Chapter 853

Layla's POV

Then, I forced myself to meet her gaze, even as every fiber of my being screamed at me to run.

A small, tight smile curled at my lips.

“My best friend and I just missed our way,” I said, my voice steadier than I expected. “We’ll be leaving now.”

Isabella’s expression remained unreadable, but something flickered in her eyes.

I didn’t wait for a response.

I turned sharply on my heels and reached for Maddie’s arm, gripping it tightly.

“Let’s go,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

Maddie didn’t argue.

As we walked away, my legs felt unsteady, my heart pounding so painfully in my chest that I thought I might collapse.

But I kept walking.

Keep moving.

Even as my world fell apart around me.

The moment my feet hit the pavement outside the restaurant, I let out a scream…raw, broken, filled with every ounce of pain clawing at my chest.

Tears streamed down my face, hot an