Chapter 74

Layla's POV

“Layla!”

“Irene!” I exclaimed as I rushed past him to hug the girl behind him. “I knew you were alive!”

I intentionally left him there. I even acknowledged Andrew's presence.

"I never wanted to deceive you, Layla," Andrew pleaded. “I don't understand all of this. All I have ever wanted was to make you happy.”

His words hung in the air, a delicate plea echoing through the moonlit night. I met his gaze, uncertainty, and anger battling within me. “By tearing us apart?"

Nate's eyes bore a mix of regret and determination. "I thought I was doing what was best. I failed to realize that there were enemies around and we were not safe.”

The echoes of his confession reverberated through the room. The revelation had torn through the fabric of our trust, and Nate's pursuit of redemption became a desperate bid to mend what had been irrevocably broken.

“I can’t be here with you. Come, Irene.” I took the girl and went in w