Chapter 23
* Next day *
” We’re back here again ” Mirah breathe in that air as they got to the restaurant’s gate. The gatekeeper opened the gate for them and made their way in.
Every other workers were just resuming and they greeted each other.
” Gosh, back again for lots of stress ” Lila, one of the waitress groaned.
” Lazy ass ” Mirah muttered but Lila heard her clearly. She released a short laugh as they both walked into the restaurant.
” I think we’re a bit late ” Mirah muttered to Layla as they both rushed to where other workers were standing, awaiting Allen who had called them for a brief meeting.
” No, we’re not, it’s 9am on dot ” Layla whispered back.
Almost immediately, Allen walked over to them in his dashing suit. ” Not like he’s one rich CEO ” Lila hissed silently and Layla couldn’t help but let out a chuckle and that diverted Allen’s attention to her. He passed her a short glare before replacing it with a smirk and that almost made her shrink on her spot. Why’s he acting so weird all of a sudden? Seems her suspicions her true.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
She averted her gaze from his and he cleared his throat to ensure their attention was on his.
” We’re back fully now, all thanks to you guys great work, the long awaited wedding was successfully… tho it was called off before, but we’re glad we were contacted again… So, you guys did a great job and ’cause of this,, we have decided to award you guys twice your actual payment… ” He took a pause as he listened briefly to the worker’s excitement as they mumbled amongst themselves in joy. But, Layla and Mirah weren’t really touched, they only stared on.
” That’s enough! ” He called them to order in a stern voice and immediately, their voices went down.
” Y’all can return back to work ” He said and with that, walked out of sight but not without sparing Layla a glance which felt disturbing to her.
” Are you okay? ” Mirah tapped Layla who looked suddenly lost.
” Allen wouldn’t stop sparing me glances, it’s weird… I really think he’s aware about the contract ” She muttered to her friend. Mirah let out a huff,, ” Come on, didn’t we talk about this?, Shane’s got everything under his control, you shouldn’t worry at all ” Mirah assured and she nodded.
With that, they walked away to the counter ready to take orders.
*****
* Shane’s Mansion *
Shane sighed for the umpteenth time as he rolled from one side of his bed to the other. He planned on getting a rest today and not going to work, but it’s seeming fruitless right now. He can’t get enough sleep.
Brielle hadn’t made an attempt to text or call him, probably to apologize or make a complaint about him going on with the wedding without him. It seems she doesn’t really care. And strangely, he doesn’t too. All that’s on his head right now is HER, Layla.
He can’t seem to stop thinking about her, the moments they spent together. The fights, arguments, laughs, smiles, dinners, breakfast, meetings, he just can’t get them out of his head.
The outing to the market, the little magic show he watched with her, the excitement look on her face while watching, all that’s playing on his head. The seer’s words!. He kept pondering on it. It’s seeming true right now.
” you’re confused.. your love for her is gradually fading without you knowing,, your heart.. it’s beating for someone else.. ”
Is she right? His love for Brielle is gradually fading away, he can’t help it. She’s making him lose interest.
He grabbed his phone and scrolled through his gallery. His gaze landed on an image of Layla he took secretly while her eyes were shut, when they were both sitted in the car. She looked so cute and peaceful. Her long eyelashes, her close eyelids,, he couldn’t help but stare more at them. Then, his eyes caught her small pink lips.
He flashed back to when he almost kissed her after the wedding and he unconsciously released a smile. He shut his eyes deeply as he switched off his phone. Seems, seeing Layla’s image alone is making him calm as he’s suddenly feeling sleepy.
He shut his eyelids more tightly and before he knew it, he dozed off completely.
****
* The Girl’s Apartment ”
” I’m glad he didn’t say a thing to me ” Layla said as the two settled on the couch.
” I keep hating him daily, he seems more like a flirt now… I caught him smooching Alina ( a waitress at the restaurant ) right in his office,, even noticing my presence, they didn’t stop ” Mirah said in disgust.
” I hate him more ” Layla commented.
” Let’s go prepare dinner ” Layla muttered and grabbed Layla’s arm, dragging her into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Layla’s phone rang out loudly but they weren’t aware, the kitchen is a bit far away from the living room.
***
” Gosh, I’m so enjoying this ” Mirah moaned as she munched on her meal. They prepared macaroni and cheese and the aroma coming from it alone can make one’s mouth water endlessly.
” Stop moaning bi**tch ” Layla teased and Mirah laughed out loud.
” You better don’t choke on your food ” Layla cautioned and that ended the laughter.
Layla grabbed her phone and noticed she missed a call.
” Wow, Shane called some hours ago! ” Layla said loudly in suprise.
” He did? ” Mirah asked and she nodded.
” We must be in the kitchen then ” Mirah muttered as she dumped a mouthful of cheese into her mouth and chewed on them slowly.
” Yeah ” Layla replied as she dialed Shane’s number. It rang continuously but they got no reply from him. He didn’t pick. ” He’s probably asleep ” Mirah muttered. ” Or working…. He works late at night ” Layla correcting. Mirah let out a scoff.
” Yeah, whatever ” She muttered, dipping more cheese into her mouth.
****
* Yummy Restaurant *
” Great, you’re here today again ” Allen suddenly said as he approached Layla who stood by the counter together with Mirah, while the others were busy serving the customers.
” Sorry?.. ” Layla asked unsure of what she was to say.
” I thought you’re rich now?, Seems you got a lot of money as a pay from him… ” He said with a smirk playing on his lips.
” Sorry, but I don’t get you sir,, if you would please excuse us,, we have to attend to customers ” Layla said, suddenly grabbing a tray, she wanted to get away from him. She walked out of the counter and made to leave but he stopped her with a raise of his hands.
” Not too fast baby girl ” He muttered, licking his lips seductively.
” Well, I asked you out on a date but you refused, and now that I think of it… You’re just a fvcking Gold digger who’s interested in getting married to someone else’s husband! ” Immediately he voiced out those words. Layla’s expression changed, how dare he call her a gold digger!. Her expression changed to an angry one. Mirah who was right beside her couldn’t contain her anger too.
” How dare you accuse her of those shitty things!? ” She shouted angrily. By now, almost everyone in the restaurant had thur eyes on them. Tho, they aren’t aware of what happened, since they only started to pay attention to then when Mirah shouted.
” Oh, you’re defending your friend, I shouldn’t be surprised right?. You two are just gold diggers! ” He said and that earned him a slap from Layla and everyone gasped out loudly.
” I don’t give a fvck if you’re older than me or you’re one rich man!!!, But you have no fvcking right to accuse me of things I didn’t do or call me names!!, I’m not a bitch like your daughter!!! ” Layla yelled in anger, her blood running so fast in her veins.
One could notice her eyes go bloodshot. ” I have my dignity and respect and I wouldn’t have one silly and stu**pid man!!, Say shitty and wrong things about me!! ” She yelled, taking even the supervisor in suprise.
” Layla!!!.. ” Allen yelled in anger.
” You shut the fvck up!!, I’m not a gold digger!, You can call your daughter one instead, but I’m not and I wouldn’t tolerate a flirty old guy like you call me one, cause I didn’t give in to your foolish demands ” Layla yelled angrily. She turned to leave but he gripped her hand.
” How dare you!!!? ” He yelled angrily and made to slap her but a strong hold prevented him from doing so.
T B C