HOT BATH
Nolan carried Layla to his car as he helped her go inside carefully.
“How are you?” He asked with concern in his eyes after getting into the car also.
There was no way he was going to spare Scarlet for anything. Not after what she did to Layla.
“I’m good…” Layla sniffled as she fought back her tears.
“You’re not good,” Nolan said gently, but firmly. “And that’s okay. You’ve been through a lot. But you don’t have to hide how you’re feeling from me. I’m here for you.”
Layla looked at him with wide eyes, a little surprised by his compassion. She had expected him to be angry with her for causing such a scene at his company, but instead he was offering her comfort and understanding. It was more than she could have hoped for.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice shaking.
“I don’t know what to do, Nolan. I don’t just know what to do, scarlet just won’t let me be. She’s hellbent on destroying. I’m confused…” A sob slipped Layla’s lips, as she couldn’t take it anymore.
She was trying to be strong a while ago, but now, she just couldn’t take it anymore.
Nolan turned to Layla, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder.
“It’s okay to feel confused, Layla,” he said gently. “And it’s okay to cry. This is a lot to deal with. Just let it all out.”
Layla sobbed, tears streaming down her face. “I don’t know how to make her stop,” she uttered, through her tears.
“She just won’t give up. She’s determined to make my life a living hell.”
“Scarlet is my sister and I’ve done a lot for her. I always put her first. But I have no idea what I’ve done to her and her mother to hate me this much. None of it is my fault..” Layla stated. She could see the hatred in scarlet eyes and it hurt her so much to know a person she loved that much would hate her so much.
Nolan listened as Layla poured out her heart, his expression full of sympathy, he felt so bad for her. She has been through so much and she tries so hard to remain strong.
“You don’t deserve this,” he said when she had finished.
“No matter what happened between you and your sister, no one deserves to be treated the way you’ve been treated. You have every right to feel hurt and angry.”
“But what can I do?” Layla asked, her voice breaking. “I feel so powerless. I don’t want to keep fighting, but I don’t want to just let her walk all over me.”
“Don’t worry I promise you that Scarlet will never be able to taunt you…” he swore. His men had already held her hostage. He’d deal so much with her that when she saw Layla next time, she’d make sure to get a 100 meters away from her.
Layla was taken aback by Nolan’s words. She knew that he had the power to make good on his promise and she also knew how ruthless he could be.
If he was to punish Scarlet, she wouldn’t make it out, the same way she was captured.
“I don’t want you to hurt her,” she uttered, her voice trembling.
“I know you’re capable of it, but I just… I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“Please…” she begged.
“Don’t do anything to her…” Layla pleaded again.
“Layla, I promise you, I won’t do anything that you wouldn’t want me to do,” Nolan assured.
“But you need to trust me to handle this in the best way possible. You don’t need to worry about a thing. I’ll take care of everything.” Layla felt a wave of relief wash over her.
“Thank you…” she muttered.
“I think you should go visit your parents..” Nolan suggested out of the blue as Layla looked up and their eyes met.
It’s been months since she last saw her father.
The last time she called, Rosalie picked the call up and warned her never to call again.
“You think that would help?” Layla asked, a bit surprised by the suggestion. She hadn’t thought about going home in a long time, and the idea was both frightening and alluring.
“I don’t know if they’ll want to see me. I haven’t spoken to them for so long.”
“They’re your parents” Nolan said.
“You don’t understand Nolan…”
“Rosalie hates me, my father thinks I’m a disappointment. There’s a chance of me getting hurt if I go there. Rosalie is feral…” Layla pointed out. She could probably talk to her father and work things out but Rosalie was a problem.
“Don’t worry Layla. I’m with you…” Nolan said to her affectionately as he wiped off the little ball of tears at the corner of her eyes.
“You’re so sweet,” Layla said, her voice trembling slightly.
“You deserve to be cared for,” Nolan said. “And I’m honored that you trust me enough to let me be the one to do it.”
“I’m lucky to have you,” Layla smiled. “I can’t imagine my life without you in it now.” She added.
“Me too..” Nolan whispered, planting a kiss on her lips.
“Let’s get you home..” he announced, turning the ignition switch.
“You deserve a relaxing bath, good food and a good long siesta..” he smiled widely as Layla blushed.
Layla sighed, sinking into the seat as Nolan started driving.
“That sounds wonderful,” she said.
“Just the thought of a hot bath and a soft bed is making me feel better already.”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
“That’s the spirit,” Nolan said, a smile in his voice.