Chapter 1

As Angela Candelema strolled down the bustling streets of East London, her effervescent smile seemed to capture the attention of nearly every passerby. She exuded a youthful charm and optimism that uplifted the spirits of those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of her. At twenty-four years old, Angela possessed a vitality and enthusiasm for life that was truly infectious.

Hailing from the vibrant city of Barcelona, Angela was a vision of beauty at five feet six inches tall. While her height may have fallen just short of the runway, her striking features—accentuated by her dark complexion, captivating black eyes, and cascading brown curls—ensured that she commanded attention wherever she went. Her smile, radiant and genuine, had a way of making everyone she encountered feel as though they were in the presence of true beauty.

Despite her undeniable physical allure, Angela’s focus lay primarily on nurturing her intellect. Armed with a first-class degree from Cambridge University, she possessed a keen desire to delve deeper into the realm of education. Rather than succumbing to the allure of lucrative offers from soulless investment banks, Angela chose a path less travelled: she embraced a role as a primary school teacher in East London. Simultaneously, she embarked on a journey of academic pursuit, pursuing a part-time master’s degree in education with aspirations of one day becoming a respected academic in the field.

On this particular Saturday, Angela’s schedule was as vibrant and dynamic as her personality. Having just concluded her morning coaching session with the schoolgirls’ hockey team, she was now en route to a dance class—a refreshing alternative to the monotony of the gym, where she relished not only the physical activity but also the pulsating rhythms and the camaraderie of collective movement.

Following her dance class, Angela had plans for an evening rendezvous with Peter, a promising young surgeon who had arranged a reservation at one of central London’s premier restaurants. While she looked forward to deepening their connection, she held firm to her intentions of maintaining a respectful pace in their relationship.

Tomorrow’s agenda was equally packed with purpose. Angela had committed her time to volunteering at a children’s event, followed by tutoring music to earn some extra income—a responsibility that weighed on her mind amidst the challenges of London’s high cost of living, exorbitant rent prices, and the demands of her modest teacher’s salary.

Despite the financial strain, Angela was determined to carve out her own path without relying on her parents’ benevolence, though their support was always warmly offered. Instead, she harboured a desire for them to enjoy their retirement years without the burden of providing for her.