CHAPTER SEVEN (PAST)

Leila stood frozen.

Her hands curled into fists.

Adele Cooper had just declared war.

Leila sat down on the couch, her mind was not focused on the accounts she was writing, the only thing she could think of was Adele Cooper and how she had openly threatened her. If there was one thing Leila had learned from watching soap operas, it is that the guy’s first girlfriend is usually dangerous. And Adele did not seem like the kind of person to make empty threats. Leila had to do something and she had to do it fast. She could not put all her trust in Gavin. Fine, she liked him and it was obvious that he liked her also but she already knew that their love story would not work out. It was just too magical to be true. A billionaire into her? Leila? It was not even believable at all.

She had decided to take the next few days off in case things spiral out of control. But she was starting to get tired and irritated in the enclosed place she called home, she was not used to spending her whole day at home. She might not have many friends but at least she had her job and despite everything, she loved it.

She thought of cooking but she was not really a big fan of that. She just turned on the TV and was watching random things and switching between different channels. She did not realize her life was this boring. You know how most people had besties and female BFFs? Leila had none of that, she did not really buy into the whole ‘pretending to love a friend as your sister and all that’. The only female friend she had was back in California and they did not really talk anymore. Everybody had moved on, life has not really been easy on anyone so she could not really blame anybody.

Her thoughts were cut short with the buzz of her phone. She checked it and it was a text from Gavin

*You at home? I finished my business meetings early today and I don’t really have much going on, can I come over? We can order take outs and binge watch any movie series that you want*

Leila smiled at the text, she replied almost immediately

* Yes, but disguise yourself well. Paparazzi might still be looming around. I’ll be expecting you*

Gavin responded with a simple OK

Leila sat up and dashed to the bathroom, she checked herself out and she looked like crap. She quickly went to take a shower, she did not want Gavin to see her looking like a raccoon. She took time with applying her lotion, she sniffed her shoulders and she knew she smelled nice, like buttery cookies and wildflowers. She smiled in satisfaction and went to her wardrobe, she tried on a black romper but she removed it instantly, she did not want it to look like she made too much efforts, she finally settled on a baggy top and shorts, she rolled her hair into a messy bun and she sprayed her perfume, smelling nice was a priority.

There was a knock at the door and she quickly applied lip balm on her lips. She did not understand how people could survive with dry lips. She opened the door to reveal Gavin Hasters. She could not stop herself from smiling, the guy always looked like a snack, so effortlessly handsome.

“Are you going to keep making googly eyes at me or will you invite me in” Gavin chuckled.

Her cheeks flushed pink, “Come in pleaseee”

He laughed heartily, “I took it upon myself to buy the Chinese takeouts already, the restaurant was on the way”

Leila smiled and collected it from him so he could enter the house, her place was not big at all but it was enough for her, it was her space and she was thankful. The moment Gavin stepped into the living room, the temperature got hotter and she felt beads of sweat dripping down her cheeks. Her head was spinning so she sat down and ushered him to sit also.

She had to admit, it was a little bit awkward. Everything in her was screaming at her that she should not be allowing him into her house, especially after what went down with Adele. But another part was telling her that he should stay and she was not doing anything bad, it was just dinner, right? So how bad could it be.

She cleared her throat, breaking the silence, “I am sure you did not drive down here to keep mute”

“True, but let’s just say i will rather stare at you and admire the beauty in front of me than engage in any conversation. You are beautiful Leila and I have no idea why I am here despite the face that I’m engaged already”

Leila was turning to a red tomato at this point, “Thank you, but can we just have dinner first?”

Gavin chuckled lightly, “Alright your majesty”

Gavin was telling her about his day and she could only stare at him dreamily, she could not even focus on what he was saying until he stopped and whispered, “Can I say something totally absurd?”

Leila only nodded in affirmation.

Gavin stared at her like she was the only thing that mattered and she melted inwardly, “I do not think I can survive tonight if I don’t kiss you”

Leila smiled, “Then kiss me”