Build And Break novel Chapter 40

"Angela's here? Let her in." Steven ordered at the woman.

The maid turned to Marie for confirmation of the order given to her by the unknown man. At her boss's nod, she walked away.

"You're so used to ordering people around, aren't you? I hope that's not one of the reasons you're having problems with your wife."

If only she knew, Steven thought. Lately he'd been bossing his wife around more than he was bossing his employees. He got so used to forcibly call Angela his wife that even his mind was thinking about her with that title. Was was he doing to his brain? Angela was his ex-wife. He shouldn't forget that.

As soon as he caught sight of Angela, Steven hurried to meet her before she could approach him or his mother. "What are you doing here?" He whispered low enough for his mother not to listen.

"I'm your wife." Angela answered easily as if it was the most obvious reply as she entwined her fingers in his and her mouth twitched into a gracious smile. "And I've never met your mother."

Steven was stupefied. Before Angela showed up the whole situation was surreal enough as it was with him in the same space as his mother. Now Angela was proclaiming herself as his wife? He couldn't think. Actually he didn't have time.

Angela tugged him with her to stride forward towards Marie. "Hello. I'm Angela."

Marie ignored the hand Angela had extended to her and proceeded to engulf her in her arms. "I'm very pleased to meet the woman who found my son's heart."

Steven couldn't help but roll his eyes. Damned women.

He pulled lightly at Angela's hand. "Where's Daniel?" He questioned in a very low voice. He hoped his mother wouldn't hear and catch on.

She gasped. "Don't tell me you had a son and didn't even let me know. I forgive you not speaking to me in years, I forgive you not inviting me to your wedding. But not telling me I'm a grandma?" Marie was hurt.

Steven looked away from her. How was he supposed to tell her that in this matter it wasn't entirely his fault? He hadn't known about Daniel to tell her. Then again, he still probably wouldn't have told her.

"Can I meet him?" Marie inquired temptingly. Her face had relaxed again. A small smile was on her lips.

Steven's eyes darted to meet her. "No." A definite no.

"Steven." Angela hissed at him.

"I said no, Angela. And that's the end of this. Let's go. We can't leave him by himself." He made to leave.

Angela held her stand. "Oh, he's perfectly fine with John."

"Marie?" A husky tone came from the house.

Then a lean and tall man appeared at the door. His greyed hair and stubble contrasted with his tanned skin. A grin widened on his lips upon seeing Marie. Then, he saw Steven and Angela.

The man reached Marie, kissed her head while peering curiously at Steven and Angela from above his thick glasses. "Is this..." He gestured a quick finger at Steven.

"Yes, mother, I am leaving just like this. You did it to me."

And he went on towards his exit, tugging a quiet Angela behind him.

Upon getting into the car, Steven relaxed back in the seat, his head towards the ceiling and released a deep sigh. "I can't believe I did this."

Angela looked at Steven. Even through the anxiousness to know the doctor's update, Angela watched Steven. He looked strained. Pained. Relieved. And then, surprisingly enough, he smiled as he tilted his head towards Angela.

For the unknown number of time, he reached for her hand across Daniel sitting between them. He needed to hold onto it. He needed that little gesture of comfort. "Thank you."

"What for?"

He shrugged a little. "For being there."

Angela had no reply to give him back. Except to just scoot closer to Daniel and weld their three bodies together.

Within nine minutes, they were at the hospital and at Dr. Gibbs office.

"I'm just going to get straight to the point. Well, two points to be exact." Dr. Gibbs began "First, we did not find a full-match donor in the registry. We only found a half-match."