Chapter 558

Jason’s POV

It wasn’t a duty…it was a privilege. But lately, something had changed, something I hadn’t dared to hope for.

Layla was starting to open up to me in ways she hadn’t before. Her smiles came more frequently, her laughter more easily. 

The way she looked at me…soft, curious, almost shy…sent a warmth through me I couldn’t ignore. She was starting to trust me, maybe even care for me. It was a dream I’d held onto for so long, and now it was unfolding right before my eyes.

But as much as I cherished these moments, doubt began to creep into my thoughts. Was I doing the right thing? Was I being selfish?

I sat in my study one evening, staring at the flickering light of a single candle on my desk. My mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. 

I thought back to the day I overheard Layla talking to Maddie. She didn’t know I was nearby, but I’d heard every word.

"Jason’s… different," she had said, he