Angela visited the orphanage that Saturday with Nina. Most of the children had already been returned to their parents who—according to the organization that took over—deeply regretted handing their kids over to Herman. The Smile Foundation promised Angela that those families were now doing better as they coordinated with another non-profit organization that helped the parents with their livelihood to raise their children in a better state.

The real orphans in the orphanage, however, had yet to find a new home. Some of them had been there for more than two years, and the older they got, the lesser chance a family would be willing to take them in because some childless parents preferred babies instead. This saddened Angela, but there was nothing she could do on her end.

She was also somewhat traumatized by what Herman did—using her school project to lure the less privileged parents into giving their children away. It sickened her that she was unknowingly being used in this way. It left a nasty sore in her chest that she could no longer look forward to the school project. She still wanted to help, but the thought of it just brought her bad memories.

Back in New York, she discussed this matter with Gael one afternoon, and he understood her sentiments. He didn't judge her for wanting to back away from the project that she initially wanted to do.. Angela valued his opinion, and so she asked him what her options were.

Gael was flattered that she actively sought his help, knowing that this wasn't just any job for Angela; this was something personal to her, and he wanted to be part of it. So he gave her several options, and she did her part by researching more about the points he mentioned that would be good for her foundation and the kids who would benefit from it.

After careful consideration and still wanting to continue her foundation, Angela decided to shift her focus to education. She would still support the orphanage, but a big portion of the funds would be geared towards college scholarship grants. And as per Gael's advice, she would invest a part of the fund into stocks for a long-term goal. She didn't even know she could do that until he told her that some non-profit organizations took this route in order to make better use of their money. So apart from donations, investing in stocks would be beneficial in the long run.

With all this in mind, Angela felt better. She was excited to tell Gael all about it—that is, if they even had the chance to talk. She always forgot the situation they were in.

Sunday — January 20

Angela didn't know why she felt a little bit off-kilter that morning. She tried to brush it off as she and Nina met with Samantha and Becca over brunch at the Busy Bean Cafe. It was a popular coffee shop chain all over Esmea, owned by Sam's best friend and sister-in-law, Hannah. She didn't join them that morning, though. Sam said her brother and Hannah were vacationing in France.

"Let me just fangirl for a second. Can you please sign my copy?" Becca slid the book "Chasing Summer" on the table, lightly laughing.

Angela subconsciously looked around, though their table was far from curious ears and eyes. It was out of habit. She couldn't help but laugh too. This felt a bit euphoric, signing a book for a famous influencer. Samantha also cheekily slid her own copy of the book, her smile widening from ear to ear as she said, "Mine too! And make sure to add: "to my beautiful friend, Samantha"."

The cheerful atmosphere at their table distracted Angela from her nagging thoughts. The girls met up to celebrate the success of the launch of her first book in the series—both on the app and the publishing. "Chasing Summer" made it to New York Times best-selling novel on the first week of launch last month. The second book in the series had just launched an hour ago, along with the paperback copies, so they celebrated two things that morning. The last book in the series was due the following month.

"There." She gave the books back to Samantha and Becca.

"Hold on to those. Who knows how much they'd be worth a few decades later," said Nina with a proud look on her face.

Angela snorted. While that would be a dream—that her books would be worth something in the future—she didn't hold her breath for it. She was already content to release books for as long as she could write.

Samantha gasped, hugging the book to her chest like she was protecting it. "No way! I'm not selling this. It's priceless. It's my baby too as much as Angela's—well, not as much as hers since she wrote it, but you get what I mean."

Angela chuckled. Samantha and Becca were ecstatic at the results of the project that they made more plans for the future. Their app's revenue doubled since the launch of the series, and it still continued to grow.

Thinking about the books, Angela remembered that she had left some things for Gabby back in New York. She wondered if Gabby ever received it. She also hadn't heard from Gael. Though she did leave him a message regarding her decision after visiting the orphanage yesterday, she told him that she followed his advice.

His response was:

[ Gael: That's great, Angel. I'll call you soon. ]

Angela came back to Mayne City five days ago. In those days, she only heard from him twice. Very short texts too. She'd be lying if she said she didn't care and that she wasn't hurt, but she did and she was. He was so adamant in not wanting her to leave, but it seemed as though he didn't really give a shit now that they were too far away.

It didn't help that Trigger was also avoiding her—not that she kept in touch with him, but she thought he'd at least let her know stuff. She was constantly in a battle with herself because she was the one who decided to leave—but now she was desperate to hear from Gael. Angela had to remind herself yet again that his family was currently in a war with another family. He wouldn't have the luxury to chat with her.

She did ask Nina if she had heard any news from the Morellis, but Nina said she hadn't heard anything from the grapevine.

Letting out a small sigh, she texted Gabby.

[ Angela: Hey, you got my present? ]

She waited. Her brows drew together as she stared at the screen. Gabby would usually respond almost instantly. It was unlike her to not even read the text. The girl practically used the phone like an extension of her hand. Without thinking, Angela called her number, but the automated operator said the number couldn't be reached. Weird.

"Is Gael in New York?" Samantha casually asked. "The new year photos you sent were amazing. Ashton's asking when his uncle Gael would come by so they could play with the cars he got him for Christmas."

Angela looked up to meet the other's eyes, curling her lips into a smile. "Yeah. He's a little busy with work at the moment. I'll let him know Ashton's looking for him." She spoke flawlessly as if there was no problem between her and Gael that Nina arched her brow at her.

She was thankful when Becca caught everyone's attention and started talking about some model who was getting married. As much as Angela liked their company, she didn't want to be talking about Gael with them.

Especially now that she was starting to feel that something wasn't right. She could just hope that everyone was safe. Her gaze darted outside the coffee shop, noticing Santiago across the street. The man wasn't subtle in following her around anymore. Maybe she could bribe him to tell her what was happening in New York.