CHAPTER 269: COULD THIS BE LOVE?

Angela knew she had to find out what Marcus really wanted from her, what he expected in return for the help he gave. Even though he was her parent, she wasn’t used to any family member doing something for her without wanting something back. All her life, she had always paid Grace or Uncle Toga for every little thing they did for her, whether with money or by doing chores.

"Do you want to see what’s going on?" Hiro asked, taking her hand in his. She looked at him, confused, and he smiled. "You want to... I know it."

"I would like to know what’s happening," Angela said as she climbed out of the bed. She looked at the wall beside her for the first time and saw her name written in a beautiful frame hanging there. "Whose house is this?"

Taros’ gaze shifted to his brother. They exchanged looks, unsure how to tell her. "If you’re not comfortable here, you should tell us," Taros said gently. "It’s just temporary, right, Hiro?"

"Yes, bro," Hiro nodded quickly. "We’re in the Malynster’s villa. This is Marcus’s mansion, and the frame with your name was changed just a day ago. It used to be my daughter’s room."

Her brows drew together as she realized what he meant. "Did you make a decision without me? Who said I wanted to live with him? Who said I wanted a father?"

"No one is forcing you, my love," Hiro said softly. He could see she misunderstood again. He rubbed her knuckles gently. "Every decision is yours. If you want to leave right now, we’ll do it. What matters is what you want."

Angela could see that they truly meant it. They were on her side. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

"This room was made for you a long time ago," Taros explained quietly. "Marcus said he kept changing it every year, hoping that one day he’d find you. If you don’t believe me...."

"I’ll ask him myself," Angela said with a little chuckle, waiting for Hiro to lead her. They walked out of the room, and she couldn’t hide her surprise at what she saw. The mansion was breathtaking, filled with white and wooden designs that gave it warmth and peace. A sweet scent floated in the air, wrapping around her as she walked down the stairs.

It was like the backyard of the mansion. A pool stretched a few steps away from the glass door, its clear water calm under the soft light. A few chairs and a table were placed neatly on the left side, surrounded by flowers and a small garden that gave the place a quiet beauty. Renn leaned against the wall, watching Kaito and Marcus as they played with their powers—fire.

"What’s going on?" Angela asked, frowning at the sight of them. They seemed too comfortable with each other. The way Kaito asked questions and Marcus answered with patience before snapping his fingers amazed her. Fire burst out, and water appeared beside it at the same time. She had never seen such a thing before—fire and water summoned together. It was strange but mind-blowing.

"Marcus is giving them free lessons on how to use their powers," Taros explained.

"I see... I wasn’t expecting to wake up to this," she said, scratching the back of her head before folding her arms around herself. "I didn’t think they would bond this fast."

"You don’t like it?" Hiro asked quietly.

"No... I do like it. My problem with him shouldn’t affect you all," Angela said with a soft smile. "As long as none of you get hurt, I’m fine."

Taros smiled slightly and opened the door for her. Renn was the first to notice her. As he started walking toward her, her mind went back to what Miss Valois told her...Renn was her flesh and blood, yet he never said a word about it.

Angela had asked him many times about their relationship, but he always avoided the truth. He never denied the rumors that he was dating Miss Valois. He just went along with them, saying nothing to clear her doubts. The memory burned her chest. He could have told her the truth, and she wouldn’t have judged him. But he chose silence, and now it hurt deeply.

"Hey babe," Renn said as he reached her and pulled her into his arms. She closed her eyes and leaned against him. Angela knew she should have pushed him away, scolded him, or shouted at him for keeping such a secret, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She wanted to see if he would finally tell her the truth on his own.

"How are you? I heard you were hurt during the fight," Angela said as they broke from the hug. She looked into his green eyes and saw pain hiding behind them. He tried to smile, but she could tell he was hurting. He didn’t want her to see it, he was trying to protect her from it.

"He got shot twice on his thighs by the principal," Hiro said quietly.

Angela’s eyes widened in shock as she turned to him. It sounded impossible, like something from a nightmare. Why would a mother try to kill her own son? She had thought it wasn’t that serious, but seeing him now made her heart ache. She could tell the wound went deeper than flesh. It was something that scarred his soul.

"I’m so sorry about that. She doesn’t love you, Renn," Angela said softly, holding his arm.

"It’s okay. I’m fine now. I don’t care about that woman anymore," Renn said, forcing a smile as he tried to kiss her. But before their lips could meet, a low growl came from Marcus. Renn stopped and sighed. "Now we have to deal with Marcus’s protection over you. I didn’t know fathers could be this overprotective."

Angela almost laughed when Renn let her go. It looked like Marcus was already making his presence felt. For some reason, instead of being bothered, she felt safe. For the first time in her life, she felt protected just by having one of her parents close.

"Hey amor, welcome back," Kaito said with excitement. He hugged her, but it was brief, just enough not to get on Marcus’s nerves.

"Thank you," she said with a small smile, unable to look up as she tried to take in everything around her.

"I’m glad you’re awake," Marcus finally spoke. He stood facing her, hoping she would want to talk to him. He knew she had many questions that needed answers. He wasn’t afraid to face them, but he prayed she would believe him when the time comes.

"Thank you," Angela murmured as she rubbed her neck, looking around. Then she turned to her mates. "Please, can you excuse us? I want to talk to him alone."

Her mates exchanged looks before nodding and walking back to the house, leaving her alone with Marcus. The air grew heavy. The moment of truth had come.

Angela crossed her arms, trying to steady her voice. "How did it happen? Who is my mother? Why was I left alone to suffer like I had no family?"

Her words hit Marcus like arrows. He stared at his daughter’s beautiful face, feeling a pain no bullet had ever given him. He had faced powerful men, dangerous enemies, and even death itself without flinching. But now, standing before his daughter, his hands trembled, and his heart pounded so hard he could barely breathe. He had never been this afraid in his life. Maybe this was love—the fear of losing someone you hold most dear.

****

Anyone could guess what really happened?

Why they got separated? If yes drop in the comment section. Thank you.