Chapter thirteen.

Layla's POV.

I was driving home from work when I sighted a fancy restaurant, my stomach rumbled just in time, and I drove right in.

Adrian had planned to join me for lunch after work, but last minute he’d been called to handle a client. I told him I didn’t mind. In truth, I was relieved. I needed space to pull myself together.

Aside the fact that I've been avoiding long conversations that could hint at my divorce and it's details, The last few days had also been… strange.

I’d spent them trying not to think about Liam’s absence, throwing myself into work, pretending that the new structure of my days was enough to fill the void he’d left behind. But the quiet moments betrayed me. That was when I missed him most.

I ordered a simple meal: grilled salmon, salad, and a glass of water.

By the time my food arrived, I’d begun to relax. I’d even managed to enjoy the view through the tall windows, where the city buzzed with life.

And then, just as I lifted my glass, I heard a voice, a familiar