All Chapters of The bride he never choose: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

Chapter 61: An Unexpected VisitorThe Hale mansion was unusually peaceful.Eleanor was arranging flowers in the living room.Edward was finishing a business call in his study.Angela had gone upstairs to change after returning from her date with Damian.The doorbell rang.A maid opened the front door.Standing outside was Ethan Walker.He looked much more composed than he had a few days earlier."Good afternoon," he said politely."My name is Ethan Walker. I'm here to see Angela."Before the maid could answer—"I'll take care of this."Olivia walked into the foyer.She stopped a few feet away from Ethan."So you're Ethan Walker."Ethan looked confused."I'm sorry... have we met?""No."Olivia smiled politely."But I've heard your name."She extended her hand."I'm Olivia Hale.""Angela's sister."Ethan's eyebrows lifted in surprise."I didn't know Angela had found her family.""It happened recently.""I'm happy for her."Olivia studied him carefully.There was genuine sadness in his e

Chapter 63: Sunday MorningSunday mornings at the Hale mansion were different.There were no business meetings.No interviews.No security briefings.Just breakfast.Angela walked into the dining room wearing a simple cream sweater and jeans.Eleanor looked up and smiled."You don't have to dress up here."Angela laughed."I'm still getting used to that."Edward folded his newspaper."You'll learn."Olivia arrived a few moments later.She greeted everyone with her usual graceful smile."Good morning.""Morning," Angela replied warmly.If anyone had walked into the room, they would have thought the sisters had known each other their whole lives.---Halfway through breakfast, Edward cleared his throat."I have an announcement."Everyone looked at him."Our family foundation is holding its annual charity gala next Friday."He turned to Angela."I'd like you to attend as my daughter."Angela blinked."In public?"Edward nodded."It will be the first time the business world officially mee

Chapter 65: Under the SpotlightThe applause seemed to last forever.Angela stood beside Edward on the stage, trying to take it all in.Twenty years ago...She had been a forgotten child.Tonight...She was being welcomed home.Edward rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder."My daughter has shown me something important," he said into the microphone."Life can take away what you love...""...but if you never stop believing, sometimes it gives it back."The ballroom erupted into applause again.Angela blinked away the tears gathering in her eyes.---After the speech, guests surrounded the Hale family."Congratulations.""We're so happy she's home.""It's wonderful to finally meet you, Miss Hale."Angela smiled politely, thanking each person.She was nervous.Damian noticed.Without interrupting her conversations, he quietly moved closer.Not to rescue her.Just close enough that if she looked for him...He'd be there.Twice during the evening, their eyes met across the room.Each tim

Chapter 67: The Promise He Didn't MakeMonday morning arrived with an unexpected calm.Angela was settling into her new office at Carter Holdings.Although Damian had insisted she didn't have to work, she refused."I need something that's mine," she had told him.He understood.So he gave her exactly that.Not a luxurious executive office.Not a meaningless title.A real position.She would lead the company's new innovation division.She would earn it.---Angela looked around her office.The walls were still bare.A knock came at the door."Come in."Damian stepped inside carrying two mugs."I come bearing peace offerings."She smiled."Coffee?""And hot chocolate.""I wasn't sure which you'd want."She laughed."So you brought both?""I've learned it's safer."She accepted the hot chocolate."You remembered.""You always choose this when you're nervous."She paused."I didn't even realize I did.""I did."---For a few minutes, they stood by the window overlooking the city."I've be

Chapter 69: A Name from the PastTuesday morning...Angela had barely settled into her office when David knocked."You have a visitor."She looked up."I thought we agreed not to surprise me anymore."David smiled apologetically."This one refused to leave."Angela sighed."Who is it?""He says his name is Michael Brooks."The name hit her like a wave.Brooks.The surname she'd carried for most of her life."My... father?"David nodded."He says he raised you."---Five minutes later...Angela stepped into the reception lounge.A man in his sixties stood when he saw her.His clothes were simple.His hands were rough from years of work.His eyes filled with tears."My little girl..."Angela didn't move immediately.Then she walked over and hugged him."You came."Michael smiled through his tears."I wasn't sure I should.""I saw you on television.""You looked so happy."Angela pulled back."You'll always be my father."Michael's eyes dropped to the floor."I'm not your real father.""