Chapter 403

Layla’s POV

The room felt colder without Maddy in it, and the silence was deafening. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door that had closed behind her. 

It was only moments ago that we had shared our final embrace, her scent of lavender still lingering in the air. 

My heart ached as I thought about her leaving. She had been my anchor through everything, and now I felt adrift in an unfamiliar sea.

I sighed, rubbing my belly absentmindedly. “We’ll be okay,” I whispered, though the words felt hollow. The knock at the door startled me, breaking the heavy silence.

“Come in,” I called, trying to steady my voice.

The door opened, and Jason stepped inside, carrying a tray with a glass of water and some fruit. His presence, tall and composed, brought a strange mix of comfort and tension.

“I thought you might need this,” he said, his voice gentle.

“Thank you,” I murmured, managing a weak smile.<