Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

Chapter 31 “Whoa, whoa! That’s a bit much, Layla. Take it easy.”Before I could even process the weight of the question, Mr. Dwayne Fontanilla stepped in to de-escalate. He looked at me, scratching his head awkwardly. “You’re free not to answer that, you know. You don't owe us an explanation right now.”I looked at him, a bit confused, because I actually did want to answer. If being open was the only way to ease the tension in this room, then I was more than ready to lay my cards on the table.“Dwayne’s right, Kaia.” Tita Monika spoke up next, her voice gentler. “You don’t have to subject yourself to this. Layla is just... she’s still in shock. Finding out Dylan has a new girlfriend so suddenly is a lot for her. I assume you know the history? Or maybe not?”I nodded immediately. “I know about Brielle,” I said clearly. I didn't miss the way the aunts and uncles exchanged subtle glances.I could practically read their mi

Chapter 33 “Why don’t you get some rest first? This is going to take a while,” Dylan suggested, his focus on the onions he was expertly dicing.I arched an eyebrow at him. “Nah. I think I’d rather stay here and admire the chef. I’ve never seen you in your element like this—you think I’m gonna miss out on that?”Dylan let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Come on. I can cook for you again next time. Go relax for a bit. I’ll wake you up when it’s ready.”“Between the two of us, you’re the one who’s exhausted. Hello? I don’t even have a job. You just came off a shift and then spent the afternoon shopping with me. Now you’re playing personal chef? Aren't you tired?”He gave a casual shrug that made me huff in frustration. “Just go rest,” he said firmly.I narrowed my eyes at him, and he just met my gaze with an expectant look. “Be honest with me…” I started, not looking away for even a second. “You’re planning somethi

Chapter 35 “Why don’t you go ahead and get some rest?”Dylan’s voice pulled me out of my daze. I looked up to see him already busy at the sink, washing the dishes.I swallowed hard, just watching him move. Ever since he mentioned his "plans" for the night, I’d been practically frozen in my seat. Was I scared? Definitely not. Was I looking forward to it? Maybe.I took a deep breath and finally stood up, clearing my throat awkwardly. “I’m going to your room now,” I said, biting my lip to hide my embarrassment. “Just... come up when you’re done.”I heard him let out a soft chuckle, which sent me bolting for the stairs before he could see my face. I practically ran to the second floor and dove into his room.I was out of breath by the time I closed the door, mostly from the sheer panic of trying to hide my nerves. God, I was so embarrassed. Did I just tell him to follow me? Did that sound like I was tempting him? I didn't

Chapter 37 “What is your mom doing here?!” I hissed in a frantic whisper, my eyes wide as I bolted upright. I scrambled to pull the comforter over my naked body, causing Dylan to let out a yelp of protest as I yanked it away from him. I immediately shot him a death glare.“Keep it down! They might hear us!” His mom had no idea I was living here, and Brielle definitely didn’t know that Dylan and I were "together." They couldn't see us like this... not now.“Why are you panicking?”I looked up at Dylan, my jaw practically hitting the floor. He casually rolled out of bed and pulled on his boxers like he didn’t have a care in the world—completely unfazed by the fact that his mother and his ex were having a shouting match right outside his door.“What do you mean 'why am I panicking?' Your mom and Brielle are literally right there—”“And?” he cut me off. He stood up, clad only in boxers, and walked over to his clo

Chapter 39 "Where are you going?"I froze, mid-stroke with my hairbrush, at the sound of Dylan’s voice. I hadn’t even noticed him slip into the room, I was so wrapped up in my own reflection. I gave him a fleeting glance in the mirror before shifting my focus back to my hair, giving a non-committal shrug."Out to a bar," I said shortly."We have drinks here."I didn’t answer right away, but after a beat, I shook my head. "I just want to unwind. Get out of the house. It’s been a while since I actually went out to grab a drink and just... existed."I heard his footsteps approaching, so I picked up the pace. I didn't want him finding a way to talk me out of this. His reflection appeared behind mine in the glass. He reached out, his finger tracing a slow, light line down my spine—the dress I’d picked was backless, leaving nothing to the imagination."Dylan, I’m leaving," I warned, sensing the direction his thought