Chapter 182

"Time has slipped away from us," Anthony murmured, his gaze heavy with emotion. His heart quivered within him, a testament to the depth of his feelings. His simple words were a mere drop in the ocean of his emotions.

Layla offered a gentle smile. "Indeed, the years have flown. I always hoped our paths would cross again."

"I promised I'd return. I regret the delay."

Shaking her head, Layla reassured him, "I've never held it against you. I heard you've been overseas?"

"Indeed. I was forced to leave due to my father's adversary framing me, which led to my memory loss after a fall from a cliff. My father sent me to Germany for protection. I've recently retur ned to take over the Eilish Group. I'll be staying stateside from now on."

His gaze bore into hers as he spoke, hoping she would grasp the gravity of his words.

Layla, however, responded nonchalantly, "Well, that's good."

"You think it's good?" Anthony felt a flicker of hope.

Layla nodded, content with any decision he made. A wave of joy washed over Anthony.

"I haven't stopped thinking about you for a moment, angel," he confessed, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Likewise, you've always held a place in my heart." To her, he was a childhood confidant, an older brother figure, akin in adversity.

Anthony gestured towards a window. "That's the room you rescued me from. I was unconscious from the smoke, but you risked everything to drag me out."

It was hard to believe that such a small, five-year-old girl could have the strength to pull his unconscious body.

"I remember," Layla affirmed. She had often marveled at her own strength and courage after the fact. Despite developing a phobia due to the fear and recurrent nightmares of fire, she knew she would make the same choice if faced with the situation again.

Her phone vibrated-a text from Samuel. Lavish Palace, the restaurant. Now? It was already nine o'clock. But she trusted his plans, and besides, she already missed him after only two hours apart.

"Let's go," Layla stood up.

"So soon?" Anthony cherished every second with her and wished he could spend every moment by her side.

"Yes, I have another engagement."

"A boyfriend?" Anthony asked, a hint of eagerness in his voice. He quickly added, "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."

Layla hesitated, unsure of how he would react if he knew her boyfriend was Samuel, his sister's ex-fiancé. It was their first night of reunion, and she didn't want to spoil the tranquility. She preferred honesty but chose to be vague, "You'll find out eventually."

...

A Lamborghini pulled up to the hotel entrance.

"Thanks for the ride, goodnight."

"Angel," Anthony grasped her hand, the spark of contact causing him to quickly release it, his cheeks flushing with his boldness. He felt like a teenager with his first crush, overwhelmed by the simple contact with the girl he liked, his nerves frayed and heart racing.

Anthony's breathing quickened again, his cheeks flushed.

"What's wrong?" Layla asked, noticing his reddened cheeks and irregular breathing. "Are you sure you're not feverish? Maybe we should go to the hospital?"

Anthony was at a loss for words, unable to express his true feelings. He wasn't sick... just helplessly in love. "I'm fine. I just wanted to say that I'm happy to see you again, happy it's...you."

She couldn't possibly understand the overwhelming joy he felt at that moment. An unprecedented joy.

"Me too." Layla replied with a smile, opening the car door to step out.

Even after she disappeared from sight, Anthony remained, reluctant to look away. Her delicate scent lingered in the car, making his heart race.

"Shall we head home now, sir?" the driver inquired.

"Let's wait a bit longer." Anthony said, his eyes closing as he replayed the evening's moments with her.

...

Layla took the elevator up to the penthouse suite.

As soon as the doors slid open.

"Good evening, Miss Adkins," the maitre'd in a tailcoat greeted her at the door, holding it open for her.

Inside the revolving restaurant, a distinguished figure stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he swirled a glass of wine, his handsome reflection competing with the city lights.

His profile was sharply defined, his nose reminiscent of a classic Greek sculpture, and his lips set with determination. Despite seeing him daily, Layla was always taken aback by his perfect visage. It seemed unreal: could this man truly be her boyfriend? She must have saved the universe in her past life.

The usually stoic man's gaze softened instantly upon seeing her.

Champagne, roses, soft music, twinkling lights, they all blended with the spectacular river view, weaving a scene of exquisite romance - every girl's fantasy for the perfect date.

Layla slowed her pace, "Candlelit dinner, huh? I love this surprise."

Samuel pulled out her chair and kissed her neck tenderly, "As long as you're happy."

He'd spare no effort to win her smile.

"Hey, I'm getting hungry."

"My little glutton," Samuel teased, playfully pinching her nose with an affectionate smile.

Steak, champagne, dessert.

They chatted happily, relishing the long-missed sweetness of the evening.

Layla was particularly spirited tonight. Her smile never wavered, and her eyes shone brilliantly.

Samuel was an excellent listener, attending to her every word without a sign of weariness, as if her voice was a melody to his ears. When her smile shone the brightest, his lips, too, would curve in response.

Being with her was pure, joyous relief. He could shed the mask he wore around others and just be himself. All the tenderness in his heart was reserved for her.

Layla took a big sip of water, "I've been doing all the talking tonight. Aren't I annoying?" she playfully stuck out her tongue.

Samuel shook his head, "Not at all, I love hearing you talk."

"Ha, that's because I have a voice for radio. You know, if I weren't a designer, with my voice, I could totally rock being a show host."

Samuel took a sip of red wine and grinned, "Didn't someone say last time that if they didn't end up being a designer, they'd be a chef?"

"That just shows how multifaceted I am." Layla giggled adorably. "See, bagging me as a girlfriend is like hitting a jackpot - you get a designer, a chef, and a TV host all in one. Isn't that a great deal?"

Samuel nodded thoughtfully. "It does sound like a fair exchange. But, there are still areas for improvement."

Layla immediately inquired with earnest, "Which areas? I'm all for improving myself - after all, I want to be the perfect girl for you."