The next morning, Layla jolted awake, her sleep shattered by the sa haunting nightmare that had plagued her repeatedly.
In it, Orabela had shoved her into the water, watching coldly as she struggled, helplessly sinking beneath the surface. The vivid image lingered in her mind as she sat up abruptly, placing a shaky hand on her forehead, her fingers gripping her hair tightly.
Her breaths ca in deep, uneven gasps as she tried to shake off the lingering fear.
"Why am I having this nightmare again?" she murmured, frustration lacing her voice as she glanced down at herself.
Slowly, mories from the previous night began to resurface, flooding her thoughts. A deep blush crept onto her cheeks as images of their intimate monts filled her mind—every touch, every kiss, the pleasure that had consud her. However, the last step was still missing. A call ca and after that, Lucius left sowhere.
"Oh gosh! What am I even thinking about first thing in the morning?" Layla muttered to herself, shaking her head in an attempt to clear the thoughts.
She lightly patted her cheeks as if to snap herself out of it. Her eyes instinctively darted around the room, searching for Lucius. Where was he?
Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, she noticed it was nearly seven. Putting away the duvet, she got down from the bed and tied her hair into a bun before stepping into the washroom.
After her hot bath, Layla stepped into the bedroom, a towel wrapped snugly around her as steam clung to her skin. Just then, the door creaked open, and Lucius entered, his chest rising and falling with slow, steady breaths, still slightly winded.
"What a sight in the morning," Lucius remarked, his eyes trailing over her, lingering on the faint love bites he had left on her neck the previous night.
"Did you go for a run?" Layla asked, tilting her head curiously.
"Hmm. It’s been a while since I last jogged," he replied casually, moving toward her. "Did you sleep well?"
She nodded with a soft hum. "And you?"
"I slept like a horse," he said with a teasing grin, closing the distance between them.
Layla’s smile faded slightly, her expression turning serious as a question weighed on her mind. "Where did you go last night so suddenly?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "I hope you’ll tell the truth this ti."
Lucius’s gaze shifted slightly, a flicker of sothing unreadable passing through his eyes. "It was urgent business," he answered vaguely, clearly not wanting to elaborate.
Layla exhaled and stepped past him, her shoulders tense. "Never mind. I understand if you don’t want to tell ," she said, her voice tinged with disappointnt.
Before she could walk further, Lucius spoke up, his voice soft but firm. "I’m looking for my friend’s murderer," he confessed. "I got so intel about it last night. I’m sorry for leaving so abruptly."
Layla turned to face him, surprise flickering in her eyes. "The police couldn’t help with that?"
Lucius shook his head, his jaw tight. "It’s been over four years. They haven’t found a single clue. I didn’t want to bring it up this morning. I didn’t want to upset you."
Layla’s gaze softened as she stepped closer to him. "I’m not upset, Lucius. I won’t get upset. But how long are you going to carry this burden alone?" she asked gently. "I still rember how devastated you were that day. Your eyes gave it all away, and they still do. I can see the pain you’re holding on to, and it worries ."
Lucius remained silent for a mont. "I should freshen up," he said and left for the washroom.
Layla lowered her arms and sighed. "I hope he opens up with or I’ve to ask Roger what exactly happened that day," she murmured while knitting her brows together.
Later, on the breakfast table, they had their breakfast in silence. Layla wished to initiate, but she was unable to understand how to start. Sipping the remaining water from the glass, she dabbed the napkin across her mouth.
"Layla!"
"Huh?"
"I’m sorry for hurting your feelings. While you want to soothe , to comfort , I’m unable to speak about that day. The reason is no one ever bothered to know how I ever felt. I appreciate you want to hear out," Lucius said, clasping his hands.
"Don’t be sad in the morning. It’s fine. Sotis it’s hard," Layla replied with a tone of understanding.
Before Lucius could respond, Layla’s phone rang, startling her. When she glanced at the screen, her eyes widened in surprise—it was Miriam, Orabela’s mother.
"Who’s calling?" Lucius asked, noticing her reaction.
"Orabela’s mother," Layla replied quietly, still processing why Miriam would be reaching out. She hesitated for a mont before answering the call, bringing the phone to her ear as the maids swiftly finished clearing the table and exited the room.
"Good morning, Madam," Layla greeted politely, addressing Miriam with the formality she always maintained. "Are you feeling well?"
"Yes, I’m feeling well," Miriam’s voice ca through, calm but with an underlying tone Layla couldn’t quite place. "I’d like to et with you. Can I co to your house?"
Layla’s brow furrowed at the sudden request. "I’ll be at the office today. I don’t think there’s any need for us to et," she replied, her tone asured, trying to keep the conversation distant.
"I’ll co to your office then," Miriam persisted. "Where do you work?"
Caught off guard by her insistence, Layla hesitated before answering, "I work at my husband’s company." She provided the address, unsure of Miriam’s intentions.
"Alright. When will you be free? How about during lunch?" Miriam asked, her voice unnervingly composed.
Layla glanced at the clock, already ntally mapping out her schedule. "I’ll be in a eting during lunch, but I might be free around eleven."
"Hmm. I’ll see you then," Miriam agreed, and without another word, she ended the call.
"Why did she call you?" Lucius frowned.
"I don’t know. But she wants to et . I wonder what she has to say," Layla murmured.
"She might want to apologize to you. Don’t overthink and let’s head to the office," Lucius said and left the chair.
Reviews
All reviews (0)