Chapter 821

Logan's POV

I looked back at Layla, watching as she admired the gifts, her face glowing with happiness. I couldn’t ruin this for her. I couldn’t cause a scene, not now.

I forced a smile, keeping my voice steady. “I should get going,” I said, trying to sound casual. 

“I just wanted to see you, to give you these.”

Layla’s head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. “Already? But you just got here...”

I ignored the pain in my chest, the ache that came from walking away when all I wanted was to stay. 

“I have a lot to take care of,” I lied, forcing myself to sound convincing. 

“But we’ll talk. I’ll call you.”

She looked disappointed, her lips parting as if she wanted to argue. But then her gaze flickered to Maddie, and she hesitated, her shoulders slumping. She knew it too. She knew Maddie didn’t want me here.

I leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead, letting my lips linger for a momen