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.
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Chapter 10
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 car.
“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.
And if she thought she could shame me for it, she had the wrong person.
Casually, I reached for my phone, flicking on the voice recorder in my pocket.
Then
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 gentle, fragile act she wore so well vanished in an instant, replaced with something sharp, something vicious.
“But in the end, what did you even get out of it?” she continued, her voice soft, taunting. “Not even a title. Not even an official status. People on the outside might have thought you were just some
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Chapter 10
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 wail.
“Leo! Help me!”
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