Chapter 45

The next day, Angelica went to visit Tommy Bates, who had been her professor in college. The villa was tucked away at the end of a quiet street. Old trees stretched their leafy branches year-long as sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Angelica wore a simple, loose sweater and carried a gift in her hands. She hesitated at the doorway, not daring to step in. Back in college, Tommy had held such high hopes for her, only to be disappointed greatly. Never had he imagined that his most promising student would choose to get married and willingly become a housewife. Back then, Tommy was so angry that he suffered a heart attack and ended up in the hospital. He even threatened to cut ties with Angelica completely. Over the past four years, she had been turned away every time she tried to call or visit him. She took a deep breath. With Douglas' help, she figured today wouldn't be too bad. Angelica knocked lightly on the door. Footsteps approached