Chapter 16
After her visit to Blossoms Home, Layla’s demeanor toward Stephen softened slightly, though her wariness and temper remained.
During Stephen’s business trip, the weather in Lasville took a dramatic tum.
The forecast had predicted warmer temperatures, but instead, a harsh cold wind swept in. The windows in the living room rattled with the eerie howls of the wind.
The sky darkened ominously, hinting at an approaching storm.
Despite being away, Stephen was constantly concerned about the situation at home. He called Layla and said, “The weather is really bad. Don’t go out.”
“I’ve made plans with friends.”
“Check the weather alert. There’s a high wind warning. Stay home.”
Whenever news notifications popped up on her phone, Layla would swipe them away without a glance.
As the wind picked up, the leaves in the garden whipped around wildly. With the windows open, the gusts were so strong that Layla could barely keep her eyes open.
As she valued her safety, she decided to cut her losses and give up on attending the gathering.
Dylan stood close to Layla. He seemed anxious. “Aunt Layla, will my mom be scared alone in the hospital?”
Layla could tell that he was scared.
That night, when everyone had returned to their rooms, Dylan stayed in the living room. Seeing the empty living room, he was scared and clung tightly to Layla.
“What?” Layla asked.
While holding his Commander Hampton toy, Dylan asked softly, “Aunt Layla, can you tuck me in?”
Noticing his apprehension, Layla swallowed her initial reluctance. Having spent so much time together, she had grown fond of Dylan. She gently guided him and said, “Let’s go.”
Dylan led the way to the guest room happily.
“Just so you know, I’m not good at comforting people. If you’re scared, I’ll stay in your room until you fall asleep.”
As Dylan settled under the covers, the bowling wind no longer seemed so frightening with Layla by his side.
He asked curiously, “Aunt Layla, how did your mom comfort you when you were scared?”
“My parents never did.” Layla had never seen her parents. Technically, she was raised by Robert and Stephen.
So who comforted you?”
Layla fell silent as she recalled her childhood.
“Steph, I’m scared,” she murmured. Back when she was young, her words slurred together. Stephen had always been there then.
When she was a child, Stephen was still a student, so Robert was the primary provider for the Murray family. Despite being in his 50s, Robert remained highly active. He attended meetings, made deals, and supported the entire Murray Group.
At that time, it was often just Layla and Stephen at home. Whenever she was frightened, she would instinctively seek him out.
Her reverie abruptly ended as she looked down at Dylan and warned, “Hurry up and sleep, or I’m leaving.”
Dylan promptly closed his eyes. Meanwhile, Layla took a seat in a nearby swivel chair. She rested her head on her hand.
As she spain slowly in the chair, she found herself lost in thought. “This is strange. Why am I starting to think more kindly of Stephen?”
