Logan hadn't been himself since the last time he saw Kayla.
His phone never left his hand. Even during meetings, his mind wandered. The once fresh, confident Logan Avalon was now pale, drained, and hollow.
He entered his office and sank into the sofa, loosening the first button of his shirt.
"Can I get my coffee now?" he said tiredly into the intercom before dropping it without waiting for a reply.
Moments later, his secretary entered quietly, carrying a tray with a steaming cup of coffee. She placed it on the table and bowed slightly before leaving.
Logan didn't even notice her leave.
He frowned suddenly, catching a familiar scent.
"Why are you here, Vienna?" he asked flatly.
Vienna smirked, stepping into view in a short, scarlet dress that clung to her like fire.
"So, you recognize my perfume now," she teased.
"That didn't answer my question."
"Can't I spend time with the man I'm supposed to marry?" she said, her tone sweet but sharp.
"I don't have time for games, Vienna." Logan muttered, rubbing his temples.
He reached for the coffee, gulping it down in one go.
Vienna's lips curved into a knowing smile.
Moments later, Logan felt his head spin. His skin grew hot, sweat beading on his forehead.
"What's happening to me?" he groaned, tugging at his collar.
Vienna stood up slowly and touched his chest, unbuttoning the second and third buttons of his shirt.
"Why are you so warm, Logan?" she whispered seductively.
Her fingers grazed his skin, but before she could undo another button, he caught her wrist.
"Did you spike my coffee?" His voice was low, trembling with anger.
Vienna blinked innocently. "What? Why would I—"
"I'll make you pay for this," he snapped, pushing her away. He grabbed his car keys and stumbled toward the door, ignoring her voice calling after him.
The moment the door slammed shut, Vienna's smile vanished.
She swept her arm across the table, shattering the cup on the floor.
"I want every detail of Logan's movements," she hissed into her phone. "Track his calls, who he meets — everything."
She hung up and glared toward the door.
"Whoever she is," she muttered, "she'll regret stepping into my world."
***
Kayla's POV
***
I was staring at my phone again — at the engagement photos of Logan Avalon and his beautiful, classy fiancée.
"Vienna Marlowe," I whispered, biting my lip.
Brooke's voice startled me. "Isn't that Logan's picture?"
I turned quickly. "How long have you been there?"
"Since you started watching their videos," she said, grinning as she sat on my bed. "Why?"
"I just can't help it," I said softly. "We're from two completely different worlds. But... it's nice that he's happy."
Brooke munched her chips thoughtfully. "I don't think he's happy."
"That's none of my business anymore," I sighed.
"Yeah, that's what you want to tell yourself." Brooke leaned forward, her tone teasing but kind. "But deep down, you still care — a lot."
"Brooke," I groaned, rolling my eyes.
"I'm starting to wonder who you care about more — me or Logan?" she said with a smirk.
"What nonsense are you saying?" I snapped. "Of course, I care about both of you."
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Brooke grinned triumphantly. "Told you."
Her expression softened. "Kayla, I know you love him. And I think he loves you just as much. But the real question is — are you ready to fight for your love?"
I didn't answer. Because I wasn't sure if love was something I was strong enough to fight for.
Brooke reached for my hand. "I'm not forcing you, Kay. I just want you to be happy. And if Logan is your happiness, don't give up on him. Whatever you decide, I'll stand by you."
My eyes welled up. "Brooke…"
"It's okay to cry," she whispered, pulling me into a hug.
And I did. I cried for the promises that broke, and for the boy who made me cry even after I swore I'd never shed another tear for any guy again.
***
Logan's POV
***
After leaving the hospital, I told the driver to take me back to the company. Before he could even open the door, I stepped out and walked in, my heart heavy with resolve.
I sent Kayla a message before switching off my phone:
I'm not giving up on you — not in this life, not in the next.
Then I marched straight into the meeting room where my mother, the Chairwoman, was in the middle of a foreign conference.
Every head turned as I entered. My mother's expression didn't change — calm, cold, dangerous.
"What is the meaning of this, Mr. Avalon?" she said sharply.
"I want to have a word with you," I said, my voice trembling slightly.
"I'm in a meeting," she snapped. "Are you aware of the penalty for interrupting—"
"I'm not marrying Vienna," I blurted out.
Her eyes widened for a moment — the only sign of surprise she allowed herself.
"Everyone, out," she ordered.
The room emptied within seconds. She walked toward me, each step deliberate, her heels striking like a warning.
"Repeat that, Logan."
"I'm not getting married to Vienna."
Her hand flew across my face before I could finish.
"This will be the last time you say something so foolish," she hissed. "You'll proceed with the wedding. It's this weekend."
"I'm in love with someone else," I said softly, my cheek stinging.
"Get out, now. I'm done with this conversation." She turned away.
"Don't you care about me at all?" I said, my voice breaking. "Everything I've done — all my life — has been to please you."
She paused. "You haven't done enough, Logan. You owe me for your past mistakes. You will please me — with your life."
"Past mistakes?" I laughed bitterly. "Everything happened because of you! You never cared about Lauren or me. All of this—everything—was your fault!"
"Don't you dare blame me!" she screamed.
"I just want to be with the woman I love," I said, my voice trembling. "She's the only one who truly understands me. Please, Mum. I'm begging you."
"You're marrying Vienna," she said coldly. "And that's final."
The door opened — and a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Don't marry Vienna."
My heart stopped.
Kayla.
She walked in slowly, her steps calm but fearless. Her presence filled the room like sunlight piercing through clouds.
Without hesitation, she came to my side and took my hand, intertwining our fingers.
"I won't let go of this hand," she said softly, her eyes locked on mine. "So don't you let go either."
Emotion rose in my chest like a tide.
"Even if the world turns against us," I whispered, "I won't."
And in her eyes, I found the peace I had been searching for.
***
Author's POV
***
Kayla bowed slightly to the chairwoman before walking out of the office hand in hand with Logan.
The chairwoman stood frozen, her expression unreadable.
Her lips trembled slightly as she whispered to herself,
"That confidence… that fire… I've seen it before."
"Why does she remind me of Sophia…?"