Chapter 405

"Can't help myself when I'm with you."

Samuel's gaze was too intense.

Samuel's gaze was too intense.

Layla found herself not only thinking about Samuel but also having an uncontrollable urge to throw him down and strip off his suit.

Oh no, Layla, a pure-hearted girl, had been corrupted by him. It was terrifying!

"When are you coming back?" she asked.

"In four days."

"Wasn't it supposed to be tomorrow?"

"Something came up. Plans changed," he explained.

Layla felt a deep sense of disappointment, but she knew Samuel missed her even more. As a considerate girlfriend, she couldn't let him get distracted. So, she only let a brief look of disappointment flash across her face before smiling again. "I'll wait for you to come back."

"Okay." Samuel's face lit up. His woman was so obedient.

"Layla..."

"What's up?"

"After you resign, let's go on a trip together," he said.

"A trip." Layla's heart skipped a beat. She realized they hadn't really traveled together. Touching her belly, she thought it would be a great idea to take their unborn baby to see the world.

Layla agreed without hesitation. "Okay."

Reluctantly, they hung up.

Layla lay in bed, her eyes on Samuel's pillow. She always liked to sleep on the left side, resting on his heart, listening to his steady heartbeat.

Each beat, calm and strong, was the most reassuring sound in the world for Layla.

Layla gently stroked the pillow with her fingers, closed her eyes, imagined Samuel beside her, and peacefully drifted off to sleep.

The next morning.

At the Brightness Design Company.

Layla had a good sleep and felt refreshed.

When she arrived at the office, her colleagues greeted her with genuine smiles, unlike the fake ones from before.

Layla felt even happier.

A good work environment really affected one's mood for the day.

At ten in the morning, Layla took her freshly completed design to Brian. She was initially worried that Brian might find the indigo walls too bold. But to her surprise, he praised it highly and said he loved it.

Layla was thrilled. Finding a kindred spirit felt amazing.

Since Nathan left, she hadn't felt such a sense of understanding. Her design concepts and preferences matched Brian's perfectly. The more they talked, the happier they became.

Layla's eyes sparkled like stars. They chatted for over an hour and still weren't done.

"Mr. Evans, I'm going to get some water. Do you want coffee?" she asked.

"Black coffee, three sugars."

"Got it."

As Layla was making coffee in the break room, she couldn't help but feel excited about their earlier conversation.

"Had a good chat with Mr. Evans?" a colleague asked, "You look really happy."

"Yeah, it was great." Layla nodded.

"Layla, you're amazing. Mr. Evans is known for being strict. I've revised my designs several times, and he's never been satisfied. You've made him so satisfied with the first draft." one exclaimed.

"Keep it up." Layla felt even more grateful to have a boss who shared her vision. She was thrilled to have her abilities recognized and was filled with joy.

"Isn't Mr. Evans's coffee usually made by his secretary? Why did he ask you... Does Mr. Evans like you?" The colleague curiously blinked.

Layla smiled. "No, I just wanted to get some water and made Mr. Evans a coffee on the way."

"But you're so beautiful and talented. You have so many admirers. It's normal for Mr. Evans to like you," the colleague added.

"You're overthinking it. I need to get back to work." Layla carried the coffee back to the office, eager to continue her conversation with Brian until the secretary knocked on the door.

"Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Evans. I just wanted to ask if you and Layla would like me to order some takeout since it's already one o'clock?" the secretary asked.

"Is it that late?" Layla exclaimed, realizing how quickly time had flown by during their engaging conversation.

"Yes, please." Brian ordered a rainbow pasta.

Layla was amazed. "What a coincidence. I was planning to order that too."

Brian said, "Make that two rainbow pastas."

They had lunch together in the office.

"Mr. Evans, I'll go back to my desk to continue working on the design." Layla said as she reached the door.

"Why don't you bring it in here?" Brian called after her.

"Is that okay?"

"It'll be easier to continue our discussion." Brian had never felt such a connection with someone before. Although he usually preferred absolute silence while working, this time was different. Layla seemed to shine in his eyes, and he wanted to spend more time with her, talking and collaborating.

"Sure." Layla agreed happily.

So, Layla spent almost the entire day in Brian's office. When they finally stepped out, they realized the main office was already empty.

"It's eight o'clock, and I don't even feel hungry." Layla marveled.

"I told you when you're fully immersed in work, you don't feel hunger," he replied.

"True, but now I'm starving," Layla said, patting her flat stomach.

"Let me treat you to dinner. How about steak?" Brian asked.

"Sounds perfect."

"Great."

Once seated, Layla handed the menu to Brian. "You order, I'm fine with anything."

Brian ordered decisively. "Filet mignon, strawberry spinach salad, salmon, and clam chowder."

Layla's eyes widened again.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it?" Brian asked.

Layla shook her head vigorously. "You won't believe it, but those are exactly the four dishes I wanted. Really, even though it sounds like I'm trying to flatter you."

"You're not the type to flatter your boss," Brian said.

"True, I don't have that talent. If you asked me to say something nice about a boss I didn't like, I couldn't do it. But Mr. Evans, you're handsome, charismatic, and intelligent. That's the honest truth," she added.

"I know," he replied.

Layla laughed. Brian wasn't modest at all, but he had the right to be confident.

"I can't believe it. Not only do we share the same design tastes, but we also have the same food preferences. It means we can talk and eat together, which is rare," she said.

When they first met, Layla thought they were from completely different worlds.

First impressions were important, but some people were treasures you only discovered over time.

After their two-hour dinner, Layla still felt warm inside. As soon as she stepped into the cold night air, she sneezed.

Brian took off his suit jacket and handed it to Layla.

"No need, I..." Layla sneezed twice more, then took the jacket. "Thanks."

Across the street, a white Alfa Romeo was parked.