent inwardly cursed his slip-up.
"Oh, nothing," Vincent replied, quickly trying to change the topic. "Let's get you to your room."
Vincent led Angel up the stairs, and casual conversation ensued.
"How old are you?" Vincent asked, genuinely curious. Angel made a puppy face before answering.
"I will be nineteen next week," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Nineteen? You're really small!" Vincent exclaimed in surprise. He opened the door to a luxurious room with blue-colored decor, and Angel stepped inside, her eyes widening at the sight.
Angel marveled at the beautiful paintings adorning the walls and the chandelier hanging gracefully from the ceiling, casting a soft glow across the room. Vincent watched her as she took in every detail, a smile playing on his lips.
"I'm glad you like it," Vincent said, his voice full of warmth. "This room is yours for as long as you stay here."
Angel turned to him, a mix of gratitude and excitement shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Vincent. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Vincent chuckled softly. "I have a feeling I do." He walked over to a large wooden wardrobe and opened it, revealing rows upon rows of designer clothes. "These are some clothes I thought you might like. Feel free to choose anything you want."
Angel's eyes grew wider as she surveyed the collection. "Wow," she whispered, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "I've never seen such beautiful clothes before."
Vincent stepped closer to her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well then, I think it's time for a shopping spree."
Angel's jaw dropped, and she looked at Vincent in disbelief. "Are you serious?"
He grinned. "Absolutely. Consider it an early birthday present."
Her heart skipped a beat, overwhelmed by his kindness. "Vincent, I can't accept all of this. It's too much."
Vincent shook his head and smiled warmly. "You deserve it, Angel. Let's make some great memories together."
"We will, and we'll be going with Romeo," Vincent added, and Angel jumped up and down with glee.
"Aw, I can't thank you both enough," Angel exclaimed and suddenly engulfed Vincent in a tight hug, surprising him. No female aside from Phoebe had ever hugged him. Her touch reminded him of Phoebe once again, and he quickly disengaged from the hug, feeling a hint of guilt.
"I need to freshen up since today is Sunday, and I have the day off," Vincent said awkwardly, needing a moment to himself.
"Oh, okay, no problem. I'll be waiting," Angel replied, her excitement still evident.
Vincent quickly left the room and went to his own room. The first thing that greeted him was a picture of him and Phoebe together. He sighed deeply, clutching the photo for a moment before deciding to let go of the painful memories. He tore the picture and threw it into the trash can, symbolizing a fresh start.
Taking off his clothes, Vincent stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to wash away the tension and conflicts that had been brewing inside him. With each second that passed, his mind slowly drifted back to the hug Angel had given him earlier. It was a simple gesture, yet it had ignited something within him that he hadn't felt in a long time.
Feeling rejuvenated after the shower, Vincent got dressed in a casual outfit and made his way back to Angel's room. Upon entering, he found her sitting on the bed, deeply engrossed in a book.
"Hey," Vincent said softly, interrupting her. Angel looked up, a bright smile spreading across her face.
"Hey. Feeling better?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.
Vincent nodded, a grateful look in his eyes. "Yeah, thanks. It's amazing what a shower can do."
Angel chuckled, her laughter filling the room. "Yeah, it's like magic sometimes."
Vincent walked over to her and sat down beside her on the bed. "So, are you ready for a shopping spree?"
Angel's eyes widened with excitement. "Definitely! But, um, I don't really have any money..."
Vincent waved away her worries. "Don't worry about that. I've got it covered. Consider it a treat."
Angel's face lit up, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Vincent. You're too kind."
Vincent smiled warmly, a genuine warmth spreading through him. "I just want you to feel welcome here. And besides, it's not every day I get to go on a shopping spree with someone as special as you."
They both walked towards Vincent's car and got in before driving off to the shopping mall. Romeo was already waiting for them in front of the mall. Angel was about to step into the mall when she heard her name being called.
"Angel!"
Startled, Angel turned back to see the last person she wanted to see at that moment.
"Mom?" she called out, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. Anita rushed towards her, reaching out to touch her, but Angel quickly shifted back, avoiding her touch.
"No, I don't know you," she yelled, fear and panic evident in her voice. She instinctively hid behind Romeo, seeking comfort and protection.
"Angel, it's me," Anita pleaded, her voice filled with anguish.
"Please, Romeo, don't let her take me away," Angel pleaded tearfully, as both Romeo and Vincent exchanged concerned glances.
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"Please, Romeo," Angel pleaded tearfully, her voice trembling with fear and desperation. She clutched onto Romeo's hand tightly, seeking solace and protection. Romeo's expression mirrored her distress, his concern evident in his eyes. Vincent, standing a few feet away, exchanged a worried glance with Romeo, silently acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Romeo inched closer to Angel, his comforting smile assuring her that he was there for her. Gently, he directed his attention towards the intimidating woman standing before them. "Who are you, ma'am?" Vincent asked her, his tone firm yet respectful.
Without hesitation, the woman proclaimed, "I'm her mother." Angel shook her head vehemently, tears streaming down her face. "No, Vincent, she's not my mom," she cried, her voice laced with anguish. "My mom died already. She's my stepmom, but I don't want to go with her."
Vincent opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, Angel flung herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Wracked with emotion, she clung to him like a lifeline, seeking comfort and protection. "Please, you don't know what I'm going through at the hands of this woman and her daughter," Angel pleaded, her voice muffled by his shirt. "I don't want to go, please, I don't want to."
Vincent sighed, his heart breaking for Angel. He glanced back at the woman, Anita, and then shook his head resolutely. "What you're doing is not right," he said firmly. "Respect yourself and respect Angel's wishes."
Anita's frustration turned to anger, her face contorting with rage. "What the hell?" she seethed through gritted teeth. "I must take her with me, and that's final." Ignoring Vincent's words, she lunged towards Angel, intent on grabbing her.
Swiftly, Vincent stepped back, shielding Angel from Anita's grasp. "Angel, come here. Don't worry, she won't touch you," he assured her protective, his voice filled with steely determination. Angel clung to him even tighter, finding solace and safety in his embrace.
Anita's anger reached its peak. "This is not over," she hissed, her voice laced with venom. With one final glare, she turned on her heel and stormed away. The place filled with silence, broken only by Angel's heavy breathing and the sound of her tears slowly subsiding.
Angel, still gripping onto Vincent, finally began to calm down. She raised her tear-streaked face to meet his gaze, relief and gratitude evident in her eyes. "You can let me go now," Vincent said gently, recognizing the need for space. Slowly, she released her grip, leaning back slightly to maintain a slight connection with him.
Romeo and Vincent stared at Angel, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. Clearly, there was much more to this story. "Can we talk about this, Angel?" Romeo asked softly, hoping to provide her with an outlet to share her burdens.
Angel hesitated, her gaze avoiding theirs. She felt vulnerable, exposed, but she also knew they had shown her kindness and support. With a deep breath, she nodded. "Can we...just go home?" she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
Romeo and Vincent exchanged a brief glance, silently communicating their understanding. They nodded in unison. The shopping spree they had planned would have to wait. Right now, Angel needed their support and their understanding.
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Back at Angel's house, Anita barged in with fury burning in her eyes. She slammed a bag aggressively onto the floor, her frustration and anger palpable. Aliyah, Angel's stepsister, rushed down the stairs to confront the commotion.
"What's it again, Mom?" Aliyah asked, her voice tinged with annoyance and concern. Anita took a deep breath, struggling to contain her anger. "Can you believe it? I saw Angel with two rich guys today," she spat out, her voice dripping with disdain. "She doesn't want to come back here."
Aliyah's eyes widened in shock and her mind began to race. Her connection to Angel had always been strained, but she couldn't deny the gravity of the situation. "What? That girl...Mom, what do we do now?" Aliyah asked, her voice filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty.
Anita's frustration boiled over, her anger directed towards her daughter. "I don't know," she snapped, her tone sharp and unforgiving. "Who will do the chores now? And now I'm hungry, but I can't cook anything." Aliyah's shoulders slumped, the weight of their circumstances sinking in.
"You can't cook?" Anita questioned incredulously, her voice laced with disdain. Aliyah nodded meekly, her eyes cast downward. Anita let out an exasperated laugh, her tone filled with mockery. "You're making me laugh. Start learning because I'm not teaching you anything. And, mind you, look for a job. You're too lazy."
With those harsh words, Anita stormed out of the room, leaving Aliyah standing there, still reeling from the verbal assault.
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NEXT MORNING
The events of the previous day still weighed heavily on everyone's minds. Ang didn't really explained what going on with her and her stepmom but she told Vincent when the time comes she will.
Vincent, dressed and ready for work, was about to leave when Angel stopped him in his tracks. Her eyes scanned his outfit, a playful pout forming on her lips.
"Going to work without me?" Angel asked, her voice filled with a hint of disappointment. She longed for companionship and a distraction from the chaos at home. Vincent hesitated, torn between his responsibilities and her need for support.
"Well, you can't exactly come to work with me, can you?" Vincent reasoned, his voice gentle but filled with concern. Angel's pout deepened, and her eyes shone with hope. "Please, let me come with you. I'll be bored at home," she pleaded, her voice laced with need.
Vincent sighed, a sense of defeat washing over him. He knew she needed a sense of normalcy and distraction, even if just for a little while. "Alright," he relented, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Get dressed quickly. I'll be waiting for you."
Angel's face lit up with delight, and she hurriedly dashed into her room to change.
***
As they entered the company together, Angel couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The grandeur of the company and the busy employees bustling around filled her with curiosity and wonder. Her mouth hung open in astonishment as she took in her surroundings, mesmerized by the sheer scale of the operations.
Lost in her own world, Angel inadvertently collided with someone walking past her. Startled, she looked up to see a familiar face, but a face that filled her with shock and uncertainty.
Before she could react, a sharp slap landed on her cheek, sending a searing pain through her face. Vincent's eyes widened with shock and anger as he witnessed the assault on Angel. His protective instincts surged forth, and he quickly moved to intervene.
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Tbc....