Chapter 187

"Is it not possible for a man and a woman to share a platonic friendship?" Layla queried, her tone laced with defiance. This question had been posed to her countless times before, and she had always staunchly defended the existence of such relationships.

Samuel's response was unequivocal, "No."

"Your perspective," she retorted, "I believe it's feasible. Anthony is merely a friend."

"An old saying goes, 'once bitten, twice shy,' yet you seem to be immune to learning from your past. You used to claim Nathan saw you solely as a colleague, but what transpired? I was proven correct; he was pursuing you all along."

"I... well, not every man is Nathan. Is every man on earth attracted to me? Unlikely. I'm not some coveted treasure. Your affection for me doesn't imply universal appeal."

"If I find a woman appealing, who wouldn't?"

"You're attributing far too much allure to me," Layla murmured, nestling into Samuel's arms momentarily before sighing in frustration at his unyielding stance. She rested her head on his shoulder, her eyes losing their previous sparkle.

"This is a significant opportunity for me, a chance to challenge myself. But... I understand your apprehensions. If it truly distresses you, I'll inform my team leader tomorrow that I'm stepping down, passing the baton to someone else. Is that acceptable?"

Layla's words were followed by a pang of disappointment, but she quickly masked it with a smile, "Continue working hard to provide for us. I'm going to take a shower."

Post-shower, Samuel was still engrossed in his work. Layla dimmed the main lights, leaving only a lamp on, and lay down. The room was shrouded in silence. Propped on her hand, she lay on her side, lost in thought, sleep eluding her.

After a while, the bed dipped behind her. Samuel slid into bed and wrapped his arms around her, their bodies entwined, his chin resting on the top of her head. Layla bit her lip involuntarily. His presence melted away her worries, providing warmth and security.

That was enough, she reassured herself. Life doesn't offer everything; choices must be made. For her, he was the priority.

"If it brings you joy, then proceed. Don't live with regrets," Samuel whispered tenderly, planting a kiss on the top of her head. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and her eyes welled up.

She turned into his embrace, "Thank you for being so kind to me."

"All this while, I've been the one accommodating and tolerating you," she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion. "Am I too headstrong?"

"No, I love watching you chase your dreams, the spark in your eyes when you're pursuing them," Samuel responded with a gentle smile, "As your future husband, I'll support you unconditionally. Just ensure you rest adequately and don't overwork yourself."

"Understood, I'll pace myself. Darling, you're so good to me," Layla snuggled deeper into his embrace, "I'm so fortunate. How did I ever find such a wonderful boyfriend?"

"Can't help it, we older men just know how to treat our ladies right."

Layla chuckled, recognizing his signature self-deprecating humor.

"Old? A thirty-year-old man is a catch. Other women would be lucky to have you. I often think I must have done something good in a past life to have been blessed with you."

"Flatterer, you."

"Hehe, it's not flattery if it's the truth," Layla quipped playfully.

Samuel felt every sweet word from his beloved seep deep into his heart, as if coated with honey.

"Let's sleep, goodnight."

...

The following day.

Upon arriving at the office, Layla discovered that Susan had handpicked a team, including her and Alice, to transfer to The Eilish Group for work convenience. Their new office boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with a breathtaking view of towering buildings stretching into the distance.

The team was abuzz with excitement, congregating at the windows to take in the view.

"Wow, this view is incredible, and the natural light is fantastic. We've got a great cross-breeze here."

"49th floor, of course it's superior to our old design department's spot in the twenties."

"Look, you can even see Coastal Harbor from here."

"I thought The Holland Group's setup was great, but The Eilish Group's is even better. Working here feels like a vacation, it invigorates our design work."

"Alright, let's choose our desks and get to work," Susan announced. "Layla, you'll have the private office opposite mine."

"Me?" Layla pointed at herself, taken aback.

"Yes, you're the lead designer for this project, you deserve your own office."

Alice helped move Layla's belongings into her office, "A month into the job and you already have your own private office, I'm officially envious. The CEO's office is right above us, and now you're in a private office? Don't you see Mr. Eilish's intentions?"

Layla merely shrugged.

Just then, the phone on her desk rang.

"Is everything settled in?"

"Mr. Eilish."

Alice immediately dropped the potted plant she was holding and eagerly leaned in toward the handset.

"Cut it out," Layla nudged her away and gestured for her to step out. After ushering Alice out, Layla finally sat down, gathering her thoughts. "Yes, just organizing things."

"How do you like the new office?"

Layla scratched her head, "...It's a bit too spacious."

The office was large enough to comfortably accommodate thirty people, using it for just ten seemed excessive. Through the phone, she could hear Anthony's soft chuckle. "Isn't bigger better?"

"It just feels wasteful. And... me, having an office all to myself, doesn't feel right. Mr. Eilish, I've stated before, I don't require any special treatment."

"It's standard for the lead designer at Eilish Group, don't overthink it."

But with Nathan's precedent, it was challenging not to overthink. However, she didn't know how to approach the subject. She couldn't outright ask Anthony, "Do you have feelings for me?" That would be too forward.

"Are you free tonight? How about a dinner to welcome you on your first day at Eilish Group?"

"Shouldn't that be a group event?"

"We'll have a team dinner in a few days. Tonight, it's just the two of us." Anthony paused for a few seconds before adding, "I'd like to hear your thoughts on the project."

Layla almost blurted out: Are you brushing off billion-dollar deals to focus on my small project? She was rather flattered.

"How about seven tonight?"

"Alright."

"Great," Anthony said cheerfully. "I'll have my assistant make reservations. Get back to work, and I hope everything goes smoothly."

"Thank you."

As soon as she hung up, Alice rushed in panting, carrying a large box of snacks.

"Here, Mr. Eilish had these snacks specially delivered." She clicked her tongue, "If you say Mr. Eilish isn't interested in you, I'll eat my hat."

"Many companies provide snacks for their employees, it's very norma-" Layla stopped mid-sentence because the box was full of matcha-flavored snacks.

She felt a peculiar twist in her mood.