All Chapters of Layover : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Ella barely slept.Daniel's email replayed in her mind every time she closed her eyes."I need ten minutes to tell you something you should have known a long time ago."She hated that she was thinking about it.Not because she missed him.But because unanswered questions had a way of refusing to disappear.The shrill sound of her alarm pulled her from her thoughts.She reached over and silenced it."Today's going to be a good day," she whispered to herself."I'm not letting the past ruin it."After a quick shower, she slipped into a cream-colored sweater, dark jeans, and white sneakers before tying her hair into a loose ponytail.She looked at herself in the mirror."You've survived worse."With that, she grabbed her backpack and headed for campus.The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass as students filled the university walkways.Some rushed toward lectures.Others gathered beneath the trees, laughing over cups of coffee.Ella smiled despite herself.This p

The laughter inside the banquet hall continued around Ella.Someone nearby clinked a glass to make a toast.A group of students posed for another photograph.But Ella heard none of it.Her eyes remained fixed on the message glowing on her phone.I've landed.I'm in London.We need to talk.— DanielHer fingers tightened around the phone.She hadn't replied to his emails.She had ignored his calls.Yet somehow...He was here.A wave of anxiety settled in her chest."Miss Anderson?"Ella looked up abruptly.Victor stood a few feet away, concern flickering across his face."I hope I'm not interrupting."She quickly locked her phone."No... not at all.""You look a little pale.""I'm fine."Victor studied her for a moment.She was smiling.But it wasn't reaching her eyes."If the evening has become overwhelming, no one would think less of you for leaving early."Ella smiled gratefully."You always know the right thing to say.""I've had years of practice."She laughed softly."There you a

Ella remained seated long after Victor had finished discussing her research.The silence in the office wasn't uncomfortable.It was... peaceful.Victor gathered a few papers into a neat pile before looking up."Is there anything else?"She opened her mouth.Then closed it again.For a split second, she wanted to tell him everything.That her ex-fiancé had found her.That he was in London.That she was terrified of reopening a chapter of her life she had fought so hard to close.But she couldn't.He wasn't just Victor.He was Dr. Hayes.Her supervisor.Crossing that line now would only make everything more complicated.She forced a small smile."No.""I think that's all."Victor nodded, though he wasn't convinced."If you need more time before the next submission, let me know.""I'll finish it.""I know you will."Ella stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder.As she reached the door, Victor spoke again."Miss Anderson."She turned."I meant what I said."She looked at him questioning

Neither of them spoke for several long moments.The café had grown busier around them.The soft hum of conversations, the clinking of cups, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.Yet their table felt isolated from the rest of the world.Ella looked at the man sitting across from her.Once upon a time...She had imagined growing old with him.She had pictured a home.Children.Weekend trips.Arguments over what color to paint their living room.A lifetime.Now...He looked like a stranger carrying the face of someone she used to love.Daniel finally reached for his untouched coffee.It had already gone cold."I guess some habits never change," he said with a faint smile.Ella looked at him."You still let your coffee get cold."She almost smiled.Then remembered why they were there."I learned that from someone else."Daniel's smile faded."I suppose you did."He took a slow breath."I know there's nothing I can say to fix what I broke.""There isn't."Ella answered hon

Saturday mornings were usually quiet.The university campus felt almost deserted, with only a handful of postgraduate students making their way toward the library.Ella had intended to spend the entire day working on her dissertation.That plan lasted exactly ten minutes.Her phone buzzed.SophieMeet me outside your apartment in thirty minutes. No excuses.Ella smiled.She typed back.I have work to do.The reply came almost instantly.Exactly why you need fresh air.Thirty minutes.Ella sighed, shaking her head."There really is no winning with her."Thirty-five minutes later...The two women stepped into one of London's busiest weekend street markets.Colorful stalls stretched in every direction.Fresh flowers, handmade crafts, books, pastries, antiques, and street food filled the narrow lanes.Music drifted through the air as local musicians entertained passing crowds.Ella looked around in amazement."I didn't even know this place existed."Sophie grinned proudly."That's because