You know Angela, you have a nice voice, the problem is we, the singles, don't want to hear it sweetie!" Courtney's voice came from outside the door. "I should have lodged in a suite or something. I just thought maybe Antonio is a changed man now, proved me wrong! Silly fox!" She stormed away. Antonio and Angela looked at each other shocked at what just happened, then they laughed at themselves quietly. "I love you". Angela kissed him. "I love you more". Antonio replied and held her tightly. "About Hinata....can we visit her tomorrow?" Angela spoke against his skin, sandwiched by his chest and arms. "Of course....we will talk to my Mexican family too, they are worried about her and dying to meet you". Angela smiled back.
****
Antonio stirred awake in the middle of the night, his mind spinning some memories he hadn't been able to access for years. The dream he had just awoken from was vivid, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place. He lay still for a moment, his body tense, and his heart racing. It's all clear and back. After all these years, who would know a night with Angela will be the restoration? He sighed and waved his hand over his face, then slowly turned his head to see Angela asleep beside him. Her chest rose and fell softly, her hands wrapped around his arm, sleeping peacefully. He swallowed the lump in his throat, a deep, hurtful guilt was gnawing at him. How had she forgiven him? How could she be here, beside him, after everything? Damon was right. He was more of a devil than Damon ever was. His past flashing back into his memory was traumatizing even for him, how much more this poor lady whom he put through her. There are countless women actually also the blonde guy named Nicholas? Who almost killed Angela out of jealousy. "I was really better off without those memories". He groaned inwardly in shame and guilt. Carefully, He slipped out of bed, trying not to wake Angela. His chest tightened as he grabbed his pants and quietly pulled them on. He needed air and some space. He quietly walked away from the bed, his footsteps soft on the cool floor, and headed for the balcony. The moment he stepped outside, a wave of fresh night air welcomed him. Courtney's family estate from up there was a sight to behold, bathed in the glow of soft lighting, the gardens, and trees illuminated like a scene from a dream. Antonio gripped the balcony railing, his knuckles white, staring out at the estate, but his mind kept spinning through the memories. The memories of how he had imprisoned Angela, how he treated her like a common you, and even sent her to coma many times. It replayed like a cruel film in his mind. "How the fuck did she fall in love with me? Why did she give me a chance into her heart?"
Back inside the bedroom, Angela stirred sleepily, tossing around. The bed felt cold without Antonio beside her, and when she turned over, she realized he was gone. Her eyes fluttered open, concerned, pulling her from the comfort of sleep. She glanced around the room, her gaze eventually landing on the open door to the balcony. She could see Antonio from the glass window, staring into the night sky. "Antonio?" She whispered, worried. Slowly, she pulled herself out of bed and slipped into her bed robe, tying it loosely around her waist. She walked toward the balcony.
Antonio was so lost in thought he didn't notice. "Antonio?" she called softly, her voice breaking the silence. He didn't turn right away, but his grip on the railing tightened, his body stiffening at the sound of her voice. She stepped closer, her eyes scanning his face for any sign of what was wrong. The way his jaw clenched, the tension in his expression, it told her more than words ever could. "What's going on, honey?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Talk to me, please."
Antonio's eyes remained fixed on the estate lights, glowing softly in the distance. He swallowed hard, his throat dry, before finally speaking, his voice low and filled with regret. "I remember, Angela. I remember everything." Angela's heart skipped a beat. She knew this moment would come eventually, but hearing him say it like that. It means he now remembered the worst of what had happened between them, their beginning, how it all started. That must why he is moody. She took a step closer, her hand touched his arm. Angela pulled away.
"I... I was so cruel to you," Antonio whispered, his voice barely audible, but heavy with emotion. "I let my anger control me. I imprisoned you...and made you a sex slave. I almost killed you, many times Angela, why...why did you let yourself fall in love with me then?" Angela's eyes widened in surprise. "You are mad that I fell in love with you...would you rather I be with someone else?"
"Yes... No!... The point I have no right to treat you that way and fall in love with an abuser with a... "You were abused too, don't you remember?" Angela spoke softly."Oh yes, I do, it doesn't justify it." He replied to her surprise.
Angela's chest tightened at his words. She had forgiven him long ago, understanding that the trauma that made him that man he was, but hearing the self-loathing in his voice hurt her deeply. She reached out, gently placing her hand on his arm. "Antonio..." she said softly, trying to catch his gaze. "Look at me." He finally turned, his eyes filled with guilt, sadness, and a deep sense of regret. She raised her hands for his face, knowing her intention, Antonio leaned lower for her hand to reach his face. She cupped his face and smiled at him.
"You should look at it from your little Antonio's perspective. Don't you want your inner child to heal...don't you think he deserves a chance? Yes, he might have grown to be a monster, he wasn't born as one. He was made to go through the same thing as me. The difference, he was a child. Antonio. A child who lost his innocence to his most trusted people. Both genders...they failed him. He was young, and he saw the world differently because of the daily torment he was groomed in."
Warm wet drops like crystals fell on her hands, she felt her own eyes wet. "Oh Antonio..."