Chapter 727

Layla's POV

"For all the times I promised to take you out and never followed through. I know I disappointed you, and that wasn’t fair to you." His voice was low, sincere, and for once, it felt like he wasn’t hiding behind charm or mystery.

I hadn’t expected him to bring it up, but hearing him acknowledge it made something inside me soften.

"Yeah, you did disappoint me," I admitted, swirling the stem of my glass between my fingers. 

"But… I forgive you."

His eyes searched mine, as if trying to see if I really meant it. 

And I did. Maybe I was too easy to forgive, or maybe I just wanted to enjoy this night without old grudges weighing it down. Either way, I didn’t want to dwell on the past.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. 

"Thank you."

I took another sip of my champagne, then, wanting to shift the mood to something lighter, I leaned forward with a playful smirk. 

"So, have