Chapter 400

Maddy’s POV

I hugged her back just as tightly, my heart aching. “You’re stronger than you think, Layla. You’ll be okay.”

But in my mind, the words were different. I hope nothing bad happens to you. The thought repeated itself like a mantra, a silent prayer to a universe I didn’t trust.

Layla clung to me, her grip unrelenting, and I could feel her trembling. “Maddy… don’t go,” she murmured, her voice breaking.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I blinked them away. “I’ll be back,” I promised, though the words felt hollow.

She finally pulled back, just enough to look at me, her eyes searching mine. “You mean it?”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course.”

But even as I said it, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this moment was final, that once I walked out of this house, everything would change. Layla’s arms tightened around me again, and I let her hold on for as long as she needed.

For as long as I needed.

***