***
Logan's POV
***
"Who the f**k is that?" I muttered under my breath.
The sudden call had ruined the moment I was sharing with Kayla. I wasn't ready to lose this warmth—not even to a client.
But when I saw the caller ID, my heart nearly stopped.
Chairwoman.
Damn. It's never good news when she calls.
"Yes, Chairwoman," I answered, forcing calm into my tone.
"Alright… I'll be there shortly."
The call ended, but the dread remained.
When I turned back to Kayla, the tension in the air had softened.
"Is everything okay?" she asked with that small, tender smile that always reached her eyes.
I returned her smile. "Yeah. But I think it's time I head home. Let me drop you off."
She shook her head. "It's fine, the store's just a few feet away."
I sighed and stepped closer. "Do I need to tie you up before you get in?"
She scoffed, rolling her eyes but finally got into the car.
I smiled to myself, shut the door, and drove her to the convenience store.
When she stepped out, I watched her walk in before heading home.
As soon as I parked, I took a deep breath, bracing myself for whatever awaited me inside.
"Chairwoman," I greeted with a slight bow as I entered her office.
"Have a seat," she said, not even looking up.
I hesitated, then sank into the sofa across from her. The silence was heavy—until the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the room.
I looked up, and my world froze.
"Vienna?"
"Hi, Logan." She smiled sweetly. "It's so nice to see you again."
***
Kayla's POV
***
I watched Logan's car disappear into the distance before walking back into the store.
"Brooke?" I called, noticing she wasn't behind the counter.
"Where did she go?" I murmured—only to nearly jump out of my skin when a voice whispered right behind my ear.
"Who was that guy?"
"Oh my goodness—Brooke!" I gasped, clutching my chest.
She smirked. "Didn't mean to scare you, princess."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I frowned.
"You made me work both our shifts because you ran off—said it was an emergency. I thought you were at the hospital with your aunt! My legs are shaking, Kayla!" she exclaimed, walking toward me. "And then you stroll in, stepping out of some fancy car?"
"I can explain," I said quickly, backing up a little.
"Then start explaining. Why'd you rush out to meet a guy? Did I miss something?"
"Brooke, please calm down first—"
"Go on, I'm listening." She crossed her arms, her eyes pinning me down.
"That's the guy whose car I broke," I confessed.
Her eyes widened. "Didn't you say you were just going to pay for the repair? What's going on, Kayla?"
"Nothing," I said too sharply. At least, not yet.
"He refused to take the money. Said I should just… play the cello for him whenever he gets his attacks."
Brooke's brows furrowed. "No. Absolutely not."
"Brooke—"
"Why does it have to be you, Kayla?" she demanded. "Why you?"
I couldn't answer.
"Kayla, I don't want you tangled up with some rich guy with a dark past," she said, voice trembling with genuine concern.
"I know you care, Brooke. But… I can't help it. He really needs me."
"Or maybe he's just using you," she snapped, slamming her cola can on the table.
"I don't feel that way," I whispered.
"That's what you said about your ex!" she fired back. "I was there, Kayla. I saw how you locked yourself in your room, crying for days."
"Enough!" I shouted. "You don't have to bring that up again."
"You still haven't learned your lesson."
"I'm not doing this," I hissed, grabbing my bag. "It's my life, Brooke, not yours."
I stormed out before she could reply.
At the hospital, I stepped quietly into my mom's ward. The steady beeping of the life-support machine filled the silence.
"Mom…" I whispered, taking her cold hand in mine. "I'm sorry I haven't been visiting. I miss you, Mum."
Tears welled up, slipping down my cheeks.
"I don't even know what I'm feeling anymore. I think I'm… in love. But I don't know, Mom. I'm confused."
I sobbed quietly, clinging to her hand.
After some time, I wiped my tears and tried to smile. "Brooke's mad at me, Mom. And even though I know she's just looking out for me, it hurts. I don't want to lose her too."
The doctor came in, did his routine check, and left without a word. The results were unchanged. I left the hospital, feeling more helpless than ever.
At home, Brooke wasn't there.
"She'll come around," I whispered to myself.
But before I knew it, my feet were carrying me to her house.
When I reached the doorstep, I hesitated, heart pounding. Maybe I'll just greet her mum and leave.
Before I could knock, the door swung open.
"Kayla?" Brooke's mum blinked in surprise.
Brooke appeared behind her, eyes locking on mine.
Neither of us spoke.
"Come in," her mum said gently.
"Mum, maybe you should ask her what she's doing here," Brooke muttered, arms folded.
"Will you two at least sit and talk?" her mum scolded.
"There's nothing to talk about," Brooke said coldly. "It's her life. She can live it however she wants." But the hurt in her eyes betrayed her tone.
"Brooke…" I stepped forward. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. You're part of my life too. What's a Kayla without her Brooke?"
Her lips twitched, fighting a smile. "I'm sorry too. I just didn't want to watch you break again."
I chuckled softly, wiping a tear. "I'll kill you if you don't forgive me."
We both burst into laughter and fell into a hug.
Brooke's mum smiled from the doorway. "It's so good to see you girls like this again. Kayla, stay for dinner, okay?"
"Of course, Aunty," I smiled.
In Brooke's room, she flopped on her bed, grinning. "So… who's the guy making my best friend blush again?"
***
Logan's POV
***
Dinner at home was suffocating. The sound of cutlery scraping against plates was the only thing breaking the silence.
"Logan," the Chairman finally said. "I know you must be wondering why your mother called you home."
"Yes, sir."
He smiled. "You've done well with the project, especially with the Celestia Collection. I'm proud of you."
Vienna giggled softly beside him. "Even my father was impressed."
My chest tightened. Compliments, Vienna here, my mother's tense posture—none of this felt right.
"Logan," my mum finally spoke, her voice calm but cold.
"Vienna is ready to proceed with the engagement."
I froze.
"Isn't that good news?" the Chairman laughed.
My breath caught. "What?"
Only one name echoed in my mind.
Kayla.