Chapter 609

Layla’s POV

"Sorry," he said, his voice deep, smooth, yet carrying an edge of something I couldn’t quite place. "I didn’t mean to stare. I was just… lost in thought."

I blinked, caught off guard by his sudden recovery.

Lost in thought?

That was an understatement.

I gave a small, knowing smile, tilting my head as I studied him. "Yeah, I noticed," I teased lightly, trying to ease the tension. "You looked like you saw a ghost or something."

For a moment, he didn’t respond, his lips pressing into a firm line.

Then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "You’re beautiful," he said.

Just like that.

Blunt. Straight to the point. No hesitation.

I wasn’t expecting it.

Heat rushed to my face so fast I was sure I looked ridiculous. I wasn’t used to random compliments, let alone from a stranger who had been staring at me like I was some kind of mystery he couldn’t solve.