Chapter 46: Love, like a dream

Angelia was feeling even more uneasy since Jerome’s phone was still off.

She thought about messaging him, telling him about Alyssa’s situation, the divorce, and asking him what was going on. But every time she typed a message, she ended up deleting it.

Jerome was a calm and reliable person. When he had things sorted out, he’d definitely reach out to her.

Calling or texting him now might only add to his stress.

She sighed.

Her phone rang, and she immediately checked it. It was Darcey.

Angelia answered.

“Girl, I’ve got urgent news,” Darcey said.

“What’s up?” Angelia asked, concerned.

“That witch Kate got me fired. But I managed to get my full bonus for this year, and I also got the 20,000 dollars she owed you. As for the remaining 10,000, she promised to give it to you next month after she gets paid. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get it, or I’ll cause such a scene that she won’t be able to stay as assistant manager!” Darcey declared confidently.

Angelia was touched. “Thanks, Darcey. Is this the urgent thing you wanted to tell me?”

“My rent’s about to expire, and the landlord came to talk to me today. I wanted to ask you… is your job over there reliable?” Darcey asked cautiously.

“It should be. You can cancel your lease and come stay with me. I’m living in the company’s dorms right now,” Angelia offered.

“Great! I’ll move in today!” Darcey said excitedly.

“Okay. I’ll send you the address, but make sure you don’t tell anyone else,” Angelia reminded her.

“Got it. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. I’ll talk to my landlord and pack up my stuff. Don’t wait for me for dinner though, I won’t be there early,” Darcey said, hanging up in her usual whirlwind fashion.

Jerome had agreed that Darcey could stay with Angelia, and knowing his character, he wouldn’t go back on his word.

An hour later, Angelia was back in the dorm and saw Alyssa and zoey.

“Mom! Mom!” Alyssa ran over, hugging Angelia’s leg and looking up at her. “I missed you so much, I cried. I was so scared you’d be bullied by Sammie.”

Angelia missed Alyssa terribly too. She knelt down and ruffled Alyssa’s hair. “Mom will never be apart from you again. Even if we’re separated, we’ll video chat. I won’t make you worry anymore.”

“Now that I’ve seen you, I’m suddenly hungry,” Alyssa said, rubbing his stomach.

“Okay, Mom will go get you something to eat now.” Angelia stood up and turned to zoey. “Mr. ZOEY, stay for dinner, won’t you?”

“No, I have other things to take care of. Now that you’re here, I’ll be leaving,” zoey replied.

“Can I talk to you alone for a minute?” Angelia asked urgently.

“Sure.”

Angelia turned to Alyssa and said, “Alyssa, stay inside and watch TV. No matter who knocks, don’t open the door. Mom has a key and will come back in herself. Got it?”

“Got it, Mom. I won’t open the door for anyone except you,” Alyssa promised.

Angelia and zoey stepped outside. “Is Jerome okay?” she asked.

“Honestly, I don’t know. I followed his instructions to rescue Alyssa and reported back to him, but his phone’s still off. I sent him a message,” zoey said seriously.

So, no one could reach Jerome.

Angelia’s worry deepened, her brow furrowing in concern. “You don’t even have to turn off your phone on planes anymore. What would make him turn it off? Could he have been kidnapped?”

“Don’t overthink it. Mr. Taylor knows exactly what he’s doing. Even if he were kidnapped, there’s nothing you could do. Instead of worrying needlessly, why not focus on what you can actually control? I’ve got the two who kidnapped Alyssa in custody. Just call me if you need them,” zoey said rationally.

Angelia knew he was right. Worrying wouldn’t change anything, but she couldn’t stop the fear. Her mind was overwhelmed, leaving her anxious and unable to focus…

It was almost 10 PM when Darcey finally arrived. Alyssa was already asleep.

Angelia helped Darcey with her six big bags.

Darcey looked around Angelia’s place, her eyes lighting up. “Wow, this place is great! Big, clean, and fancy! No way there’s nothing between you and Jerome. I don’t believe it.”

“I’m going to divorce Sammie tomorrow,” Angelia said.

“Nice!” Darcey playfully nudged Angelia’s shoulder. “Once you’re free again, maybe you can get closer to your classmate. And hey, if you do, I might even get to see my male idol from time to time. Oh, right, here’s the money.”

Darcey pulled two stacks of cash from her bag and handed them to Angelia. “It’s the 20,000 I got from Kate. Count it to make sure.”

“I trust you, Darcey. Thanks, I wouldn’t have gotten this money without you,” Angelia said gratefully.

“Hey, we’re friends. No need for thanks.”

“You rest a bit. I’ll go cut up some watermelon,” Angelia said, heading into the kitchen.

Darcey flopped onto the sofa, kicking her feet up and scrolling through her phone. Suddenly, she frowned and shot up. “Angelia, Angelia! Come here quick!”

“What’s wrong?” Angelia came out of the kitchen with a plate of watermelon and set it on the coffee table.

“Jerome’s getting engaged tomorrow. Did you know?” Darcey asked.

“What?” Angelia was stunned, not believing it. She grabbed Darcey’s phone.

“It’s on the news. International news, actually. It’s real-time and pretty credible. Jerome is getting engaged to Xena, the daughter of an oil tycoon, tomorrow. If this was fake, Jerome would definitely take legal action. An engagement’s a big deal,” Darcey explained.

Angelia’s mind went blank. She read the news over and over, confirming it was Jerome. The name, the photo—it was him.

He’d turned off his phone because he was getting engaged to Xena? Was he avoiding her so she wouldn’t interfere?

Or had something unexpected happened?

Just a few days ago, they were still together.

Just a few days ago, they almost took things further.

Just a few days ago, he’d told her his clothes would stay at her place and mentioned moving his headquarters to Detroit.

He’d saved Alyssa for her, arranged their place, and told her he wanted to hear her voice, showing care and concern.

He never said he wanted to be together or that he liked her, but she thought that’s what he meant. Did she misunderstand love? Or did something happen to make him marry someone else…?