CHAPTER 5
917 Words
"And she's supporting me against Dad's wishes," Anglia added.
"Wow that takes courage. Your mom's a rockstar," Catherine declared.
"I'm so grateful. Ray's been amazing too," Anglia said.
"Ray's the best. You two are meant to be," Catherine gushed.
"We're going to make this company happen. Rays on board, and Mom's funding us," Anglia shared.
"What's the plan?" Catherine asked.
"We're still brainstorming, but Ray's got some fantastic ideas," Anglia replied.
"You two will crush it. What's the company name?" Rachel asked.
"Not yet...but we'll come up with something perfect," Anglia grinned.
"This calls for celebration! Drinks tonight?" Catherine suggested.
"Definitely! I'll invite Ray," Anglia agreed.
As they hugged again, Anglia felt grateful.
Sharing her joy with Catherine made it even sweeter.
"Thanks for being my rock, Catherine," Anglia whispered.
"Anytime, girl. We're in this together," Catherine replied.
Anglia walked home, feeling elated after sharing her news with Rachel.
Her phone rang, breaking the calm.
"Unknown number," the screen read.
Anglia hesitated before answering.
"Hello?" she said cautiously.
"Anglia, it's Marcus. Don't involve Ray in your new company," Marcus said, his voice low and menacing.
Anglia's grip on her phone tightened.
"Who are you to tell me what to do?" Anglia demanded.
"I'm someone who knows what's best for you. Your mom's funding is a golden opportunity. Don't waste it on Ray," Marcus warned.
"Mind your own business, Marcus. This is my life," Anglia snapped.
"You don't understand, Anglia. I can see every move you make. If you involve Ray, you'll deeply regret it," Marcus threatened.
Anglia's anger boiled over.
"Listen, Marcus. Stay away from me. Don't contact me again. I'll report you for harassment if you do," Anglia warned.
"You're making a mistake, Anglia. You'll regret defying me," Marcus growled.
"I'm not afraid of you. Leave me alone," Anglia repeated firmly.
The line went dead.
Anglia took a deep breath, shaking off the unease.
Who was Marcus to dictate her life?
She wouldn't let him intimidate her.
But she couldn't shake off the feeling.
Why was Marcus so opposed to Ray's involvement?
Was he genuinely concerned or hiding something?
Anglia decided to keep the conversation to herself.
No need to worry Ray unnecessarily.
She'd handle Marcus on her own.
As she walked into her home, Anglia felt determined.
No one would control her or her relationships.
She'd prove Marcus wrong.
Ray wouldn't be a liability; he'd be her strength.
Anglia pushed aside her doubts.
Make it a success.
Show Marcus.
Kate walked into the living room, finding Mike engrossed in the news.
"Mike, we need to talk," Kate said, sitting beside him.
"What's on your mind?" Mike asked, not looking away from the TV.
"Anglia. She's starting her own company, and I'm funding it," Kate announced.
Mike's expression turned disinterested.
"As long as she's still with that husband of hers, I want nothing to do with her," Mike said gruffly.
"That's not fair, Mike. Anglia's our only child. We should support her," Kate argued.
"Support her? She's made her choices, Kate. She chose him over our family's legacy," Mike retorted.
"That's not true. Anglia loves us, and she loves Ray. Why can't you accept him?" Kate asked.
"Because he's not good enough for her. He's using her for our family's connections," Mike accused.
"That's not true! Ray loves Anglia, and he's supportive of her dreams," Kate defended.
"Whatever. If she's with him, I won't interfere," Mike repeated.
"Fine. But I will interfere. I'll support Anglia in any decision she makes," Kate declared.
"Kate, don't enable her foolishness," Mike warned.
"It's not foolishness, Mike. It's our daughter's happiness. And I'll stand by her side, no matter what," Kate said firmly.
Mike shook his head.
"You're making a mistake, Kate. Mark my words," he said.
"I'm not making a mistake, Mike. I'm being a mother. And I'll always prioritize Anglia's well-being," Kate replied.
"You're blinded by your love for her," Mike accused.
"I'm not blinded. I see the real issue here. Your ego and pride are hurt because Anglia didn't choose the path you wanted for her," Kate countered.
Mike's face reddened.
"How dare you," he began.
"I dare because I'm her mother, and I know what's best for her," Kate interrupted.
The room fell silent.
Mike returned to watching TV, his jaw clenched.
Kate's eyes narrowed.
She knew her husband's stubbornness.
But she also knew her daughter's strength.
Anglia would succeed.
With or without Mike's approval.
Kate stood up; determination etched on her face.
"I'll make sure Anglia knows we support her, no matter what," Kate said.
"Kate, don't—" Mike started.
"No, Mike. I've had enough of this conversation," Kate interrupted.
She walked out of the room, leaving Mike to his anger.
Kate took a deep breath.
She'd fight for Anglia's happiness.
No matter the cost.
"My love, I've missed you," Grace whispered.
"I've missed you too," Ray replied, embracing her.
As they kissed, the sound of the front door unlocking echoed.
Grace's eyes widened.
"Ray, she's home!" Grace panicked.
"Quick, hide!" Ray urged.
Grace rushed into the nearby powder room.
Ray straightened his clothes.
The door swung open.
"Ray, I'm home!" Anglia called.
Ray's heart raced.
"Hey, love! Welcome home," Ray replied.
Anglia walked in happily to share the good news.
Her eyes scanned the room.
"Who was here?" Anglia asked.
"No one. Just me," Ray replied.
Anglia's gaze lingered.
Then she walked toward the kitchen.
Ray's relief was short-lived.
As Anglia passed the powder room.
She slowed.
Her hand reached for the doorknob.
Great novels start here
- Writer
