Chapter 8
In just one week, Layla had received all kinds of deliveries, and without exception, every single one ended up in
the trash.
Today’s delivery was right on schedule: a large bouquet of vibrant yellow roses in full bloom.
The delivery guy struggled to carry it to her door, sweating profusely. “III, your delivery is here.”
Before he could finish, the door opened.
Layla glanced briefly at the card’s signature. “Could you please throw it in the trash downstairs?”
“What?” The delivery guy was stunned. “But these flowers are beautiful.”
“They take up too much space.” Layla smiled politely before closing the door.
She used to treasure the two bouquets she would receive every year–one for her birthday and one for her anniversary. She would carefully dry them and save them as keepsakes.
But now, with flowers arriving daily, even a single glance made her feel like she was about to develop a pollen allergy.
If nothing else, this ordeal had taught her something new. Sean actually knew how to woo women.
It turned out he was aware that women liked flowers, good food, and pretty trinkets. He simply hadn’t cared enough to put in the effort for her.
These thoughts swirled in her mind as she poured herself a glass of water and swallowed a pill.
Her thoughts shifted to the call she had received from the hospital that morning. They had reminded her to schedule chemotherapy to slow the growth of her brain tumor.
Chemotherapy.
Just hearing the word made her feel like her hair was already floating away in the breeze.
She wasn’t overly vain, but the idea of losing her hair unsettled her deeply. If she underwent chemo, lost all her hair, and still died–how ugly would that be?
Layla sighed, her resolve weakening. Maybe she should just skip it. She would rather leave this world looking her best.
The ringing of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts
Seeing “Fiancé” on the screen, her brows furrowed. She hesitated briefly before answering.
“Sean Perry, stop sending me things. Whatever you send, I won’t accept…”
“Let’s meet and talk,” Sean interrupted, his voice unusually calm and gentle. “Didn’t you want to discuss dividing the company shares? Can you come to the office tomorrow?”
Layla froze. After all the gifts Sean had been sending, she had assumed he wouldn’t back down easily. She hadn’t expected him to compromise so quickly.
When she didn’t respond, Sean spoke again. “Layla, I don’t want things to come to this if we can avoid it.”
“What time tomorrow?” she asked.
“Nine o’clock. I’ll wait for you in my office.”
“Okay.”
Without another word, Layla hung up and immediately edited his contact name to “That Perry Guy” before putting her phone down with a satisfied smile.
+25 BONUS
Right on time, Layla stepped into Sean’s office.
Her eyes immediately landed on Xena sitting on the couch, and her steps faltered for a brief moment before she asked loudly, “Mr. Perry, isn’t it against protocol to discuss business with outsiders present?”
“Xena’s just
worried about you.” Sean stood, holding a folder, and walked toward her. “You’ve been holed up in your apartment for so long, and she’s been concerned about your well–being.”
”
Xena quickly chimed in, her voice filled with urgency. “Sis, just needed to see with my own eyes that you’re okay. That way, I can let Mom and Dad know, and they’ll stop worrying.”
Convenient excuse.
Layla knew the truth. Her family wouldn’t worry about her not after everything that happened at the engagement party. If anything, they were likely hoping she would never return to the Xander family.
Kena was here because she had heard about the division of shares. She wasn’t concerned for Layla. She was worried about how much money might walk out the door.
“Don’t always assume the worst of Xena’s good intentions, Sean said, his gaze carrying a hint of reproach, as though Layla were being unreasonable.
Layla didn’t bother defending herself. Instead, she reached for the folder. The sooner she reviewed it, the sooner she could sever ties.
Sean frowned slightly, displeased that she didn’t spare him so much as a glance.
It didn’t take long for Layla to notice something was off in the documents. Looking up, she asked, “What does this mean by only returning the initial funding? You know exactly how many projects I’ve handled over the years.”
“This is all I can offer,” Sean replied, his expression steady and unapologetic. “I’m grateful for what you’ve done for the company, but effort is something you can’t put a price on, isn’t it?”
Layla was speechless.
The audacity. How thick–skinned did Sean have to be to say something so shamelessly?
Over the years, she had poured her heart and soul into this company–networking, bringing in projects, pulling all -nighters, and enduring countless rounds of drinks to close deals. And now, all that effort and dedication felt utterly wasted.
She let out a cold laugh. “Sean Perry, what on earth was I thinking when I fell for someone like you? You’re the kind of person who burns bridges and abandons loyalty without a second thought.”
“Layla, you can be my wife and share everything equally with me.” Sean’s tone remained infuriatingly calm. “We can throw this document out right now.”
“No, thank you.” Layla stepped back, her gaze icy. “Partnering with someone like you is a guaranteed path to bankruptcy.”
“Layla, don’t push your luck,” Sean snapped, his demeanor shifting. “I called you here today to give you a chance to make things right. On paper, this company is mine. It has nothing to do with you.
+25 BONUS
Chaptel
“Other than the initial funding, you won’t get a dime. All your hard work will be for nothing. Can you really walk away from that?”
Sean stepped closer, his tone growing more forceful. “If you just agree to stop making trouble, I’m willing to let bygones be bygones. What’s mine will be yours.
Layla clenched her teeth, swallowing the bitterness rising her throat.
She never imagined the company she had worked tirelessly to build would one day become a weapon Sean used to threaten her.
After loving him for so many years, for the first time, Layla felt an overwhelming sense of pity for herself.
“I will take back what’s rightfully mine.”
Her words were deliberate, each one sharp and cutting. Then, without hesitation, she flung the folder at Sean’s face.
“You” Sean’s fury erupted as he watched Layla turn on her heel and stride away. His voice boomed behind her, filled with rage. “Layla Xander, don’t you dare take my kindness for granted!”
The only response was the sound of the door slamming shut
Once again, Layla walked out on him without looking back.
Sean clenched his fists, his knuckles whitening as his glare bore into the closed door. His expression was as dark as a storm cloud.
Xena stepped forward, gently placing her hand on his tightly clenched fist. “Sean, you’ve done everything you could. If she still won’t listen, she’ll regret it someday.”
She sighed softly, feigning concern. “From what she said, it’s clear she won’t settle for just the startup funds. So… what’s your next move?”
Sean gritted his teeth. “If she won’t sign the papers, then she won’t get a single cent.”
Xena’s heart leaped with joy, though she kept up her pretense of disappointment. She sighed again, shaking her head. “It’s such a shame that Layla is being so unreasonable.”
Sean didn’t reply, his gaze growing darker and more dangerous.
At that moment, neither of them realized that even the most docile person, when pushed too far, could lash out.
