Chapter 4
By the time I returned with the necklace, the house was already filled with laughter and cheerful voices.
I raised
my hand to knock, but before my knuckles touched the wood, a chorus of excitement rang out-
“Welcome…!“]
Leo’s bright smile froze the moment he saw me.
“You?” His voice was sharp, almost startled.]
It was clear he hadn’t expected me to come back.]
And he certainly hadn’t expected me to actually return the necklace.]
For a moment, he just stared at the delicate silver chain in my outstretched hand, disbelief flickering across his face. Then, slowly, he reached out and took it.
He hesitated, then leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.]
“Chloe,” he murmured, his voice low and warning, “we’ve always been good together, right? So do me a favor tonight–don’t cause any trouble.“]]
I stiffened, but he continued, his tone casual, as if this were a simple request between old friends.
“Layla is sensitive. She overthinks things. Don’t say anything that might upset her, okay?”
I didn’t respond.
Layla was sensitive? And what about me?
Was I supposed to be immune to all of this?
I looked at the man I had loved for half my life, the man who had once been my entire world. And yet, at this moment, he felt like nothing more than a stranger.
A cold, hollow feeling settled in my chest.||
Ten minutes later, Layla arrived, escorted inside by a mutual acquaintance.
The older relatives immediately warmed to her, chatting animatedly as if they had known her for years.
That
was why my parents had come tonight too–not just for casual conversation, but for something more deliberate. Subtle but unmistakable–discussions of family status, financial stability, and future plans slipped seamlessly into the
polite exchanges.
And Lea?
He sat beside Layla, his every movement instinctively protective, attentive.
He wasn’t acting like the man I knew–the one who had always been so Indifferent to love, so reluctant to commit.[]
Tonight. he was playing the part of a smitten, earnest fiance–to–be, like some love struck boy experiencing his first
romance.
I was an outsider here.
It had nothing to do with me anymore.]
So, when I saw a chance to slip away unnoticed. I took it.
Or at least. I tried to.
Just as I was about to get up. Layla turned to me, her voice soft and curious.
“So, you must be Chloe, right? I’ve heard so much about you.”
I paused
She smiled warmly, tilting her head.
“You were quite the legend back in college–the muse of the arts department.“||
My breath hitched slightly, but I quickly waved my hands dismissively.
“Oh, that’s just an exaggeration. People were just messing around.“]
I had hoped that would be the end of it.]
But Layla wasn’t finished.[]
“No way! I remember people talking about that dance performance you did at the gala. The next day, your dorm entrance was flooded with flowers.“]
I barely had time to react before she turned, gently tugging on Leo’s sleeve like a teasing girlfriend.]
“You two were childhood best friends, right? It’s so surprising you never get together.“]
Her voice was light, playful, but her words carried an edge I couldn’t quite place.]
“Back then, everyone thought you’d get married one day. You were practically inseparable.”
A hush fell over the room
I felt every gaze shift toward me, waiting for a response.
Layla looked sweet, harmless–but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something pointed in her words.
And then, before I could say anything. Leo chuckled.
With a smirk, he reached for the apple he had just finished peeling and handed it to Layla.]
“To you guys, she was just some artsy girl–a ‘muse or whatever.” He shrugged, turning to Layla with an easy grin. “But to
me? She was just a friend. My best buddy. The girl I grew up sharing everything with.“||
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he let out a laugh.
“Oh man, you should’ve seen her as a kid. Every time she cried, snot and tears would mix together–it was disgusting. If I didn’t wipe it for her, she’d probably end up swallowing it.”
The room erupted in light laughter.|]]
“Oh, and when she was fifteen? She fainted during gym class and started mumbling nonsense. She looked like some kind of deranged zombie–“[]
“I have to go.“]
I cut him off before I could hear any more, pushing back my chair.[]
My nails dug into my palms, but I forced a small smile, glancing briefly at the elders.
“You all enjoy your evening.“]
Layla hesitated, then turned to Leo, looking guilty.
“Oh no… did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean to upset her.“]
Leo scowled, his gaze snapping toward me, irritation flashing in his eyes–like I was the one ruining the mood.
I didn’t let him speak.]
I turned back to the room, my voice light, casual
“Actually, I have a date tonight with my boyfriend. If I don’t leave now, I’ll be late.”
Then, without sparing another glance at Leo, I picked up my bag and walked out.
