The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the yard as Angela and Patrick returned to the house after their moment of respite. The heaviness in the air lingered, but they felt a renewed sense of purpose as they stepped back into their reality. Angela glanced at Patrick, who was deep in thought, his brow furrowed with worry and loss.
Just as they entered the living room, the doorbell rang, breaking the fragile peace they had found. Patrick, still lost in his thoughts, moved toward the door, and Angela felt a twist of unease in her stomach.
When Patrick opened the door, Angela’s heart sank. Standing there, looking radiant yet concerned, was Stephanie—Patrick’s ex-girlfriend. She wore a fitted sweater and jeans that accentuated her figure, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. Angela felt a rush of jealousy and insecurity as Stephanie's warm brown eyes locked onto Patrick's.
“Patrick!” she exclaimed, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “I heard about Will… I just had to come. Are you okay?” Her voice was laced with genuine concern, but Angela couldn’t shake the feeling that her presence was anything but innocent.
Patrick’s expression shifted, and a smile broke through his melancholy. “Hey, Steph. I didn’t expect to see you. I’m… managing, I guess.”
Angela stood to the side, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched the exchange. She felt like an intruder in her own home, invisible as the bond between Patrick and Stephanie rekindled. They shared a look that spoke volumes—a connection that Angela could never penetrate.
“I’m so sorry, Patrick,” Stephanie said, stepping closer, her hand reaching out to gently touch his arm. “Will was such a good man. If you need anything, I’m here for you.” Her tone dripped with sympathy, but Angela could sense the underlying motive.
“Thanks, Stephanie. It means a lot to have you here,” Patrick replied, his voice softening under her attention.
Angela felt her heart drop further. She wanted to be the one helping him, comforting him, and instead, she was left watching as Stephanie stepped back into his life, seamlessly filling a space that Angela had fought so hard to be a part of.
“Angela,” Patrick said, finally acknowledging her. “This is Stephanie. She’s an old friend.”
Angela forced a smile, trying to mask the hurt she felt. “Nice to meet you, Stephanie,” she said, her voice steady but tinged with an edge of bitterness.
Stephanie turned her attention fully to Angela, a smirk playing on her lips. “Oh, I’ve heard so much about you. Patrick speaks highly of you,” she said, her tone sugary sweet yet dripping with a condescending undertone.
Angela’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I hope he said something good,” she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.
“Only the best,” Stephanie replied, stepping closer to Patrick, her shoulder brushing against him casually. “I always thought it was sweet how you two bonded during all this chaos.”
Angela could see Patrick’s demeanor shift slightly, his attention drawn more to Stephanie than to her. “Yeah, we’ve been working together,” he said, his gaze drifting back to Stephanie. “It’s been tough for both of us.”
“Just let me know if you need a distraction, Patrick,” Stephanie said, her voice low and flirtatious. “I’d love to help take your mind off things.” She leaned in slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she looked up at him.
Patrick chuckled, oblivious to the tension swirling around them. “I appreciate that, but I’m really focused on getting through this right now.”
“Of course,” she said, feigning understanding while her gaze lingered on him. “But a little fun never hurt anyone, right?”
Angela felt a surge of anger rising within her. The way Stephanie flirted with Patrick made her feel like she was suffocating. She clenched her fists at her sides, trying to contain her emotions. “What are you really doing here, Stephanie?” she asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
“Just trying to be supportive,” Stephanie replied, her smile widening. “But if you’re feeling left out, I’m sure Patrick would love some company.” She looked up at him, her eyes glimmering with flirtation.
“Right, Patrick?” she teased, a challenge hidden in her tone.
Patrick, oblivious to the storm brewing between the two women, nodded. “Yeah, we could all use some support.”
Angela felt her heart shatter at his indifference. It was as if she had become a ghost in her own life, watching from the sidelines as the past threatened to swallow her whole. “I guess some people just need a little more support than others,” she said, bitterness creeping into her voice.
“Hey, come on,” Patrick said, finally looking at her with concern. “We’re all just trying to get through this. Let’s not make it harder.”
Angela’s breath caught in her throat as she fought back tears. “I’m just trying to be here for you, Patrick! But if you want to play games with your ex, go ahead. Maybe I’ll just leave.”
“No, Angela, don’t say that,” he replied, his voice firm yet still devoid of the urgency she needed.
Stephanie smirked slightly, clearly enjoying the tension. “I think Angela just needs to understand that we’re all allowed to lean on each other during tough times. Isn’t that right, Patrick?”
“Yeah, I guess,” he replied, his tone casual.
Angela’s heart raced as she realized the depths of her feelings for Patrick. She felt torn between wanting to fight for him and the gnawing sense of rejection settling deep within her chest. “Maybe I just need to step back, then,” she muttered, more to herself than to anyone else.
As the room filled with awkward silence, Stephanie leaned in closer to Patrick, her voice low and sultry. “I know it’s hard to cope right now, but I’m here for you. I always have been.”
Patrick smiled at her, but the warmth in his gaze sent a cold wave through Angela. “Thanks, Stephanie. I really appreciate it.”
Angela stood frozen, the weight of their shared history hanging heavily in the air. She felt invisible, lost in a whirlwind of emotions that left her vulnerable and exposed. She turned on her heel and walked away, fighting back tears.
As she left the room, she didn’t look back, leaving Patrick and Stephanie standing in the living room, a chasm of misunderstanding and unspoken words expanding between them.
YOU ARE READING
Fated Encounters
FantasyIn a world where humans coexist with supernatural beings, Patrick possesses extraordinary powers, including the ability to control gravity and molecules, and move as fast as lightning. His father, Will, has been kidnapped by their nemesis, and the o...
