Chapter 342
In the quiet night, Layla found herself pulled into Samuel's embrace, unable to break free. Her heart slowly calmed down as she leaned against his strong chest.
His steady heartbeat was incredibly reassuring.
Only when she was with him could Layla's mood be completely at peace. It seemed even if the outside world was in turmoil, she felt she had nothing to worry about.
She was filled with a sense of security, something only he could bring.
Samuel held her hand, gently playing with her fingers. "I'm happy to see you jealous today."
"I wasn't jealous," Layla emphasized again.
"You were. When you're jealous, you look like a kitten swatting with its paws." Samuel chuckled. "It's adorable."
Layla remained silent. She suspected he was a masochist, enjoying it when others were harsh with him.
"Everything will be fine, won't it?" Samuel murmured.
Time would heal all wounds, fading away pain and hatred. Love would eventually conquer everything, bringing two hearts closer together.
Layla pondered. She didn't know if the wounds in her heart would ever heal, but the pain now had lessened compared to before. At least she no longer stayed up all night, crying in her dreams. Her shattered heart was slowly mending.
'People always have to move on from past and step into a new life.' She thought.
Just as Samuel said, people alive should strive to be better.
In the morning, Layla rubbed her eyes and entered the kitchen. Samuel, in his shirt with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, was skillfully and elegantly flipping eggs onto a plate.
Unlike before, this time, his movements were skillful, calm and unhurried.
Even just seeing his back was like looking at a beautiful painting, making her think how pleasant life could be.
"Morning." He turned gently with a smile when he heard her footsteps.
Layla pursed her lips, feeling a bit embarrassed by his charming smile.
They had already shared the most intimate moments and spent the night together. But every time he smiled, it made her heart race.
But Layla thought she was being very reserved. Any other woman might not want to leave his side for a second.
Then, Samuel's words echoed in her ear. "You need energy to do what you want to do."
The egg yolk was golden without a hint of burning.
"You can actually cook!"
"My current skills are probably on par with Michelin-starred chefs," Samuel said casually.
"You're not modest at all."
"I have a certificate. Do you want to see it?"
"You actually went to get certified?" Layla was surprised. 'A CEO one who can cook.' she thought.
"You laughed at me before, so I found a teacher recently."
By "recently," Samuel meant the time they'd been apart.
Samuel cut the fried eggs, exchanged plates with her, and slowly said, "I wanted to learn more during that time to cook for you. By the way, I also got a nutritionist certificate, specializing in nutrition for pregnant women. You can leave that to me in the future."
Layla was touched by how much he had done for her.
Just as she was feeling moved, Samuel smirked.
"Love is shown through actions, not just words, right?"
Her feelings of being touched vanished instantly.
Layla, feeling a mix of anger and amusement, said, "Is your stomach no longer hurting?"
"With your careful care, it's already recovered."
"I knew you were pretending last night."
Samuel leaned in, his eyes flashing with mischief, teasing, "You knew I was pretending and still took me home? Do you have ill intentions toward me?"
'Damn it! I fell for his trick!' she thought.
Blushing and not ready with a retort, Samuel laughed and ruffled her head. "I knew you cared about me."
"Samuel! If I let you stay at my house again, I'll kill myself."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes!"
"What's wrong with taking me in? You have someone to warm you at night, a pillow to hug, a chef, and a driver in the morning. It's a win-win situation."
"You're the one who wins."
Samuel nodded. "It's mutually beneficial."
"Shrewd businessman," Layla grumbled.
Biting into the egg, she suddenly remembered something. "What time is it now?"
"Eight o'clock."
"What? Eight o'clock? Oh no, I have something important to attend to at eight." Layla dropped her fork, feeling extremely anxious.
Samuel held her wrist. "Since you're already late, you might as well finish your breakfast."
"Not really! Don't you have any sense of responsibility?"
"I'm the boss. I don't need it."
Layla cursed under her breath.
"Finish your milk and eggs. I'll drive you there."
"It's too late."
"Are you sure you want to waste time arguing with me?" Samuel's look clearly said if she didn't eat, she wasn't going anywhere.
"You're so bossy."
Fifteen minutes later, the Rolls-Royce parked at the company's back entrance.
Layla kept muttering, "I'm late. I'm late."
"Don't rush. Be careful not to fall." Samuel remained calm. He thought she was always a bit impatient.
"You jinx."
"Can I take you out for dinner tonight?"
"We'll see."
"I'll take that as a yes."
Before Layla could say more, she hurriedly opened the door and rushed inside the building.
The atmosphere was off today, with employees whispering in groups.
Levi's office door was tightly closed.
"What's going on?"
"Layla, you're late. Guess who's in the boss's office?"
"Who?"
"Nora."
Layla's mind flashed with a thought. 'Nora was like a ghost.' she thought.
She knew Nora wouldn't let her off easily. 'Is this her way of getting back at me?' she thought.
"Huh? Do you know who Nora is? She's the heiress of the Eilish family, the second largest family in our city. She's the one Samuel publicly dumped at the altar."
"So elegant."
"So beautiful."
"And she's so tall."
Gossip filled the air.
"Samuel's new love doesn't look as good as her, and her family background is not as influential as Miss Eilish's."
"If I were one-tenth as pretty as her, I'd be the most fortunate person in the world."
"She might have been dumped, but she still looks so composed and confident,"
"Why is she here? Is she planning to acquire our company?"
"That's impossible. The Eilish Group is a major player. We're just a small fry. They wouldn't bother with us."
"Then what does she want? Maybe a design project?" The speculation continued.
"Layla, say something."
Layla just shook her head. 'What could I say? Nora is clearly targeting me, and I have no idea what trouble she might stir up,' she thought.
As everyone speculated, the door to Levi's office opened.