The Broken Angel He Claimed

Angela's POVI didn't know what was happening anymore as I closed my eyes, when suddenly his grip loosened on my neck.I saw Ian fall. It seemed that while Ian was focused on me, Aaron attacked him from behind. Ian tumbled to the floor, letting out a moan of pain. Aaron rained punches on him.I coughed, my lungs burning for a real breath. My knees gave out, and I dropped to the floor. Ian... he was going under Aaron's blows, one after another.Aaron finally stopped when Ian was helpless. He approached, his gaze filled with worry. “Angela, hey... are you okay?”I managed only a weak nod. No words came out. The world spun too fast, too terrifying to bear. Aaron pulled me into his arms, like he knew what I needed. "I'm sorry... I should've been here sooner."His warmth hit me like a lifeline, steadying the storm inside. I shook, pressing into his chest, tears soaking his shirt, all the fear I'd been bottling up finally spilling out. He didn’t say much—didn’t have to. I was so damn glad h

Angela's POVI clenched my fists, trying to hold back the anger rising inside me. "Ian deserved it," I snapped. Victoria let out a soft laugh. "Deserved or not, that's not for you to decide. Rules only apply to people with power. And you and your little friend?""So because we don't have power, we're not allowed to stand up for what's right?" I shot back. "I've heard about your father's company," she continued smoothly. "You know how easy it is to destroy something that's already hanging by a thread, don't you?"I froze. "Are you threatening me?""Threatening you? No, I'm just showing you reality. In this world, the weak only survive when they know their place. But you and your friend crossed a line, and you had the nerve to mess with my family."I opened my mouth to fire back, but she cut me off.“But I’m feeling generous, Angela. I’m giving you a chance. Tomorrow, you testify as the victim. Think it through. The one who almost assaulted you was Aaron. Ian only stepped in to save y

Angela's POVAaron stepped closer. Every inch he closed made it harder for me to breathe. The hallway suddenly felt narrower, like the walls had shifted when I wasn't looking. I could smell his cologne, clean, sharp, mixed with something hotter beneath it. Anger, maybe. Or disappointment. I couldn't tell which was worse. There was nowhere to hide. His eyes didn’t give me even an inch of space to run.“I..." My voice cracked. The word came out useless. I swallowed and tried again, but nothing followed. Anything I said would sound like an excuse. And I had none. I’d messed up, badly.“You played me, Angela.” His voice was low, controlled. Not loud. Not explosive. That calm cut deeper than shouting ever could. “All this time… I thought you were different.”Different. The word lodged itself in my chest. I said nothing. Silence was the only honest thing left. “I trusted you,” he continued. “You were the last person I ever thought would lie to me. Hurt me." His jaw tightened. "But I was

Angela's POVI moved my hands to pull back the blanket—and froze. My chest tightened. I wasn’t wearing my clothes from last night. Instead, I was in a man’s shirt, way too big for me.“Shit… what happened last night?” I muttered, panic creeping into my thoughts. I tried to remember. Bits and pieces flashed in my head, but nothing was clear.Then I heard water running faintly from the bathroom. My body tensed. I wasn’t alone here.My heart raced. I had to get out—now.I scrambled for my clothes and finally found them on the floor near the sofa, mixed with my scarf and sunglasses. I grabbed them quickly, but as my hands touched the shirt I’d worn last night, a sharp, sour smell hit me.I grimaced.Everything from last night was still blurry. I vaguely remembered throwing up, a man cursing, and then darkness. Somehow, when I’d thrown up on the stranger’s shirt, some of it had splashed on mine too. Not much, but enough to leave the smell.No time to think about it now.I threw on my cloth

Angela's POVI went back to the winery anyway.I pulled into the parking lot, turned off the engine, and waited. The lights inside the winery were dimming. Only a few cars were still there.I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel, trying to shake off the unease tightening in my chest. Time passed. I didn’t leave. By then, the sky had turned pitch-black.Then I saw him.Aaron walked out with his assistant and Mr. Whitmore, heading toward the parking area.I opened my car door and stepped out, slamming it shut behind me. Aaron was about to get into his car when I moved fast, cutting him off.“We need to talk,” I said.He stopped. His eyes flicked to me, then to his assistant.“Go with Mr. Whitmore. I’ll catch up.”The assistant nodded without question and left, taking Mr. Whitmore with him. The lot fell quiet.Aaron studied me for a moment, then gestured toward his car