Layla Right after my flirtatious call with Louis comes to an end, my phone slips out of my hand as I spot Miranda and Nathan embracing each other with a kiss. I can't believe that they're still together. I'm so hurt by the sight of them that I feel my blood boil. Moments when they openly fucked each other while I was in the house flood my mind, and I don't want to be here anymore, so I instruct my chauffeur to drive. As hard as I try, I can't stop thinking about those two. And Nathan creeps into my mind as I think about how he called me by my first name and I stopped in my tracks. I told myself I wouldn't break character in front of him, but I slipped up when I said I was just living my life without him. I don't know what game he's trying to play with me, but I'm not going to fall for it. I'm only waiting for the layoffs to happen, and then I'll get my revenge on him. He'll regret ever coming here and on top of that, bringing Miranda with him. Just as the car gets closer t
LaylaLouis catches me a little off guard with his statement, and it takes me a few seconds to gather my thoughts, so I place my fork down on my plate."You know what that sounds like?" I lean forward, hoping I'm wrong about what I'm about to say. "You don't want Nathan to know that you, Louis Lindgren, are my boyfriend."He bursts into laughter, placing his hand on the side of his torso. "Come on. That's not what I meant. I was only saying I hope you didn't tell him it's me.""I didn't have to. He only asked what my boyfriend does for a living.""Well, I guess I was thinking too far ahead," he admits."You definitely were." "Why would you ever think I would want to hide that I'm with such a gorgeous woman?" His voice is gentle and loving.In my head, I admit that it did sound that way when he hoped I didn't mention him to Nathan. But I guess it was ridiculous of me to even feel that way.With passionate eyes, he kisses the back of my hand and I instantly blush."I've been waiting fo
LaylaIt's early in the morning and as I prepare myself for work, I have my phone with me and have it on speaker, giving Pamela all the updates from yesterday."Whoa! Why didn't you tell me any of this yesterday?" she says from the other end of the line."Are you forgetting that I called but couldn't reach you?""Well, you know how my life's been lately.""Yup, it's been very busy and that's why you're finding out this late.""I can't believe those two had the nerve to rub it in your face that they're still together.""That's why they're going to deeply regret everything they've done to me.""Do you know when the layoffs will happen?"I sigh. "That hasn't yet been announced, but it should be in less than a week.""I hope it's soon since I still don't see you quitting. And you know what? Nathan really has some nerve complimenting your beauty after everything he said to you before.""That's something that really pissed me off.""Well, you have another day ahead of you where you have to
NathanBefore I can stare at the hickey for too long, the elevator doors open and Layla rushes out. She doesn't even look back to wait for Trish despite being from the same department. I know it's because she's only trying to get away from me as soon as possible.After a few more employees step out of the elevator, the doors close again to get to the next floor and I clench my jaw, trying so hard not to punch the steel walls or something.While I make my way to my office, I still can't stop thinking about that hickey. Did she have this yesterday as well? Or did she get it last night? I know I'm torturing myself with these questions, but I can't help it. I need to know who her boyfriend is. I hate to admit it, but her hickey has bothered me more than it should.Even as my new management team and I discuss new strategies regarding how we'll run Tech-Beet and what needs to change, I still can't seem to forget about her and that fucking hickey on her neck.During coffee break, everyone el
Nathan Layla could be going anywhere right now. It could be the restaurant, home or to even see a friend. There's no way I can be sure she's going to see her boyfriend, but even if that's the case, what right do I have to do this? I look ahead and her car's already out of sight. I'm glad it is, because this isn't how I want things to be. When I saw her for the first time among my new staff, all I wanted to do was get an opportunity to speak to her so I could apologize. I wanted to tell her everything I've been through over the years while thinking about what I put her through. That's all it was supposed to be, so how has it come to this? Why am I so bothered by her new life and her new man? As I think about what I've just done, I slam the steering wheel a few times, then lean back in my seat. This needs to stop. My main goal is still to just have a conversation with her. She obviously hates me even more after seeing me with Miranda, but I don't want her to get the wrong idea. I'm
Layla As the hall erupts in celebration and everyone around me rises to their feet, I remain in my seat, frozen in place as I hear my heart pound in my ears despite all the noise around me. Nothing could've prepared me for such an announcement. Even as the celebration carries for a few more seconds, I still can't seem to react in any way, and I barely blink as I stare right at him. He looks all around with a smile, but his gaze feels more intense when he looks at me. Quickly, he looks away and tries to grab everyone's attention. Despite his efforts, he struggles with it as everyone around me is in such high spirits that they can't seem to contain themselves, including Trish and Dave. I'm the only one not taking part as I realize what this means for me. This isn't what I was expecting and it goes against everything I've planned for me to begin my revenge. "Everyone, please settle down," he says loudly. "I'm not yet finished." I glare at him as I breathe hard, and he looks right a
NathanAs James awaits my response, I look to the side with a scoff."Don't be ridiculous," I say to him."You looked away. That means you're lying to me!" He straightens up.I huff. "I'm telling you the truth. This isn't because of Layla.""You can fool everyone else, but you're definitely not fooling me. It's pretty obvious that she'd be one of the first to go had you been onboard with our decision. That's why you've left it up to her to either stay or resign.""You're just thinking too much. Fine, let's just say you're right. Why would I do this only because of her? It's not like she'd financially suffer."He strokes his chin, slowly pacing. "Hmm...now that I think about it, you make a good point. Driving a car like that, her boyfriend's wealthy and we both know it. That's -""If you're just going to further talk about her boyfriend, then stop right there." I poke my cheek.He chuckles. "The topic really gets on your nerves, huh?""It's not funny." "Alright...alright. I'll give it
NathanAs soon as I mention Layla, Miranda twists her face in anger, pulls away from me and gets off the bed."What the fuck?" She chuckles bitterly. "For how long have you been hiding this from me?"I lean against the headboard, placing my hands on the back of my head with a sigh. I knew this was coming, so I'm ready for it."I found out on Monday," I say to her."And you're only telling me this now? Is it because something's going on between you two? Is that why you've been acting this way?""Why the hell would you say that?""Just answer the question!" She yells, aggressively dragging the pillows to the floor with a heavy grunt. "There's no other reason you would hide this from me. I never thought that bitch would be back. Every time you've gone to Tech-Beet this week, she's been there and you didn't bother to tell me earlier?""I'm telling you now." I shrug, raising my eyebrows.She picks up one of the pillows on the floor, gritting her teeth as she hurls it at me with a grunt.As