Love and Devotion No Longer His to Claim (Angela and Dexter) novel Chapter 403

"Mia, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault. I made you suffer. I deserve to die—I really do!" At least Zayn was admitting fault properly, like a spineless fool with no fight left.

Angela watched the scene unfold from the third-floor balcony, feeling a bit melancholic.

Love and marriage were indeed two very different things. Back then, the love between the two had been so strong that it could make anyone envious. Yet, it was nothing but a complete mess now.

Maybe it was true that marriage was love's final resting place.

"What's on your mind?" Dexter suddenly appeared and walked over, stopping right behind her.

He was holding two glasses of red wine. It was as if he knew she was in a bad mood and had come to help her relax.

"Don't you think it'd be great if people could just date without ever getting married?" Angela blurted out without a second thought.

Dexter was momentarily stunned. "Sure, I'm fine with that. Whatever you want."

Angela almost choked on her wine. After a long pause, she said, "What does that have anything to do with us? We're not them. Besides, I'd never let myself be pushed around like that. If anyone dares, I'll make sure they regret it."

Dexter's eyes took on a profound intensity. He downed his drink in a single gulp before abruptly seizing Angela's wrist.

His voice was uncharacteristically solemn when he asked, "Angela, what do you really think of me?"

What the hell?

Angela went rigid. Her first instinct was to pull away, but his grip was firm. There was no escaping.

He had very few good qualities, but his strength was undeniable. Just a single finger of his could put her whole hand to shame.

"I've held back for long enough. I refuse to believe that you have no feelings for me!" Dexter must have had too much to drink that night—he was acting like a madman.

Angela's face burned, and her heartbeat sped up. All she wanted to do was run away.

"Angela, I know I was wrong before. I admit I didn't love you back then. And I know it sounds ridiculous for me to say this now, but I can't lie to myself anymore. I didn't love you then, but I love you very much now. That's the truth!"

He sounded almost desperate, as if he feared she wouldn't believe him.

A man's love—or lack of it—was always obvious.

Unfortunately, they weren't on the same page.

"Don't be like this. You're making a fool of yourself." Exasperated, Angela tried to push him away once again.

Dexter, however, pulled her into his arms. With their bodies pressed together, the heat between them was almost unbearable.

Angela's heart pounded wildly as though it were about to leap out of her chest. She knew this feeling all too well.

Back then, every encounter with Dexter had left her unknowingly captivated.