Chapter 4
s.O
By the time I returned with the necklace, the house was already filled with laughter and cheerful voices.
I raised
my hand to knock, but before my knuckles touched the wood, a chorus of excitement rang out-
“Welcome…!”
Leo’s bright smile froze the moment he saw me.]]
“You?” His voice was sharp, almost startled.[]
It was clear he hadn’t expected me to come back.]
And he certainly hadn’t expected me to actually return the necklace.]
For a moment, he just stared at the delicate silver chain in my outstretched hand, disbelief flickering across his face. Then, slowly, he reached out and took it.
ear.]
He hesitated, then leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear.
“Chloe,” he murmured, his voice low and warning, “we’ve always been good together, right? So do me a favor tonight–don’t cause any trouble.“[]
I stiffened, but he continued, his tone casual, as if this were a simple request between old friends.
“Layla is sensitive. She overthinks things. Don’t say anything that might upset her, okay?”]
I didn’t respond.
e?]]
Layla was sensitive? And what about me?
Was I supposed to be immune to all of this?]
I looked at the man I had loved for half my life, the man who had once been my entire world. And yet, at this moment, he felt like nothing more than a stranger.[]
A cold, hollow feeling settled in my chest.]
Ten minutes later, Layla arrived, escorted inside by a mutual acquaintance.[]
The older relatives immediately warmed to her, chatting animatedly as if they had known her for years.]
That was why my parents had come tonight too–not just for casual conversation, but for something more deliberate. Subtle but unmistakable–discussions of family status, financial stability, and future plans slipped seamlessly into the polite exchanges.[]
And Leo?
He sat beside Layla, his every movement instinctively protective, attentive.
He wasn’t acting like the man I knew–the one who had always been so indifferent to love, so reluctant to commit.]]
Tonight, he was playing the part of a smitten, earnest fiancé–to–be, like some love–struck boy experiencing his first romance.]
I was an outsider here.
It had nothing to do with me anymore.[]
So when I saw a chance to slip away unnoticed, I took it.
Or at least, I tried to.]
Just as I was about to get up, Layla turned to me, her voice soft and curious.
“So, you must be Chloe, right? I’ve heard so much about you.“[]
I paused.]
3AM Betrayal With The Neighbor My Childhood Stale His Empire To Claim Mel
