Chapter 269

At that moment, Layla wished it was all just a dream. But this man was so prominent in the crowd. How could it be an illusion? It was Samuel...

She lowered her head, averting her gaze, and began to walk away.

Samuel followed behind her. "Let me help you carry that," he offered, reaching out his hand toward the medicine.

Layla avoided him.

"Are you not feeling well?

"Are you here for a prenatal check-up?

"What did the doctor say?

"What are these medicines for?"

He cautiously asked a series of questions.

Layla sneered. Then she replied, "Why don't you go check for yourself? Anyway, how did you find out where I am?"

"I'm not intentionally following you. I'm just worried about you coming to the hospital alone," Samuel responded.

"I've said that I don't like you following me." Layla didn't feel well and had no strength. She walked slowly, but her footsteps never stopped, not even for a second.

"Layla." Samuel took a step forward, blocking her path.

"Move aside!" she exclaimed.

"I'll take you home," Samuel offered.

"No need."

"Do you really plan to never see me again in the future?" Samuel asked, feeling hurt.

"Yes, I've made it clear before. If you don't understand, let me say it again." She looked into his eyes, her gaze unwavering. In those resolute eyes, there was a hint of impatience. "I don't want anything to do with you for the rest of my life, understand?

"The child is my responsibility. Whether the child is good or not is my business. It has nothing to do with you."

"How could it not concern me? He is also my child," Samuel emphasized.

"Are you trying to argue for custody?" Layla was feeling threatened.

Samuel denied, "Of course not. I hope we can co-parent."

Layla retorted, "Absolutely not! Samuel, there are plenty of women willing to have children with you, but me..." She choked up for a moment, forcing herself to remain strong. "I don't plan on having more children. Are you trying to take away my only one?"

Samuel had no words to respond.

He felt truly hurt. Why did she have to put them in such absolute opposition?

"If you still hold even a shred of our past relationship, please stop bothering me. I beg you to leave me and our child alone," Layla said and left.

She left Samuel alone, standing there with a sad and helpless expression.

The next afternoon, Layla was drawing when Levi walked up behind her.

"Not bad," he commented.

Layla was startled. "Mr. Marks."

"You're really focused when you work. I've been standing here for a while," Levi complimented. This young girl had the composure of a mature designer, which was quite rare.

"I have a small project for you. There's a company that needs renovations. Meet with their representative at 6 pm at the Moon and Star Restaurant next door. Don't be late," Levi instructed as he handed her a stack of documents.

By 5:30 pm, Layla had finished reviewing the documents. She already had a general idea for the design in her mind.

She organized the files and headed to the Moon and Star Restaurant, only to find Samuel waiting there.

She immediately understood what was going on and turned to leave.

"Layla," Samuel called after her. "We haven't talked yet."

"I won't take on this project, so there's nothing to talk about," Layla responded.

"But your company has already signed the contract. If you leave now, it's a breach of contract."

Layla was forced to stop, frowning as she turned back, feeling somewhat annoyed. "You said you would compensate me, but you followed me and now you're forcing me. Samuel, you've gone too far."

"I know I've gone too far, but I have no other choice. Layla, I can't go on without seeing you." Samuel had never sounded so powerless. During this time, he tried his best not to appear in front of her, but he couldn't take it anymore.

Every day, he wondered if she was doing well. He wanted to be by her side, to hug her, to take care of her. If he couldn't see her again, he would go crazy.

"But I don't want to see you. Samuel, please stop playing these tricks, okay? It's really disgusting," Layla expressed her disgust without reservation.

"Could you at least sit down? Let's have a proper conversation. I don't want to see our relationship so tense. At least let me treat you to a dinner. I promise I won't trouble you anymore," Samuel pleaded.

After a moment of hesitation, Layla finally sat down.

She remained silent.

Samuel ordered so much food that the table was covered with dishes.

"Eating fish is good for pregnant women," he said as he pointed to a fish dish.

"This soup is also good and please eat more vegetables too," he added, motioning toward a plate of greens on the table.

Samuel couldn't remember the last time they had a meal together. He hoped she would try all the dishes.

"You don't have to do this. I will eat." Layla forced herself to eat more. She wanted to gain some weight. At 80 pounds, she felt too skinny.

"It's so good to be able to sit with you," Samuel stated, sighing, his eyes filled with sadness.

Layla knew he was unhappy too, but if they continued to be together, they were destined to torment each other. She had to end everything soon.

Suddenly, Samuel confessed, "Layla, I miss you every day. I regret not protecting you and letting you suffer so much because of Owen's situation. I know you will never forgive me for a lifetime."

Layla paused. She felt like the food was stuck in her throat. It was difficult for her to speak.

Samuel continued, "I would rather you hate me than continue to torture yourself in pain. Please snap yourself out of the grievance. Time will heal all wounds. Give me a chance to make amends. Let's start over."

"I can't do it," Layla said firmly. "I can't forget Owen's death."

"But is that what he would want to see? Do you really want to continue torturing yourself with guilt?" Samuel asked.

She replied, "If I continue to be with you, then I will forever live in sin. I can't forget it even more."

"But the child is innocent..."

"And wasn't Owen? He was only nineteen. What did he do wrong?" Layla retorted.

"He did nothing wrong, but he's already dead. We can't change the past, but we can change the future. We can give the baby a complete home. You can't even take care of yourself; how will you support a child?" Samuel pointed out.

Layla's heart trembled. "I will find a way," she replied, her voice determined. She had been telling herself that all along.

"What will you do if you have no money? How will you give him the best education in the future?"

"I don't necessarily need to give him the best education. I just want him to be healthy and safe. That's enough," Layla answered, her gaze unwavering.

Samuel shook his head. "You'll know once the child is born. You will only want the best for him. But you can't even provide a basic complete family for him, let alone anything else.

"You can't punish him for my mistakes by letting him be born into a fatherless family.

"Layla, I won't fight you for custody, but I hope you can consider the child. Let us give him a complete home. You said there won't be any more children, and I feel the same. He is the only one in this life for me, and so are you." Samuel looked at her affectionately, his gaze determined.

Layla's mind was in chaos. His words put a lot of pressure on her and made her heart even more chaotic.

At that moment, the phone rang.