All Chapters of THE CEO’S RUTHLESS COMMITMENT (hidden obsession): Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

171 Chapters

Chapter 30: Julian Knows

Layla's POVJulian's name flashed on the screen.My blood ran cold.Then Caleb’s words came echoing in my ears 'You sent it to someone saved as Julian'My fingers trembled. Shortly the ringtone cut off, then it started again.I wasn't sure why I was so scared . Maybe it was the thought that everything I wanted to leave behind might not be left again.I couldn't bring myself to answer the phone. A part of me was embarrassed too.Why on earth would I send Julian a video of me and another man?Immediately the phone stopped buzzing. I switched apps and went straight to WhatsApp.I found Julian's chat as one of the top chats.Then I got the confirmation that Caleb’s words were not cruel bluffs.I pressed play.My heart hitched as I watched myself laughing with flushed cheeks and half-lidded eyes. I heard Caleb’s voice from the background teasing me. He leaned close to me saying something I couldn't even remember and I was smiling back like a fool.My stomach turned."God, no..." I whispe

Chapter 31: The Lion in the Room

Third person’s POV"What information do you have on him?" Viktor asked, turning towards Julian."The last thing I gathered was that he was halfway across the world. In Asia. Married to some heiress and built a beauty product empire." Julian said slowly.Viktor was quiet for a heart beat. Then he spoke. "So, what are the odds that Layla is in Asia? And with him?"Julian scoffed. "Layla's probably there in Asia. Probably she went for some butt enhancement or spa detox with the little money she milked from you. Trying to look ready for her next target... I always knew that girl was so stupid."Viktor gave Julian a cold and deadly gaze. "Are you done?" He asked quietly.Julian blinked."What?""Done proving what a fool you are ." Viktor stood up buttoning his shirt. "There's a lion in the room and all you're concerned about is what Layla is doing with her time?”Julian frowned but said nothing.Viktor moved slowly to the door holding it ajar. "Get out Julian. Call me when you have reaso

Chapter 32: The Breaking Point

Third person’s POV"Ava!" Greta's voice cracked through the café like thunder.Layla froze mid-motion, the wet rag was still in her hand, her pulse thudded in her ears. Customers stirred in their seats noticing the tension. Greta stormed out behind the counter. Her cheeks were red and her eyes were blazing.She pointed a finger at Layla. "You're fired!""Greta," Caleb called softly. Greta turned around still fuming."I'm so sorry Mr Standloff... I'll take care of this--""No, it's fine. She's not fired." Caleb interrupted. His tone was steady, not like a man that is just disrespected."Let Miss Ava keep her job." He added in finality.Greta blinked. "Sir, are you sure you don't---""It's okay." He added simply. His gaze was still fixed on Layla. "We all have bad days."Then he turned and walked out leaving the café with a choking silence.Layla stood non-remorseful. Greta's mouth opened and closed like she wanted to argue but she didn't. She just turned away and muttered something

Chapter 33: Echoes of the forgotten Mansion

Third Person’s POV"How—how far gone am I?" Layla whispered, her voice broke."It's about a few weeks," the doctor said carefully. "But we noticed some irregularities in your cycle that makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact date. You'll have to check in a month while we place you on medication. Then , we'll conduct an ultrasound."Layla stared at the doctor and barely registering everything she said.The word pregnant pulsed her chest.Caleb's face flickered through her mind but she shook it off."There's no cause to panic Miss Ava." The doctor said after observing Layla's countenance. "We'll run another test in a few weeks to confirm the growth. For now... congratulations." She concluded with a small smile.Layla turned her face slowly to the wall and whispered. "Dear God..."---Enzo returned to wheel Layla out of the hospital but she insisted on walking. She moved carefully but steadily, refusing every form of help from Enzo.When they reached the car, Enzo opened the back do

Chapter 34: The weight of what she carries

Third Person’s POVSuddenly the ache became violent and unstoppable.Then she heard a man's voice shouting and the roar of an engine, then screams and the smell of smoke.She held her head and screamed."Miss!" Enzo's voice thundered from behind. He showed up following the scream and reached the garage. He ran towards her immediately he had her in sight and grabbed her shoulders. "Hey, hey---look at me!"Layla's body trembled.He walked her out slowly then he slammed his hand against the button as Layla repeatedly pointed at. and the door closed in. The sound of the mechanism locking echoed through the hall."Let's go." Enzo said firmly.Layla was weak as Enzo literally half-carried her out.By the time they got home Layla looked drained. Her skin looked pale and clammy. Enzo helped her to the bedroom. She barely said a word."I told you going there was a bad idea" he murmured, helping her rest her head against the pillow.Layla gave him no answer. Her eyes looked distant and haunted.

Chapter 35 : The Hidden Archive

Third Person’s POV"Ma'am, I'd love to examine you now." The nurse said finally."I don't need all of that. I'm fine." Layla murmured weakly.Caleb crouched to meet her gaze. "Stop fighting Ava. Allow them to do their job. Let them help you." He said in a tone so calm yet firm."Can he... leave us for a moment?" Layla said, glancing at Caleb."Of course." The nurse blinked. "But Ma'am, why don't you want your husband to stay? He seems---""He's not my husband," Layla said, managing a faint tone and a forced smile that didn't reach her eyes.Caleb straightened. "She's right, nurse." He said almost inaudibly. "I'm not her husband but a friend who's only making sure she's safe."The nurse nodded, a bit embarrassed. She gestured for Caleb to step aside. Caleb gave Layla one look before stepping our.The moment Layla was sure he was gone, she turned to the nurse, her voice was low and trembling. "Look, I'm fine. I just... need rest."The nurse frowned. "You look like you need a proper

Chapter 36: Burning Passion

Layla's POV.Tears welled up as my fingers trembled over the old letterhead.I found another document, with my father's name scribbled on the signature line and beneath it was an address. I held it close to the light. The address was still in Florence, not far from where I lived."All this time…" I whispered. "You were closer than I thought."I folded the paper gently, I picked other ones I couldn't read there along and tugged them under my arm.Just as I turned to leave, a faint sound echoed from upstairs as if a door was creaked open.I froze and my pulse thundered."Enzo?" I called out softly but there was no answer. Instead I heard slow deliberate footsteps . My flashlight flickered and darkness pressed closer.I backed towards the stairs quietly clutching the papers tight to my chest.Whatever was upstairs wasn't meant to meet me.I snuck out of a back door that was left ajar by who I don't know.---By morning, I couldn’t wait for the first sunshine when I stood before the mir

Chapter 37: “ I think it’s time you know “

Layla's POVBefore noon I was already back home. My clothes were covered with dust and my heels scuffed but my spirit was dangerously alive..Without long thoughts I crashed on the chair by my desk. I opened my laptop and began to type a short and polite resignation letter addressed to the café's management.My fingers hesitated for second over the send button before I clicked it.One Chapter was closed just like that.A few minutes later my phone rang.Unknown number.I frowned and hesitated a bit, then I answered. "Hello?""Quitting Without a goodbye? That's unfair." A voice came through.The familiarity of the voice sent chills down my chest. " Caleb?""Yes Ma'am..." He answered in his usual jovialty."Although I'm hurting, because I'm wondering why favourite employee just decided to up and quit without a notice."I exhaled slowly. "How did you even get my number, sir." I said, brushing in the formality.He chuckled. "You've clearly missed the part that every employee's file cro

Chapter 38: Roses and secrets

Third person’s POVIn the early evening the next day Caleb drove to a flower boutique."Good evening sir." The florist greets. She was a petite woman wearing silver-framed glasses. She smiled at Caleb behind the counter. "Looking for something special for a special person?"Caleb’s phone was still pressed to his ear, half-distracted. "Yes. Give me a moment." There was a woman's voice guiding him through."No, she's bold and very guarded."The voice responded on the other end, "so she's not the tulip type. Then try deep red roses, it would come off sophisticated."Caleb glanced at the rows of roses lined like soldiers. "Deep rose huh? You sure it isn't too cliché?""Not when it's coming from Caleb Standloff. " the voice chuckled. "You can literally turn any cliché into art."The Florist just waited and smiled patiently.He sighed. "I don't want her thinking I'm desperately trying to impress her.""Oh trust me you're trying to impress her." The voice teased. "But at least do it elega

Chapter 39: The Truth Between us

Third person’s POVLayla froze for a long while before she tried talking then she choked... she coughed too hard until the water she had been drinking spilled from the corner of her lips.Caleb rushed to pat her back."Ma'am, are you okay?" One of the waiters rushed towards her with a napkin in hand. Another one held a glass of water."I'm---I'm fine, " she managed to say even though she was still slightly choked.Caleb’s eyes never left hers. His expression was hard to read.When the waiters finally left she wiped her mouth and stared at Caleb. "How---" she swallowed. "How did you know that name?"Caleb took a suspicious look around the restaurant, his jaw tightened. Every charm on his face vanished and was replaced by something strange. "Not here." He murmured. "I don't trust anywhere. We should talk in the car. It's more private there.""Why do you need so much privacy when it's just the two of us on this table?" She said, narrowing her eyes."Just trust me, please." Caleb said

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