Don't toy with me: sexiest man of the year

FIGHTING

It was late evening, Angela laid on her bed crying heavily. Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen through tear-blurred eyes and saw Yuki’s name flashing. She hesitated, her heart was heavy with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. She knew why Yuki was calling. Doris must have told her to check on her. The thought of trying to explain everything, her pain, and disappointment was too much to bear. With a heavy sigh, Angela turned her phone face down, letting the call go to voicemail. The room was once filled with the quiet, muffled sound of her sobs as she curled up on the bed, wishing she could escape the pain and take back the hand of time. To prevent all this from happening. Grandma, Jace, Antonio's new identity. Suddenly, her eyes shot open as the thought of fighting for what was hers came to mind. She knew where Antonio was working as a waiter, all she needed was a chance to talk to him. Immediately She moved to her wardrobe for an outfit. The cold winter air seeped that into her room reminded her that she needed to dress warmly before stepping outside. So she pulled out a thick, dark green turtleneck sweater, its soft wool offering some comfort against the biting chill. Over that, she layered a long, black wool coat, cinched at the waist with a belt. She slipped her legs into a pair of fitted jeans, tucking them into knee-high black leather boots. A knitted scarf was wrapped snugly around her neck. She didn't forget to grab her gloves and a woolen hat before heading downstairs. Finally, she came out from her room, her eyes were red and swollen from many hours of crying. As she walked down the stairs quietly in order not to attract the children's attention. They must be in their bedrooms, she thought. However, getting to the living room, she was surprised to find Lia and Liya, fast asleep on the couch. They were huddled together under a thick blanket. Angela’s heart clenched with guilt. She had been so consumed by her emotions that she hadn’t realized how much her children were affected too. She quietly approached them and knelt beside the couch. Gently, she placed a hand on Lia’s shoulder, causing her to stir. The teenager blinked her eyes open, her expression groggy but quickly shifting to relief when she saw her mother. “Mom?” she whispered, careful not to wake Liya. “You’re finally out.” Liya stirred at his sister's voice and rubbed her eyes sleepily, seeing Angela, she was relieved. "We were so worried about you, Mom,"she murmured, her voice thick with sleep. Angela’s eyes were filled with tears again, but this time they were tears of love and remorse for her babies. “Sweethearts. I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “I didn’t mean to worry you both. I just… needed some time to think.” The twins sat up, their concern written all over their faces. "It’s okay, Mom,"Lia said softly and yawned tiredly. Liya nodded in agreement, her eyes still heavy with sleep but filled with the same concern. “Yeah, Mom. We’re a team, right?” Angela smiled with pride at how much they had grown emotionally. She hugged them in tears. “Yes baby, we are a team,” she agreed, her heart swelling with pride and love for her children. “And I’m so lucky to have you both.” The twins smiled back at her. “You two should go to bed now, it's late”. Angela suggested gently, brushing a hand through their hair affectionately. They twins nodded in agreement. As they stood up, Angela guided them up the stairs, her heart a little lighter with pride knowing that she raised the twins right, and she did it all by herself. The twins may be young teenagers, but their love and support were more than she could have ever asked for. As Angela guided Lia and Liya up the stairs, she noticed the door to Junior’s room slightly ajar. She peeked inside and saw Antonio Jr peacefully asleep in his bed, his small form bundled up under a thick quilt. The sight brought tears of joy in her eyes and a wave of calm to her heart. Once they reached the twin's bedroom door, Angela turned to the twins. “I see you already put Junior to bed,” she said softly, her voice filled with appreciation “Thank you both.” “He was asking for you earlier, it was very hard to put him to sleep,” Lia said quietly. “He kept crying, and we had to feed him cereal, and distract him with games.” Liya added. Angela smiled gently, bending down to kiss each of them on the forehead. “You two have been amazing," she said, her voice warm. “I’m so proud of you both.” Lia bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before speaking. “Mom, are you okay now? You were really upset earlier.” Angela took a deep breath, trying to push back the lingering sadness. “Honey, I’m feeling a little better,” she admitted. “But there’s something I need to do. I need to go see a friend tonight. I won’t be gone long, I promise.” Liya looked up at her with concern. “Do you have to go now, Mom? It’s late.” Angela nodded, giving them both a reassuring smile. "Yes, it’s important. But I’ll be back soon. I promise”. Lia and Liya exchanged a glance, clearly still worried. “Okay, Mom,” Lia finally said. “Just be careful.” “I will, honey, I will”. Angela chuckled and hugged them both tightly, holding on for a few extra seconds before letting them go. “Now, off to bed.” As soon as the twins went into their room, Angela immediately turned back towards the stairs. She grabbed her coat and scarf, quickly wrapped herself against the cold before stepping outside into the crisp winter night.