Chapter 242

"That was before. She said that it's best to eat oatmeal with milk for breakfast. It's good for the digestion." When Owen mentioned "her", there was an unintentional tenderness in his tone.

Layla couldn't help but admire this "her." She could make this rebellious and stubborn child obedient. Layla was really curious about what kind of person this girl was.

"I know 'she' is amazing, but I'm still single now. Stop showing off.

"By the way, when will you introduce her to me? I want to give you some advice." Layla smirked, feeling more energetic.

"Don't rush. I haven't confessed yet. Let's talk about it once we're in a relationship."

A soft sigh escaped Layla's lips as she observed the transformation in Owen. It was a testament to the power of love, she thought, how it could mold and shape a person. Once impulsive, Owen now exuded thoughtfulness and consideration in his actions.

Reflecting on this change, Layla couldn't help but ponder the profound impact of genuine affection. It seemed that when Owen found someone he truly cherished, he became acutely aware of his own vulnerabilities, treading cautiously and refraining from reckless behavior. Love, it appeared, had a way of inspiring self-reflection and restraint.

"Well, I'll wait for the good news. Since you're so handsome, she'll definitely agree," Layla said.

"You're really nosy," Owen said as he prepared oatmeal and brought it to the dining room. "From now on, I'll come over to accompany you every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday."

"You don't have to trouble yourself. I can take care of myself."

"That's not true! If I don't keep an eye on you, you definitely won't eat properly. It's settled. No objections allowed."

When Owen acted domineering, he didn't seem younger than her at all. He seemed like an elder brother to her. Layla was both touched and worried about troubling him.

To be honest, she had been with him for so many years. They have argued and fought and felt hatred toward each other. Eventually, they reconciled... Now, Layla sincerely sighed and felt that having a younger brother was really nice.

"Layla..."

"What's wrong?" she raised her gaze to look at him.

Owen lowered his head and casually said while eating his oatmeal, "The person who can't be with you for a lifetime, is ultimately not the right person. It's over, and you should move on."

In the following half month, Samuel didn't appear again.

Layla's life was like stagnant water, regular and calm, but soulless.

As Owen said, he came over three days a week. Each time, he brought food and some snacks. He slept on the couch at night. When he was there to chat with her, Layla's mood would temporarily improve. They both tacitly avoided mentioning Samuel.

During lunch break, Susan and Layla had just returned from the construction site. Susan needed to go back to the Holland Group to get some documents. Layla didn't dare to go up, so she waited downstairs.

Sitting in the car, she suddenly felt a bit suffocated. She rolled down the car window to breathe. A few women were enthusiastically discussing rumors while holding their phones.

"Mr. Holland and Miss Eilish were caught again last night... This is already the third time this month, right? They were apparently caught near a wedding dress shop. They're probably getting married."

"Yes, a friend who does wedding banquets said the wedding hall is already being decorated. The flowers were specially flown in from abroad."

"The marriage of this rich couple is bound to be very grand. The outside world is calling it the wedding of the century. I wonder if it will be broadcasted?"

"Miss Eilish is really lucky."

"I'm so envious!"

"I want to be a wealthy girl and marry a CEO too."

Layla's face grew pale.

Today was the first day of the month. In seven days, it would be Samuel and Nora's wedding day.

Layla had been deliberately avoiding looking at the date. She was afraid of this day, but at the same time, she cared more about its arrival than anyone else.

She had also thought that his marriage was a good thing, and she completely gave up all expectations. But the thought of it made her heart shatter into pieces.

At this moment, a good-looking couple walked out of the Holland Group building. The man was dressed in a suit, tall and handsome. The woman was tall and elegant, and even her smile was perfect.

They stood out, while everything else lost its color, and everyone's attention focused on them.

Layla felt a wave of nausea in her stomach. She quickly found a trash can and covered her mouth, but she nothing came out.

During this time, her morning sickness became increasingly frequent. She couldn't eat anything. She could only eat a little when Owen stared at her.

When she turned around, the beautiful couple had already gotten into the car and left. She only saw the back of the Bentley.

And there she was, in a sorry state, her eyes stinging red.

After a while, Susan walked out of the lobby and asked Layla to give her the car keys.

Once they were in the car, Susan handed her a pack of plums. "Eating two will make you feel better. That's what I did back then."

Layla was stunned. Then she realized that Susan had been pregnant before. She couldn't hide anything from Susan. Besides, they had been going out together quite often recently.

"I never thought of having a child. Oliver was an accident," Susan suddenly spoke.

Layla looked at her. This was the first time Susan had voluntarily talked about her personal life.

"When I found out I was pregnant, I was very surprised. I was excited and wanted to call him, but then I thought I should tell him in person. However, that was when I found out about his fiancée." Susan chuckled lightly, her tone casual. But no one knew how many sleepless nights and tears were hidden beneath her calm demeanor.

"That was when I found out he had been engaged for a year. And I was still intoxicated by the dream of being a princess. But instead of being a princess, I became his mistress."

Layla didn't know what to say, but she felt a bit uncomfortable in her heart. She thought, 'Do many women have such unfortunate experiences? They trusted the man completely, but all they received in the end was betrayal'

"I didn't call and curse at him. I just drank that night. My senior colleague took me home, and he waited downstairs for me. At that time, I really wanted to slap him hard, but I held back. I told him that I had slept with my senior colleague. When he was away on business trips, I frequently slept with other men. He was just one of many."

Layla was shocked.

Susan remained calm and lightly smiled. "Are you surprised by why I did that? At that time, I was only thinking of getting revenge on him. I wanted to hurt him the way he hurt me and make him experience the pain of betrayal too.

Layla never considered whether or not she regretted it. But at least it brought her a few years of peaceful life.

For a few years...

Layla thought, 'So Oliver's father really is Caleb? Everything now makes sense.' However, she suppressed her doubts.

Who it was didn't matter.

At this moment, Layla felt sorry for Susan and herself, and she admired Susan even more.

"I don't know your story, so I can't claim to fully understand your feelings. But one thing is certain, all the suffering and grievances are worth it, the moment the child is born." Susan turned her head and made eye contact with Layla. Susan smiled, gentle and motherly, a warmth that resonated deep into Layla's heart.

Layla never understood what the tenderness of motherhood meant, but Susan's gaze made her deeply understand.

No matter how strong and competent a woman was, when she became a mother, she became incredibly gentle.

That was the softest and most tender part of a woman's heart, with no reservations...

"Of course, it will be hard for the first few years after the child is born. But when you see your child grow up day by day, the exhaustion is worth it, and it brings happiness."

"Thank you, Mrs. Susan." Layla expressed her gratitude. In this moment, Susan was no longer a boss, but rather someone like a sister.

"I'll drive you back to the office now. I took the afternoon off to take my son to the amusement park." Susan smiled. "I promised him two months ago. I haven't been able to find the time. If I keep this up, he'll get angry."

"Have fun." Layla smiled slightly.

"Okay, if you need anything, give me a call."