Chapter 3

Layla

It's been six months now since the divorce was finalized and that was the last time I saw Nathan.

I have to admit that it was difficult to adapt to my living situation as I came to New York and had to start afresh, but now I can handle myself.

I wanted nothing to do with Nathan, which meant cutting off all ties that would link me back to anyone from the Partridge family.

His siblings have always been so full of themselves so it was easy, except one of them has an adorable little girl who's fond of me. Still, it was best to cut all ties with them.

Not only did I block Nathan's personal and work phone numbers, I even blocked him on social media so he'd never contact me again and I don't have to see what he's up to.

Even though Pamela still travels a lot, we stay in touch. During the first few weeks after the divorce, Nathan called her a few times to find out where I was. Being the loyal best friend she is to me, she's refused to tell him anything each time.

I eventually told her about the divorce since I couldn't hide it from her.

And to think I was willing to fight for my marriage so it would work out.

I rarely speak to my mother and she hates me now that it's all over for us. She only ever saw me as someone she could use.

This is why I miss my father. Things were so much better when he was still alive.

My studies are difficult but I believe I can do this. I've always had a keen interest in finance. That's why I plan to give it my best.

My online session for the morning lasts an hour each and now that this has come to an end, it's time to take a break from the computer.

I quickly change into my joggers, tank top and sneakers, then go out for a run after carrying a bottle of water.

The morning sun is already high up but it's beautiful as it hits my glowing face. I've been taking good care of my skin, and the results are obvious.

Slowly, I've learned to heal from the miscarriage. Because we didn't want to know the sex of the baby, we bought so many toys.

Now I keep two toys with me. One is blue and the other is pink. Looking at them still brings me some pain but at the same time, it puts a smile on my face because one day, I'll be able to see those baby toys being played with.

As I jog along the quiet street, I spot a tall man running down the stairs of his house. He's in a white muscle shirt and gray sweatpants, with a cap on his head which shadows his face.

To mind my own business, I face ahead, running at a slow pace.

A few minutes later, I hear quick footsteps from behind me.

"Excuse me, Miss." His voice is shaky from running but still gentle.

Though this is the first time I've seen him in this small neighborhood, he's not the first to approach me like this and usually, the guys are perverts so I started ignoring whoever approached me.

I now only focus on my goals of graduating and getting a job.

To ignore him, I run faster but that only makes him pick up the pace.

"You do realize you can't outrun me, right?" he says to me.

Though I sense him looking at me from the side, I don't even bother to directly face him.

So I pick up the pace and run as fast as my legs can carry me.

For a moment, it feels like I'm about to get rid of him, but he's way faster than I am and he blocks the way.

I'm so exhausted that when I stop running before our bodies clash from the impact of my speed, I place my hands on my knees, trying to catch my breath.

My clothes are already drenched in sweat.

"I just want to talk." He doesn't even sound like he's out of breath, unlike me.

Without looking up, I wipe the sweat from my forehead and say, "Go away."

"Only if you tell me your name. I'm Louis."

"Go away, Louis."

"Your name?"

"No."

"Can you at least look at me?"

"No."

"Come on."

I huff, thinking he won't leave me alone until I look at him. The one thing that sets him apart from the other guys I've encountered is how he hasn't yet said anything sexual.

Just to see the face of the one who has managed to stand out, I straighten up and look at him, my eyes widening a little at how handsome he is now that he's taken off his cap.

"See! I'm not that ugly!" He playfully points at his face while shaking his head.

He's not that ugly? Is he kidding? He's very attractive.

"Finally got your attention, huh? I'm Louis." He smiles at me, his pearly whites on display.

"You already told me that."

"I know."

"Then why did you say it again?"

"So you could easily speak to me."

I scoff.

"You're unbelievable."

"No, I'm Louis. And you are?"

Though I shake my head in disbelief, I'm amused by how silly he is.

"I'm Layla."

"Beautiful name for the beautiful lady who's about to jog with me."

"What?"

"Come on. Let's go."

I'm hesitant at first but he's so persuasive that I finally give in.

As we jog together, we barely talk, but it naturally feels like we don't have to. He's so calm and collected despite being silly.

He also doesn't ask any questions that could make me uncomfortable.

"So," he says after a while. "Are you living here with family?"

"Not at all. I'm alone."

"And how long have you been here?"

"It's been six months now."

"That's definitely way longer than me since I just moved here. Do you like it here?"

I think about everything I've been through and smile. "Yes, I like it a lot."

After that, we both fall silent but I can't stop glancing at him. The more I think about it, the more I feel like I know him. His face seems so familiar. Who is he?