CHAPTER 279: HE IS ASHAMED.

The cool breeze blew, making the red light on the cigarette glow brighter. A small puff of smoke drifted out and touched her nose as she watched him. He was lost in his thoughts, not even aware that she had been standing beside him all along.

Angela sighed softly. No matter how angry she was, she hated seeing him like this. This was Renn—the lively guy who could make her heart race even when she didn’t want it to.

"Renn," she called quietly. He turned, surprised to see her. He tried to hide the cigarette in his hand, but it was too late.

"What’s wrong? I’ve been standing here for a while, and you didn’t even notice me."

"No, I’m fine," Renn said as he placed the bottle on the car beside him. He took one last drag from the cigarette, then threw it on the ground and crushed it with his foot. Smoke still slipped out from his mouth and nose at the same time.

Angela shook her head and leaned against the car, her eyes never leaving him. He looked different—distant—and in his eyes, she saw pain. It hurt her to see him this way. She wondered how long he planned to carry that pain alone.

"I’m sorry," Renn said quietly. "I didn’t want you to see me like this. I thought you’d be inside with your friends."

"I was supposed to," she replied softly, "but your sadness... it’s affecting everyone. You don’t want to talk about it, do you?"

He didn’t answer. His eyes stayed away from hers, and that was what broke her most. This wasn’t like him. Usually, he would smile, tease her, maybe pull her close. But now, he just stood there, distant and heavy with guilt.

"I’m fine, Angela." He gave a fake smile that faded almost instantly.

"Look, something’s wrong," she pressed.

"Really?" he asked, his tone tired.

"Yes, Renn. You never call me Angela when we’re alone."

He froze, realizing she had noticed. He looked at her, shame flickering in his eyes. The weight of his lie pressed down on him.

"I’m sorry," he whispered. "I’m sorry for everything that happened to you... the kidnap. I could have stopped it, but I didn’t."

"You think that was your fault?" she asked, her brows furrowed as she stared at him. "It was never your fault unless there’s something you’re hiding."

"Yes, I am hiding something from you," Renn finally said. His chest felt heavy, like something was pressing down on it. So many thoughts rushed through his head as he stood in front of his mate. How was he supposed to tell her that he was Miss Valois’ son, and that he had been lying to her all this time?

"Then tell me, Renn. What are you hiding that’s making you so sad?" Angela asked, her heart beating faster than normal. She already knew the truth but wanted to hear him say it. If he didn’t, she was going to walk away. "Tell me what is going on because I am about—"

"Principal Valois is my mother," Renn said suddenly. His hands clenched into fists, his nails digging into his palms as he waited for her reaction.

Angela nodded slowly and lowered her head. Silence fell between them, thick and heavy. She knew he expected her to scream, to cry, to ask why he lied. But she didn’t. Maybe that was what growing up felt like...learning when to hold back and when to let go. Some things just had to fall away so others could move forward.

"I didn’t want anyone to know. I should have told you," he said, his voice filled with pain.

"Exactly, Renn. You should have told me about it."

"I was scared that you would react badly," he replied, his voice low.

"So is there any difference right now?" Angela asked, spreading her hands sideways. "I’m not hurting from this? You should have told me, Renn. Long time ago. Maybe I wouldn’t have had to find out from your mother."

His eyes widened as he stared at her. He couldn’t believe what she just said. Miss Valois had already told her? How? When? Where? How long had she known the truth?

Renn stood there, shocked and speechless. That woman had destroyed him completely. What was she trying to gain from this?

"I know you’re wondering when or how she told me," Angela said, her voice breaking as her eyes filled with tears. "It was the day I got kidnapped. She told me before selling me off."

Renn’s lips parted, but no words came out. He wanted to say something—anything—to comfort her or beg for forgiveness, but his voice failed him. He felt frozen, empty. All this time Angela knew, and he didn’t even realize it. The way she spoke to him earlier at the dining table, the small cold remarks she made...they all made sense now.

’I was heartbroken when I heard that because I never expected you to hide something so serious from me,’ she said as tears rolled down her cheeks. ’I felt so horrible, wishing it wasn’t true, that it was just a nightmare. Because the Renn I know would never lie to me, no matter what.’

"But, I did. I failed you," he said quietly, shaking his head. His eyes were red, and though tears threatened to fall, he forced himself to hold them back. "I should have told you..."

"But you didn’t, Renn!’ Angela’s voice broke as she raised it. She had promised herself to stay calm, but she was losing it again. "Stop saying that. You were my person, my mate, my love. Why didn’t you tell me the truth? It’s like you never cared about how I would feel when I found out. Like I told Kaito before, it’s about trust. If we don’t build with trust, then what are we doing?’

Silence fell between them. The cool breeze brushed against their heated faces, trying to ease the storm inside their hearts.

"You said it all, my love. I’m sorry for causing you so much pain," Renn said softly, stepping back. "I don’t deserve you."

"That’s not what I’m saying, Renn," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I’m sorry for messing things up. For lying to you when I should have told the truth," he said, his tone full of regret.

Before she could reply, he turned and started walking away. Angela froze for a moment, shocked that he was leaving just like that. She had been ready to forgive him, so why was he giving up so easily?

’He is ashamed,’ Mighty-Storm told her in her head.

’Renn!’ Angela called out as she ran after him. He stopped and turned to face her.

’Forgive me, my love. I need time alone,’ he said quietly, then began to run toward the other side of the field. She wanted to go after him again, but her wolf stopped her. Maybe he needed space. Maybe he would come back to his senses after tonight.