Layla POV “So? What are we doing today?” Jo asks as I flop next to her on the couch. She is typing away on her laptop, and when she is done, her eyes meet mine, and she closes it. “I’m done,” she says, smiling. She got the day off of work today to spend it with me.  After Richard left last night, I felt empty, and all I wanted to do was cry. I hate how he makes me think; I hate that I am growing attached to a man that treated me like shit in public to shower me in sweetness in private. I know I shouldn’t care, but I do.  “I don’t know, I kind of just want to stay home and watch movies,” I say, and Jo shakes her head.  “No way in hell, nope, we’re not staying home like two old ladies. We are going out, maybe do some shopping?” she says, and I take a deep breath as she stands up and offers me her hand. I take it

Richard POV "You know how Savanna is," Dylan says, and I shake my head. I can't believe I am letting him convince me to do this. Just because he is in this weird relationship with her doesn't mean I have to endure her presence and go on a blind date to satisfy her needs.  "You owe me big time," I say, and he chuckles, taking his scotch to his lips. He closes his eyes as the liquid goes down and takes a deep breath.  "So, how are things with Layla?" he asks, and I look at him sideways while I close my laptop. The remodeling is almost done, and I have spent the entire day here supervising everything, getting everything that she might need. A microwave, a bigger fridge, snacks of all sorts, a coffee machine, and a hot chocolate station. Even the bathroom was remodeled. Everything suited to her needs.  "She keeps

Layla POV“Hey, do you want me to drop the letter off at your work when I go out?” Jo asks while we eat our breakfast. She had been incredible all night; she slept with me, cradling and helping me make sense of my life. “Yes, please,” I say before bringing a spoon full of Froot Loops into my mouth. I don’t want to see him or anyone that works at that place anymore. He chose her, and I decided to move on with my life, far away from him, far away from any Ashford, for that matter. I have had my phone turned off since last night. I don’t want my mother to call me and make me cry again. I am going to spend the day mourning the life I could have had if Louise didn’t make an appearance, and after grieving all day, I will move on tomorrow. I will find another job, I will start

Richard POV “Are you two stuffy asses ready?” Dylan asks as he enters the living room, followed by Mia, that is dressed like a whore. In what world did he think that what she wore was appropriate for a sixteen-year-old? She looks like she is twenty-something, her makeup is dark, and it’s too much. No way in hell my little girl will be dressed like that.  “What the fuck are you wearing?” I bark at her, and she flinches, looking down at her dress, and her eyes meet Dylan’s and then mine.  “It’s just a dress and some makeup,” she says, and I shake my head, pointing at the stairs. “Go get changed right now, and while you’re there, wash your face,” I say, and her eyes meet Dylan’s again before she groans in frustration and walks up the stairs. She knows better than to argue with me about that. I am not changing my mind, and I will never allow her to get dressed like tha

Layla POV I walk back to work, and as I sit at my desk, I open my laptop and type "Ashford," and Amelia Ashford appears first. I guess that's his daughter. I open the file, and I start reading everything that it says. She needs a transplant, and she's on the list. Poor thing. I keep reading, and I close hers. After all, I don't really understand the medical terms in there, and it's none of my business what is happening. Then I scroll to find Richard Ashford's file. I open it and see he's been discharged with some bruises and nothing too significant. Poor Richard had six stitches on his head. I flinch at the thought.  I take a deep breath, put my headset back on and focus on work. There are people needing my help right now, and I can't get distracted by Richard, even though he is the only thing on my mind. He is the only person I can't stop thinking about. Even after everything that happened, my heart still beat for him.