“Tomorrow we will be meeting with the diviner,” Grandma announced, drawing everyone's attention to her, including Alex, who had been completely out of place since the whole situation arose. “A diviner?” Angela gasped in confusion and stole a curious glance at Antonio. The name doesn’t sound significant, but his expression proved her wrong, making her question the need for a diviner. “Why do we need a Diviner, Grandma?” Antonio tried to control the panic and rage in his voice. A Diviner can determine if their relationship is genuine, which is very bad news for Antonio, and he needs to act quickly and smartly. “It’s the family's tradition,” his Grandma smiled. “But the past generations of Monteros did not use a diviner,” Judy protested. “Well, they did, every third generation, so it’s Antonio’s generation to involve the Diviner. Also, since you all have your doubts about beautiful Angela, I have no choice but to invite her. If she is his soul mate, I won’t worry about them when I am gone.” That last statement caused the room to fall silent into a grieving hush. “I think I am okay with it, as long as it doesn’t apply to the Monteros' daughters,” Judy replied with a shrug, breaking the silence. “Well, how thoughtful of you, Judy,” Alex sneered back, his brows arched. “Take a look at the bright side, Alex. Don’t you want to know if your partner is really the one? I think it’s kind of cool, you know. There are a lot of gold diggers around. I think I am also okay with it,” Riley pointed out with a shrug. “Well, especially the one we have in our midst today,” Judy added. “If I say she’s the one, then she is. We need no Diviner to confirm that. I don't accept it,” Antonio raged. “Unfortunately, honey, it’s not for us to decide. Also, I will personally need the diviner for my death,” Mama Elizabeth replied dryly, then coughed. “Grandma.” “Grandma, are you okay?” Antonio and Angela panicked. Everyone's attention turned to the wrinkled face of their Grandma. “I am fine…” she chuckled, then sighed before continuing, “I feel like knowing my exact time. We have to proceed with the wedding before I leave.” “I’ve lost my appetite,” Antonio muttered dryly and left the dining room. Angela gazed at him as he exited. She wouldn't call it rude; for some reason, she believed that this monster cared genuinely about his grandmother and that her death would be a great burden to him. However, that single spot of kindness in him doesn't make him any better. He is still an evil, perverted monster—why would she care? But if she did not follow him, it would make her look bad in front of this impossible family. She shifted her gaze back to her plate in deep thought. Raising her head again, she met Damon's eyes for the first time. She swallowed nervously and looked down again. Unable to bear the tension any longer, she slowly got up from her chair. “Excuse me,” she said softly and began to follow Antonio. “Angela,” Grandma called. She paused and turned to her. “Take good care of him for me, dearest,” Mama Elizabeth said, her tone emotional. Angela nodded and left the room. She walked towards Antonio’s master bedroom house. Before she could reach the doorway, he slammed the door shut. She stood there, fingers balled into a fist. She wasn't so concerned about him, but if Grandma Elizabeth asked her to take care of him, maybe she should make more effort. She was about to knock on the door when she heard footsteps approaching from behind. She turned and found Damon. Her heart skipped a beat. “Da… Damon,” she said, looking down. “Thank you for saving me back there.” He walked past her as if she wasn't even visible. Angela felt her chest tighten and her heart grow bitter. She turned and watched him leave the hallway, her eyes wide. She had fallen so deeply for him; why can't he see that her hands are tied? She went back to her room to cry her heart out.
***
That evening, Angela tried her friend Doris's phone number but couldn't get through to her. Doris was dealing with all the crisis and needed to speak with her. She had cried for hours and decided to try her brother's number, but the same thing happened. She had no one to comfort her, so she took it upon herself to encourage herself to go take a bath; maybe a nap would make her feel a lot better. Just as she stepped out of the bathroom, the door opened unexpectedly. Angela pulled a towel around her bosom in a flash. “Don’t you usually knock before entering a lady’s bedroom?” she demanded angrily, completely forgetting her agreement about submitting her body to him. “Normally no. I do surprise most of my fans in their bathrooms, and they’re more than happy to have me. Most times, I get thank you BJs,” he replied smoothly with a smirk and walked straight to the couch. He stretched his long legs on the table, with his powerful arms crossed behind his neck, his head tilted backward and his eyes closed, making him appear even more attractive than he already was. His cigar was still clamped between his lips. Angela rolled her eyes intensely. “Who are those psychos that actually see him as an idol?” she muttered to herself in disgust. “Well, are you going to sit there? I need to change,” she said, praying he wouldn't think anything naughty and toy with her again. Antonio eyed her intensely for some time, his head straight and his hand supporting his chin while the other pressed on her thigh, his shoulder pushed forward like a tiger targeting its prey. “I need to have sex… somehow you've managed to make me a tool for your pleasure. I am at my limit, Freckles. I need to f*** you really bad,” he said effortlessly and pulled the cigar from his lips. Angela’s heart raced.