Chapter 10
“Chloe, long time no see.”
Layla’s voice was soft, gentle, almost melodic.]
With effortless ease, she slipped her arm through Leo’s, smiling up at him with that delicate grace that made her seem untouchable. The perfect picture of poise.]
I returned her smile–polite, distant.
Then, without a word, I set my wine bottle down on the floor, took a deep breath, and turned my attention back to my conversation with my senior.]
I didn’t notice the way Leo’s gaze lingered on me, watching long after I had moved on.
Two glasses of wine later, I was still perfectly clear–headed.]]
When I excused myself to use the restroom. I took the opportunity to freshen up my makeup.]
Outside, a small group was making plans to visit one of our old professors–a highly respected mentor from my dance academy, someone who had always held me in high regard.]
I had to go.]]
Satisfied with my reflection, I reached for the door handle and stepped out-
Only to find Layla standing there in a flowing white dress, poised as if she had been waiting for me.
I blinked. “Layla.”
She tilted her head, smiling, “Hello.”
I made to walk past her, but the moment I stepped forward, she reached out and grabbed my wrist.[]
Tightly.
Pain shot up my arm.]
For someone so delicate, her grip was surprisingly strong.
I instinctively tried to pull away, but she held firm.]
Her gaze flickered around, ensuring we were alone.
Then, she leaned in, her breath warm against my ear.]
“You lived with Leo for over six months. And then I came back, and everything fell apart.” Her voice was sweet, almost sympathetic. “That must’ve pissed you off.“[]
My body stiffened.[]
So, she knew.
For a brief second, my mind went blank.
But then, just as quickly, I regained my composure.
I had nothing to be ashamed of.
I had lived with Leo believing we were in a relationship. I hadn’t been some mistress sneaking around in the shadows.]
rong person!
And if she thought she could shame me for it, she had the wrong
Casually, I reached for my phone, flicking on the voice recorder in my pocket.]]
Then I tilted my head, yanking my hand free with a sharp tug. “And?”
Layla let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head.]
“You really are something else, Chloe,” she murmured, amusement flickering across her face. “Spending over a year playing house for free. Making sure my fiancé was comfortable, well taken care of. I should be thanking you.”
The gentie, fragile act she wore so well vanished in an instant, replaced with something sharp, something vicious.]
ΑΠ
But in the end, what did you even get out of it?” she continued, her voice soft, taunting. “Not even a title. Not even official status. People on the outside might have thought you were just some hidden mistress. Or worse–a paid escort.”
My stomach twisted, but I didn’t flinch.]
She stepped closer, her eyes gleaming. “And honestly, looking at you tonight… I can see why people might assume that.“]
Her gaze raked over me from head to toe, brimming with condescension.
“Actually, I should probably tell Leo to get checked out, shouldn’t I?” she mused. “Just in case you… gave him something.” Then, with a smirk, she reached for my hair, lifting a strand between her fingers before tugging at the hem of my dress. “You didn’t come to this party dressed like that just to seduce-“]
I slapped her.
Hard.
CRACK
The sound echoed in the empty hallway-
Layla staggered back, her hand flying to her cheek, her perfectly painted nails pressing against reddening skin.[]
For a moment, she just stood there, stunned.]
Then her expression crumpled, and with a dramatic stumble, she turned toward the open doorway, her voice rising in a desperate wall.||
“Lead Help me!”
