Chapter 22
Autumn had arrived, bringing cooler weather with it.
+25 BONUS
Layla curled up on the sofa by the floor–to–ceiling window watching: the trees by the lake sway gently in the breeze, their falling leaves fluttering like delicate butterflies.
After a rare few days of peace and quiet, she felt noticeably more rejuvenated.
A knock at the door drew her attention. Turning her head, she offered a soft smile. “Mr. Lucas, not working today?”
“It’s the weekend.”
William walked over and handed her a cup of hot latte. “I just made this. Try it.”
“Thank you.
Layla took the cup, cradling it in both hands. The warmth brought a sense of comfort and contentment.
William didn’t leave immediately but stood there quietly, watching her.
Although they had been living under the same roof for a while, this was their first time alone together.
William stood tall before her, his usual formal suit replaced with a casual khaki outfit that added a relaxed air to his otherwise polished demeanor.
The once unattainable, aloof figure now seemed as if he had stepped down to the everyday world
Layla glanced him over and met his gaze with an easy smile “Mr. Lucas, is there something you’d like to say to me?”
“Yes.”
William had just opened his mouth to speak when the doorbell rang downstairs.
Whatever he was about to say was swallowed back.
“I’ll go check,” he said, leaving the room.
Layla didn’t think much of it and sipped her coffee as she continued enjoying the view, letting the serene moment coax her into relaxation.
But her peace was soon interrupted by a loud voice from below.
“Layla!”
It was Shane’s voice.
Layla sighed, annoyed. Her good mood was ruined just like that.
Downstairs, Mr. Xander scolded Shane sharply, “What are you yelling for? Don’t you have any manners?”
“Dad, Layla must be in there!” Shane said, absolutely certain
Earlier, the security guards at the estate gate had stopped them, refusing entry until Mr. Xander explained that they were there to see the young lady staying at Mr. Lucas’s villa. Only then were they allowed through.
Rumor had it that William Lucas was aloof and uninterested in women, with Layla being the only one ever seen by his side. So, who else could possibly be in the villa but her?
+25 BONUS
Chapter 22
“Shane…” Xena tugged at her brother’s arm, trying to calm. “If Layla doesn’t want to see us, we can just wait. Don’t get so worked up.”
“Wait for what?”
Shane, already fuming, didn’t care that William was standing right there and started yelling again. “She drove you to this point, and now she’s hiding away like some pampered princess in a gilded cage.
“She’s shameless, heartless, and someone like her doesn’t belong in the Xander family!
“What’s that? You’re looking down on my woman?” William’s cold voler cut through the room, his deliberately low tone brimming with menace.
Under b
his scrutinizing gaze, Shane froze, stumbling over his words. “L… I didn’t mean it like that…”
“Mr. Lucas, he didn’t mean it that way,” Mr. Xander quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. “What he’s trying to say is that our Xander family is small and humble. We wouldn’t dare try to associate ourselves with someone of your status.
“Besides, Layla has always been difficult to discipline. We’re just worried she might be troubling you.”
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He continued, “We came here today hoping to take her back home. Would it be possible for her to come out so we can have a proper talk?”
“Back home?” A voice laced with mockery echoed from the staircase. Everyone turned to see Layla standing at the top, looking down at them with an air of detachment.
“The moment I walked out of that engagement hall, I no longer had a home,” she said coldly.
Her expression was distant as she addressed them. “Mr. Xander, Mrs. Xander, please leave.”
Hearing her address them so formally, without even calling them “Dad” or “Mom,” ignited a fire in Mr. Xander’s
chest.
“Layla, what do you want from us? What will it take for you to stop?” he demanded angrily.
“We’ve come here to ask you to come back. You should know when to stop pushing. Now come with us!” Layla’s gaze turned icy. “Mr. Xander, do you not understand plain words?”
