Product of Betrayal

Angella felt the familiar sting of betrayal, but this time, it didn't burn as hot. It was more like a dull ache, a bruise that never fully healed but didn't bother her anymore. She had cried enough tears over Logan and the life they were supposed to build together.

Less than a year after leaving the country, she learned that Ruby had given birth to Logan's child.

It was clear now—Logan had slept with Ruby while still engaged to her. He had cheated, and likely ended things with her when his mistress became pregnant.

She gripped the phone tighter, her knuckles white. Mike shot her a look, already sensing the storm brewing in her chest.

"Why would I want to be there, Ruby?" Angella's voice was icy. "You have already taken everything from me, there is no need to drag me in your little family celebration as well." 

"Angella, it's been years. I thought maybe, by now, you would have moved on. I'm sure you've built a life of your own. Don't you think it's time to let go of the past?"

"You don't think you understand Ruby," Angella said, her tone now calm, but sharp enough to cut. "You don't just invite someone to celebrate the product of their betrayal. I am not going to play nice for the sake of appearances, not for you and definitely not for Logan."

Though she had moved on, she didn't want to hide the resentment she felt for both Logan and Ruby. 

Ruby was quiet. For a moment, Angella thought she might finally get the point but Ruby's next words shattered that hope.

"You know, Angella," Ruby began, her voice soft and dangerously sweet, "Jammy's been asking about you. He knows about his father's past and he's curious about the woman his daddy almost married."

Angella's stomach twisted at the thought of Logan sharing their history with his child. She felt nothing but pure disgust. She was surely the villain of the story Logan must have narrated to his son. 

"That's not my problem, Ruby," Angella snapped, her resolve hardening. "Whatever you and Logan do with your son is your business. I want no part of it."

She hung up the phone before Ruby could respond, the sound of the call ending sharp in the car. 

The tension between her and Mike thickened, but for once Angella felt no need to fill the silence.

Mike broke the silence for her. "That woman is unbelievable," he muttered.

Angella nodded, staring out the window, the weight of the conversation settling in. Ruby had gotten under her skin, like she always did, but this time Angella refused to let it break her.

"You did the right thing," Mike added quietly. "You don't owe them anything."

"I know," she said softly, a part of her still wondering why she let her get in her mind. She had moved on and built something new. Yet, the past still had a way of clawing at her when she least expected it.

But not this time. This time, she wasn't going to let it drag her down. Not again.

….