Chapter 15- He left her

"What do you think" he asked observing the way her eyes went from his head to his toes. Layla eyes roved over Nathan features, admiring his appearance ."Every woman's type," Layla murmured, her voice almost soft and low, which is also my type, she thought. Nathan smiled softly, a note of self-awareness that every lady he came across always flocks around him. "It's not always easy, you know?" he confided, a slight edge of vulnerability in his voice. "Being everyone's type, I mean." Layla, intrigued, found herself drawn into the conversation. "Why is that?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. Nathan gaze shifted, his expression thoughtful.

"You wouldn't know" Nathan flashed a charming smile. "You wouldn't understand."Layla took a bite of her beef, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Try me."Nathan leaned in, his voice low and playful. "It's not easy being this good-looking and wealthy. Everywhere I go, people fawn over me. They scream, they stare, they try to touch me... Ahhhhhh, it's exhausting." He said as he mind went through the thought again.

Layla chuckled, her laughter warm and genuine. "You're joking, right? You're enjoying every minute of it!"Nathan feigned offense, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, I'm a humble guy. I don't ask for all the attention."Layla raised an eyebrow, her smile teasing. "Oh, sure, that's why you wear designer suits. You're just a regular, humble guy." She mocked him.

Nathan laughed, his smile broadening. "Hey, a guy's gotta enjoy his blessings, right?"Layla sipped her cocktail, her eyes never leaving his face. "I suppose. But you have to admit, it's a little funny."Nathan shrugged, his shoulders relaxed. "I guess so. But sometimes I just wish people would see beyond the surface level". He said trying to guarantee Layla he not a spoilt rich brat.

Nathan's eyes lit up at the appearance of the attendant, bearing the promised bottle of red wine. "One of my newest bottles," he remarked, proudly presenting the drink. "Wanna run away and have some?" he asked Layla with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yes, please," she look around as her eyes met with logan, was he keeping an eye on her "Where to? ". she responded without a moment's hesitation, charmed by Nathan's playful nature. "My secret hide out whenever am here" He took two glasses,Layla took the plate of beef and follow Nathan.

Logan, seated at a distance, observed Nathan and Layla engrossed in a lively conversation, their laughter echoing through the air. He wondered what was so amusing about their discussion. As his gaze met Layla's, she quickly averted her eyes, and Logan couldn't help but smirk. Was she deliberately ignoring him? He took a sip from his glass, his curiosity increased.

As Nathan and Layla stood up, Logan's thoughts race, "Where are they off to? And is Layla planning to drive after drinking with Nathan?" Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Logan Ford." He turned to face the speaker, and his eyes landed on Sophia, looking stunning as always. "Do you mind if we take a walk?" she asked, her smile radiant.As Logan turned back to locate Layla, she was nowhere to be seen.

As they stepped out onto the balcony, Layla felt a sense of over her. A table stood there, and Layla set the plate down on it, then sat down herself. Meanwhile, Nathan attempted to open the wine.

. She looked up at the sky and exclaimed, "The sky looks extremely beautiful today!"Nathan glanced up, and as the cool breeze blew, Layla shivered, her hands instinctively clasping together for warmth. Nathan noticed and swiftly removed his suit jacket, draping it over her shoulders. "You don't really need to do that," Layla protested.

. Nathan smiled and continued, "You need it more than I do right now," as he finally managed to open the wine. He referred to the coat he had placed around her shoulders. "Thank you," Layla said gratefully.

He poured a generous amount of wine into the two glass and handed one to Layla. She carefully swirled the wine, then savored the aroma before taking a sip without hesitation. "Oh, this is really nice," she said, her eyes lighting up with delight. She took a bite of the beef, and Nathan beamed with pride for a moment. "I know, I really do pay attention to the ingredients I use and make sure they're all fresh," he said, sitting down at the table as they both continued to enjoy the beef and win while they flow in the conversation.

"You made this?" Layla's eyes widened in surprise, having never met a winemaker before. And yet, here she was, standing in front of this handsome wine maker. "That's my line of business, passed down through many generations," he said,He nodded, " I grew up in the farm. I've been working with my hands since I was young, cultivating grapes and other ingredients to craft excellent wine - both alcoholic and non-alcoholic." He said, looking at her with a smile, delighted by the way she was savoring the wine. "I'll make sure to get some more for you in the near future."

He glanced down at her feet, noticing her discomfort. "Are you feeling comfortable in those?" he asked, concern etched on his face. She realized how uncomfortable she had been, trying to endure the pain. "I have to get used to it, though," she said with a smile.She suddenly remembered the incident at the elevator. "Oh, about that, can you please not mention what happened at the elevator to Mr. Logan?" she requested, her eyes pleading. Nathan was unsure, giving her a hesitant look. "I might get fired for showing a weak side," he thought to himself. He felt sorry for her as she gazed at him, her eyes vulnerable.

Just then, her hand slipped, and the glass she was holding crashed to the floor. Luckily, she had stood up just in time, avoiding the spill. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, jumping up quickly. "Luckily, your dress wasn't stained." The cold drink trickled down her legs, and she winced. "Just my legs," she said, apologizing. "Please excuse me, I need to use the restroom." She handed Nathan his jacket, which she had been wearing."Alright, before it soaks through to your heels," Nathan said, his voice filled with concern.She swiftly made her way to find the restroom, leaving Nathan standing there, worried about her comfort.

The door swung open as Layla walked out and headed to the restroom sink. She placed her hands under the running water, feeling the coolness soothe her palm. Then, she dried them thoroughly under the warm air of the hand dryer for a few minutes. Taking a final glance in the mirror, she left the restroom, looking refreshed.With a confident catwalk, she strutted down the hallway, it been really long she wore heels, tho the pain she still knows how to walk on them.While she try to find her way back to the main hall,Feeling exhausted, she hoped that Mr. Logan would soon call it a day. If it weren't for Nathan's charming company, she wouldn't have had this much fun.

As soon as she heard the familiar voice, "Layla," she felt a flutter in her chest. The sigh that followed was unmistakable, and she knew exactly who it was. "Luca," she said, her heart racing as she slowly turned to face him. It had been a long time since they last saw each other, and she thought she had moved on. But why did it feel like a part of her still missed him. Luca's eyes narrowed, his concern evident as he gazed at her feet. "Aren't you hurting in those?" he asked, his voice laced with empathy. Layla was skilled at walking in heels, but she knew they were taking a toll on her feet. Was she foolish enough to prioritize style over comfort, even if it meant being in pain? Luca silently swore under his breath, he was concern for her well-being , even if he didn't show it.

She slowly gazed down at her toes, her eyes closing momentarily as she tried to compose herself. What was Luca playing at? He had a girlfriend, so why was he concerned about her personal affairs? She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers brushing against her skin as she forced a smile, hoping to hide her discomfort. "It's none of your business, you know," she said, her voice laced with anxiety.

Luca gazed at her, taken aback by her rare use of makeup and fancy dress. He wondered what occasion had prompted her to dress up. She always looked stunning in anything she wore; her natural beauty shone through. He wanted to compliment her but struggled to find the right words.

Without warning, he took her hand, leading her away from the crowd. "Heeeeii, Luca, let go of me!" she protested, throwing a tantrum. When they reached an empty spot, he released her hand. "Are you stalking me?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice, as if he still had a hold on her. Layla was taken aback, her mind racing. She couldn't believe what he had just insinuated. "Why should I?" she retorted, biting back a harsher response.

Luca rubbed his hand over his head, feigning confusion. "If not, why would you be here, dressed up, at the same time I am?" he asked, a sly smile spreading across his face. He thought to himself, "She still loves me."Layla's anger flared. "Can't I dress nicely and go to nice places too?" she exclaimed, her voice rising. What did he take her for?

Luca tried to recover. "That's not what I meant," he said, backtracking. "Then what are you doing here? You can't just access the floor Or even the hotel like that." He was trying to figure out what was going on. He thought that if she was truly here for him, he would have seen her by now. But then again, there was a club meeting on the other side of the room, an exclusive gathering of the most influential people fewer than fifteen individuals, among the trillions. He chuckled at his own idea. "It can't be"

Layla, unsure what he was thinking, nodded confusedly. "You're not in the elite meeting, right?" he said, pointing in the direction of the meeting."Yes, I'm coming from there," she said boldly. Luca gave her a piercing stare, his eyes blazing with anger. "How can you be here?" he growled, his voice laced with betrayal.

Layla met his gaze, her expression unwavering, despite her inner turmoil. She thought quickly, seeking a convincing response. "Mr. Logan, please forgive me for using your name to lie," she whispered to herself. "I'm here with my boyfriend," she declared, trying to sound confident. While not entirely a lie, she had arrived with Mr. Logan, even if he wasn't her boyfriend - she knew it was a half truth.

As soon as the words left her lips, Luca's anger increased " It's been less than a month since we broke up, and you've already found another man?" His face contorted in rage, revealing his lingering feelings for her. Layla noticed the change in his expression and thought, "Why get so bothered, like he cares?"Can't I have a man?" she retorted, her voice firm. "It's barely a month," Luca repeated, his tone accusatory.

Layla cut him off, her voice rising. "You were fucking me and screwing Harper behind my back!" She held back tears, memories of that night flooding her mind, and her head aching. Luca attempted to defend himself, "And you weren't fucking him while planning to break up with me?"

Layla was incredulous. "Funny enough, I met him a day after you dumped me." Luca slammed his hand against the wall. "Who the hell is this guy?"

Layla needed to escape the suffocating atmosphere. She stepped closer to him, her voice low and menacing. "Does Harper know you're here chatting with your ex?" She pointed a warning finger at him. "Do not ever, in your miserable life, stop me whenever you see me." With that, she stormed off, leaving Luca seething.

As soon as they returned to the hall, Logan's eyes began searching for someone specific. Sophia stood beside him, sipping her wine. "You wanted a walk and still didn't say anything," he said. Then, he faced her, "Is something bothering you?" Sophia, always smiling, didn't respond but continued greeting people with a nod.

Logan finally spotted the person he was looking for, Layla, standing with Nathan. His suspicion and anger grew. "It's not like you to attend such gatherings," he said, his eyes fixed on Layla and Nathan. Sophia followed his gaze and noticed Layla, her smile transforming into a wicked grin.

"I came to check on someone," Sophia said, her eyes still fixed on Layla. Logan looked at her, confused, and asked, "Who is that?" Sophia let out a sly laugh and said, "She." Logan traced her gaze and realized he was staring at Layla. He forced himself to focus on Sophia, who was still smiling wickedly.

"If only you looked at me the same way you're looking at her," Sophia said, her voice laced with a deadly serious tone. "What do you want?" Logan asked, his curiosity and anger growing. Sophia's expression turned serious. "You like her, don't you?" Logan's face fell, and Sophia's smile returned, more wicked than before. "What are you planning?" Logan asked, his mind racing.

Sophia's grin grew wider. "You won't even tell... I haven't made my grand entrance yet. Wait till then." Logan's eyes narrowed, unsure what she was thinking. Sophia was one person he could never read, even from chi"Don't lay a finger on her," Logan warned, his voice firm. Sophia's smile never wavered. "I didn't say I was going to harm her." She waved at someone across the room and turned back to Logan. "You know I can't hurt a fly." With that, she walked away, leaving Logan's eyes fixed on Layla, determined to protect her at all costs.

As Logan slowly approached Layla, his eyes fixed on her and Nathan, his hands clenched in anger. He recalled Sophia's warning and quickened his pace.Meanwhile, Nathan was helping Layla with the new white sneakers he bought. "Wow, thank you," she said, appreciative. "It's nothing, I just noticed your movement," Nathan replied, adjusting the fit. "But how did you know my size?" Layla asked, impressed. Nathan smiled, "I asked one of the female servers to help me out." He stood up, and Layla complimented, "I really like it, it's comfortable."

Just then, Logan arrived, his expression stern. "Let's go," he said to Layla, who quickly gathered her things. Nathan protested, "But we agreed on something... we haven't caught up in a while." Logan's response was curt, "I'm tired, maybe another time." He showed no remorse, his face unyielding.. Nathan pointed out, "Isn't that Sophia over there, talking to others? I thought she hated these gatherings." Logan's response was cryptic, "Keep her in check." Nathan raised an eyebrow, "Why would I?" Logan ignored him and walked away. Layla followed, and Nathan rushed to hand her a bottle of wine, "Have this, it's better than the one you took." Layla smiled, "Seriously, you don't have to..." Nathan placed the bottle in her bag, alongside her heels, and walked away. Logan shot them a disapproving look, and Layla hastened to catch up with him.

As Layla hastened her pace to get the car, she heard her name being called, "Layla!" She looked up to see Harper, the woman who had taken her man, standing beside Luca. Layla thought to herself, "What a wonderful couple." Then, she recalled her earlier conversation with Luca and placed a hand on her head, confused. She glanced back at Logan, who stood there, observing the scene.

Harper sneered, "Has it gotten to this point, that you now follow us wherever we go?" Layla tried to ignore her, but Harper held her hand tightly, "Are you a stalker?" Logan intervened, removing Harper's hand and stepping between the women. Harper was taken aback, "And who the heck are you?"

Luca asked, "Are you the boyfriend she was talking about?" Logan looked at Layla, who had her head down, and smiled, "Yes." Harper's eyes widened in surprise, thinking, "Why does Layla always get the good stuff?" She wondered

Logan took Layla's hand, "Train your woman, or oh..." He glanced at Harper, "you bitch properly." He walked away with Layla, leaving Harper stunned. She tried to recall where she had seen Logan's face before, then remembered, "Babe, how did you know Layla had a new man?" she asked Luca, wondering if they still kept in touch.

Luca replied angrily, "Heeeeii, can you stop embarrassing me?" and walked away. Harper shouted after him, "Babe!" When Layla got to the car, she noticed Logan still standing there, so she got out and walked up to him. "Sir, aren't you getting in?" she asked, but he didn't respond. Layla knew she was in trouble. Then, he finally spoke, "I'm your boyfriend now," giving her a stern stare. She stuttered, "It was a bit of a situation..." explaining to him. Why did Harper and Luca have to appear at that moment? Logan simply said, "Okay," and got into the driver's seat.

Layla was worried, wondering if he was going to drive her to her death. She tried opening the passenger door, but it was locked. She tried again, and just as she was about to knock on the window, the car zoomed off. She realized she had left her bag and phone behind and started shouting and screaming, running after the car. "Sir, sir, my bag!" she yelled, but it was too fast, and it sped away. She stopped running, trying to catch her breath.

Stranded, Layla headed to the receptionist's desk. "Hi," she said, smiling, "can I use your phone, please? I left mine in my boss's car, and I have nothing on me to get home with." The lady nodded and handed her the phone. As Layla tried to figure out the Thea's number, Nathan appeared. "You're still here," he said, noticing her distress. She explained what happened, and Nathan smiled. "That's so like him." Layla worried, "Won't I be getting fired by tomorrow?" Nathan reassured her, "He won't." He offered, "Let me drive you home."....