Chapter 18.
Carter stood by the entryway, watching the surveillance monitor, his expression darkening. He turned to Layla and asked, “Sis, it’s Sean, that scumbag ex of yours, Want me to go out and chase him off?”
Hearing this, Layla paused briefly, utensils frozen in her hand. She hadn’t expected Sean to show up so quickly. William frowned, his voice low and steady. “I can have security take care of it.”
Layla shook her head. “I’m already imposing on you by staying here. Let me handle this myself.”
With that, she set her utensils down, stood up, and walked toward the door.
Carter started to follow her, but Layla raised a hand to stop him. Seeing her insist on facing Sean alone, Carter reluctantly stayed behind, his eyes fixed on her retreating pure.
Outside the wrought–iron gate, Sean dropped to his knees the moment he saw Layla approach. Without hesitation, he began slapping himself across the face.
“Layla, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…”
Overcome with emotion, Sean kept slapping himself as he apologized, his voice trembling uncontrollably.
“I’m such a bastard! It’s all my fault… for not realizing sooner what you were going through. Please, don’t leave me!”
Gripping the iron gate with both hands, his reddened eyes locked onto hers. “Just give me another chance! I swear I’ll treat you right, through life and death, no matter what!
“Layla, you’re the only one I’ve ever loved. Please, believe me! I can’t live without you!”
Looking at the man kneeling in remorse, Layla’s face remained expressionless, but the pain she had tried so hard to suppress began to creep back, pricking her heart bit by bit.
After all, how could she easily let go of several years of her youth?
But she had made her decision. There was no turning back now.
“Sean.”
Her voice was calm, distant–nothing like the warmth it once carried.
“You know everything now?”
“Yes!” Sean nodded urgently, his eyes filled with hope. “Grandpa found your medical report. He showed it to me this morning and told me to-
“No.” Sean shook his head vehemently. “It wasn’t him–it was me. I wanted to come get you. Layla, come home with me. Let’s pretend none of it ever happened. Let me stay by your side.”
He reached through the gaps in the iron gate, trying to grab the hem of her dress.
Layla stepped back, a mocking smile tugging at her lips. “Go home? For what? So I can accept your pity and charity?
“You didn’t cherish me before, ignored my feelings time and time again. And now, when I’m dying, you come begging for me? Where were you back then?
“Sean, what kind of worthless person do you think I am? The kind you can summon and dismiss like some obedient dog?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 18
Her emotions surged, sending a sharp pain through her heal Layla clenched her fists, determined not to show any weakness.
Enough with the act, Sean. Go back to where you came from. Stop making a fool of yourself in front of me.”
She turned on her heel, leaving him frozen in place.
Panic overtook Sean as he called after her. “Layla, no! It’s not like that. I didn’t mean to ignore you I was just… just too busy with work. 1–”
Layla didn’t bother listening, walking further away with steady steps.
Desperate, Sean resorted to yelling, “Layla, if you don’t come with me, I won’t leave!”
Tch.
Late affection wasn’t worth a thing.
Layla didn’t look back, pushing through the sharp, growing pain as she walked away, leaving Sean with nothing but the sight of her unwavering back
The moment she stepped through
William’s arms, her be door, her strength failed her. Darkness closed in, and she collapsed into
“Sis!” Carter’s voice shook with panic. “Uncle William, what–what should we do?”
William scooped Layla up into his arms, his voice cold as he gave the order. “Get security to throw him out. If he refuses, break his legs and send him back to the Perry family.”
Carter stood there, stunned, watching as William carried Layla upstairs. Something about it didn’t feel right.
