Chapter 159

The sight of the towering figure in the black suit was enough to set a multitude of hearts aflutter, a fact made evident by the collective gasps that echoed through the room.

Samuel, donned in his razor-sharp black suit, projected an imposing presence. His broad shoulders, long powerful legs, and towering height of 6 feet 2 inches exuded an aura of royalty.

Yet, his expression was icy, so frigid that it seemed to radiate a warning to keep one's distance. He was a figure to be admired from afar, but never approached.

Layla's face turned ghostly white, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. He passed her by as if there were miles between them, his demeanor radiating indifference and an untouchable frostiness.

It was as if they were strangers, separated by vast expanses of clouds and earth.

Just days prior, he had held her in his lap, peppering her cheeks with affectionate kisses, indulging in her whimsical charm.

But upon waking from what felt like a dream, she began to question if any of it had been real at all.

Her heart twisted in agony.

Suddenly, Layla gasped for air, a wave of dizziness forcing her to stumble backward.

"Layla!" Alice cried out in concern, rushing to her side.

"Are you okay, Layla? What's wrong?"

"Layla..."

With her breath coming in short gasps, Layla collapsed to the floor, her head heavy as lead, her eyelids sinking like anchors.

Struggling to keep her eyes open just a sliver, she watched his retreating figure pause for a moment before he strode away, disappearing from her sight.

He didn't love her anymore.

To him, she was now a stranger.

Tears streamed down her face as Layla closed her eyes in despair.

"Call a doctor."

Samuel couldn't help himself as he reached the door.

"Right away, boss." Mr. Vandella thought to himself, 'The boss still cares about Miss Adkins.'

Layla was plagued by a long, torturous dream.

In it, Samuel rejected her, pushing her away, indifferent to her pleading at his feet. His departure was resolute, not once looking back.

Her heart ached as if torn to shreds.

"Don't go, don't leave me..."

"Samuel..." Layla's pleas were soaked in tears as she awoke to the sight of a stark white wall.

"Layla, you're awake."

"Can you hear me?" Alice waved a hand in front of her, "Layla?"

With a choked sob, Layla's throat felt raw, as if filled with sand grinding away to draw blood.

"Alice..."

"Thank God, you're okay," Alice sighed with relief. "The doctor said it was stress affecting the pregnancy, but thank goodness we got you to the hospital in time. You're out of danger. However, you're weak from lack of proper nutrients, and you need to take care. Plus, avoid disturbing your emotions too much, or it could happen again."

"You didn't tell me you were pregnant, you scared me half to death."

"I'm sorry."

"Is it the CEO's child?" Alice whispered, "Did you two break up? He didn't even glance your way when you fainted. That's heartless, considering you're carrying his child. If he's being cruel and irresponsible, that's unforgivable."

Layla shook her head, "It's not his fault, I'm the one to blame. Alice, can you keep this between us?"

"Of course. But you still have to work? The doctor said you're not well and suggested you go home and rest, stop working."

"I need the money."

"How much can you really do with that little salary? The CEO won't abandon his own child, will he? With his wealth, just a fraction would be enough for you and the child..."

"I won't ask him for money. As long as he allows me to keep the baby, I'll be grateful." Layla caressed her belly, a wave of sadness washing over her. She was haunted by the feeling that the chance he would let her keep the child was slim.

The most likely outcome would be him forcing her to terminate the pregnancy and cutting off all ties.

It was what she had once hoped for, yet now it was as agonizing as being drained of her very lifeblood.

Alice opened her mouth but didn't know what to say-she was just as ignorant about what the future held, afraid any more words might just make things worse for Layla.

For now, she could only offer some words of encouragement.

"Hey, don't you worry, everything's going to work out just fine. Don't think too much and focus on getting some rest. I've taken a couple of days off to keep you company," Alice said with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Alice." Layla was flooded with gratitude. She always hated to be a burden, but right now she felt exceptionally vulnerable. The thought of staying in the hospital alone terrified her.

"Don't mention it. If you think I'm up to the task, I'd be honored to be your baby's godmother."

Layla managed a wry smile. "I hope so."

Afternoon.

"Dr. Nora, Dr. Nora!" the nurse hurried to catch up with Nora Eilish. "We need your signature on this surgery report."

"Okay." Nora Eilish took it, her handwriting impeccable.

The nurse looked at her with admiration. "Dr. Nora, the patient's relatives kept saying you're an angel in disguise."

Nora Eilish, born into wealth and known for her beauty and kindness, was highly spoken of by everyone at the hospital.

"Thank you," Nora smiled.

Her gaze suddenly froze.

There was Layla, in a hospital gown, soaking up the sunshine not far away with another woman.

Layla looked pale and drawn.

Was she ill? The stress too much to handle?

Samuel had gone to Boston and hadn't stayed with her. It seemed they had broken up.

Nora had seen it coming. No man could tolerate betrayal from his woman.

Layla deserved it; mistresses never had happy endings.

Two nurses walked by.

"How did your blind date go last night?"

"Don't ask. The guy thought I was too old at 28."

"Old? But nowadays, women marry young. Look at that girl over there, only 21 and already pregnant."

"She is pretty. No wonder I keep failing at dating; men prefer twenty-something girls."

Nora's face tightened, taking on an ugly edge of tension.

Layla is pregnant?

She and Nathan never slept together, which means the baby must be Samuel's?

Nora Eilish hadn't even had a chance to catch her breath when even bigger problems hit.

The pressure came crashing down on her, making her head spin.

Yet, Nora Eilish was no ordinary woman. Her heartbeat, chaotic just a moment before, now steadied.

She squinted and clenched her fists tightly.

She could dethrone Layla as the favorite, and she could make her lose the child.

Dusk. The sky was aglow.

Layla was tired from standing so long and wanted to return to her hospital room.

"Man, your constant frown is gonna drag me down with you," Alice sighed heavily. "I'm not fond of your doom and gloom act. When will I get the old bubbly and charming Layla back?"

The old Layla...

Layla couldn't help but give a bitter laugh.

Had she never met Samuel, she'd still be optimistic.

But had she not met him, her life would bear an immense void.

Her heart ached like it was being unraveled.

She didn't regret meeting him, though.

It was simply that they were star-crossed; briefly their paths crossed, and now she faced a lifetime of pain.

Alice helped her back to her room before heading to the cafeteria to buy dinner.

"Hey, sis, you're looking great, how about throwing in a couple extra chicken cutlets..." Alice was sweet-talking the lady serving food, oblivious to the quick switch that happened with the soup she'd set aside.