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ngela spent the next few days self-reckoning. She had cried and wailed and showed up at David's workplace a few more times, but nothing seemed to work. She had even tried to involve Toby to get his help but realized Toby needed time to heal, and it was better not to drag him into her mess. All clues pointed towards one thing; David had left her. Why? She was still figuring that part out.
And while figuring that out, Angela was losing her mind. She was crying and wailing one moment and then making up a mind map the other moment. What had gone wrong? Weren't they going to fight his enemies together?
Christmas was right around the corner. The streets were brimming with joy and holiday festivity. Love and happiness were pouring in from all corners. The streets were decked with lights and ornaments of all sorts. Huge Christmas trees were set up in all areas of New York. Christmas carols could be heard everywhere, and jingle bells ringing and bringing life to every mundane place.
But no matter how lively and vivacious everything else got, Angela was wallowing in her sadness all alone in her apartment. She would order Chinese takeout every day, one night after another, just like she and David had the night of the masquerade ball. She hated that he had such strong control over her. Even now that he was away, she was still smitten with him.
It had barely been a month since the two had gotten to know each other, and Angela felt as if she had already fallen for him. Maybe it was his aura that was so captivating that she couldn't resist it. It may be his undeniable charm, which he didn't even need to try and enhance. Or maybe his perfume permeated all the rooms he existed in. Or his slicked-back hair or his eyes. Yes, the eyes.
Did he really mean it when he said that he loved her that night at the masquerade ball? If he really did, he would at least let her know if he was alive. And that's when it struck her. David’s love may point to the fact that he was willing to work for a Mafia boss and risk his life to save hers. Maybe that had been the case here, too. Maybe, just maybe, David had let go of her because he feared his enemies would come after Angela? Angela was David's weakness. And if he needed to bring down the all-mighty drug lord and human trafficker, he needed to cut all loose ends.
That's what she felt like. A loose end, a weakness. Angela needed answers. She needed to see him. She needed to prove to him that she was a valuable resource, not a liability. What happened at the hotel was a series of unfortunate events. She was a fierce lawyer who knew how to dig up dirt on perpetrators and get them sentenced behind bars. She was not going to back down without a fight. That was just not in her blood. At that point, Angela started to miss him more than ever.
And so, she made her way to the downtown pizza place that David had introduced her to. As she walked into the pizza parlor, she greeted the old couple and took a seat next to the counter. "I'll have the usual," she said.
Angela really didn't like being alone on holidays. Holidays were to share the spirit of love, not be down in the dumps. And so, she gathered enough strength to get out of bed and make it to a place that was becoming a source of comfort to her.
The pizza was served quick and served hot and fresh. As she sat there nibbling away at her pizza, she smelled a familiar scent. Was it the signature scent of the pizza parlor? No, it was something else. She took another whiff, and there it was.
David. David's perfume. She started to hear footsteps, the pace, and heaviness of which she knew by heart. And then the voice. The deep voice. "Merry Christmas, the usual, please."
It was him. It was David. What were the odds? It was a Christmas miracle. Angela rolled back the cap of her hoodie and looked over at David. David didn't register Angela's presence at first, but when he saw her, he was overcome with tears and emotions. He took a step back and gathered himself. He then leaned in and enveloped Angela in a hug.
Angela, at first, resisted the hug. After all, he had ghosted her and disappeared into nothingness. But then, her feelings for him took hold of her. And she hugged him back even harder. She was fully sobbing at this point, while she could hear David sniffling.
She pulled back and took a good look at David. He looked weaker than usual and paler. As if he wasn't eating well or, worse, had been sick. David looked back at Angela and couldn’t believe it. He wanted to pinch himself but realized that even if it was a fever dream, it was okay. He wouldn’t want this dream to end. He couldn't take his eyes off her. It was almost as if his eyes had been yearning to see her face. As if his eyes wanted to learn every crevice of her face at that moment.
Angela finally spoke up. “Why? Just why?”
"Because I needed to protect you," David replied.
"Who said I needed any protection? I've had my fair share of enemies. I've made it through, alive and unscathed. I am ready for this," Angela pleaded, trying to change his mind.
“I’m sorry I can't be the one to put you in the line of danger this time around," David was adamant.
“You won't be. I'm willingly going there. This is my fight as much as it's yours. He is my enemy, too. You have got to let me in. I have a plan," Angela said.
“You could get killed, and I would never forgive myself."
“Yeah, yet you left me out there alone and didn't even reply to my texts or calls or emails. Who does that? I showed up at your office for a whole week."
“Trust me; it wasn't easy. I had to endure it. And I had people looking over you. Knowing you were safe was enough to keep me going. Otherwise, I would have endangered you."
“I have a plan, David. Just listen to me. Give me a chance, please; you owe me that much after all that we have been through."
"Alright, but somewhere safe. Let's go back to my place."
David and Angela had their orders packed and headed out. They were soon at the penthouse, but this time around, they entered through a secret entrance rather than the usual one. It didn't surprise Angela. They were probably taking all the precautions that they could. May came to open the door to the secret staircase. And when she saw Angela, she was shaking.
She smiled at her and gave her the biggest hug.
“I’m sorry; I care about you too much to throw you to the wolves. You saw what happened with Toby. What if...”
"It won't. You've got to trust me. I have a foolproof plan," Angela replied.
“We’ll talk tomorrow. It’s Christmas today. Come let’s fix you a hot chocolate! And also, it doesn’t surprise me that you two are back together,” May said sarcastically.
David asked, “What do you mean?”
"Nothing, just that Anthony and I had a bet. He said you would last a month max, and I said you wouldn't. And I was right. So, guess I'm $100 richer. Merry Christmas to me!" May laughed. David and Angela joined in.
