Chapter 15: The Unexpected Encounter
In the end, Julian took Layla to a restaurant for dinner Julian, however, had little appetite, so Lay the only one eating. She didn’t seem to notice Julian’s cold demeanor, and while enjoying her meal, she eagerly shared her thoughts with him, completely unfazed by his distant attitude.
After they finished eating, the two stood up and walked out together.
“It’s quite late now. I’ll drive you back to school,” Jullan said after checking the time. He wasn’t leave a woman alone so late, so he decided to drop Layla off at her school before heading hom
Luckily, the restaurant he chose was only about five or six minutes wouldn’t take long.
the type to
from Layla’s school, so it
At the school gate, Layla knew he wouldn’t drive her inside or walk her to her dorm, but tonigh wanted to test the waters.
“Aren’t you going to walk me in? I’d love to show you around my campus,” she suggested.
Though there wasn’t much to see at the school, Layla was hoping to spend more time with didn’t object and decided to walk her in, figuring a few more steps wouldn’t hurt.
As they walked along the campus road, many students passed by, noticing them. Layla was well–know for her looks–she was considered the campus beauty–and wherever she went, she attracted attention Their short walk of just ten minutes was enough to stir curiosity. Several students took photos, eager figure out who this man walking with Layla was and what their relationship might be.
In the past, when Layla had been around Julian, she didn’t have the official title of “girlfriend,” so everything had to be done discreetly. But now, with her new status, she wanted to show him off on campus, partly to flaunt him and partly to satisfy her own vanity.
“We’re officially together now, and my roommates are dying to meet you. How about we arrange a dinner sometime?” she asked, trying to cement her role as Julian’s girlfriend.
But Julian had little interest in such matters and remained silent.
“You know, Julian, every second I spend with you, I’m incredibly happy,” Layla said, gazing up at him with eyes full of love.
Her vibrant energy and affection were undeniable, and for a moment, it was hard not to be moved by it. As Julian lowered his head, Layla leaned in and planted a kiss on the corner of his lips.
“I know there’s a distance between us, but I have no regrets,” she said softly.
The onlookers, seeing Layla’s bold move, widened their eyes in surprise. It was clear now–they were definitely a couple. The campus beauty had a boyfriend, and not just any boyfriend–Julian was handsome and clearly successful. No wonder the students were so excited.
For Layla, the attention she garnered filled her with pride, while Julian’s mind wandered back to a distant memory. He recalled a moment from his college graduation when Chloe had looked at him with the same adoring gaze. But back then, Chloe’s love had been even more intense–he had meant the world to her.
Julian had never expected that memory to hit him so hard at that moment, as it suddenly rushed back, shaking him to his core. Without realizing it, he took a step back, increasing the distance between himself and Layla.
Chloe, who hadn’t expected to witness such a scene, stood in the crowd, feeling as if fate had played a cruel trick on her. This was an accidental encounter, but it felt almost too coincidental. She hadn’t cared much about what was happening, but the crowd’s excitement and chatter had drawn her attention.
Chapter 15: The Unexpected Encounter
From an outsider’s perspective, Layla was undeniably beautiful, and Julian looked just as good. They seemed like a perfect match, which explained why everyone around them was so excited.
Layla was surprised by Julian’s sudden retreat and the space that opened up between them.
“Julian?” she asked, puzzled.
“It’s late. You should head back,” Julian said, trying to find an excuse. As he turned to leave, Layla grabbed his arm.
king up at him
1 don’t want to go yet. Don’t you want to spend more time with me?” she asked, looking pleadingly.
In that moment, Julian pulled her closer, wrapping his armund her waist and kissing her deeply. The crowd of students erupted in cheers again, thrilled by the ntic display.
Watching the campus beauty in love was more exciting than their own love lives.
As more phones captured the moment, Chloe, standing at the back of the crowd, caught a glimpse of Julian and Layla kissing through the gaps between people. Her hands clenched tightly, fingernails digging into her palms, yet she didn’t feel the pain.
She had thought she wouldn’t feel hurt anymore, but seeing them like this still stung. Her heart ached. She knew that letting go of her feelings for Julian would take time, but she hadn’t expected it to be so painful.
Chloe quickly averted her gaze and walked away. She had more important things to focus on–she couldn’t let one man disrupt her plans.
As Julian pulled away from Layla, he felt something a strange sense of loss. Instinctively, he glanced toward the crowd, but he saw nothing. Before he could figure out why he felt that way, Layla took his
hand again.
“It’s really late. You should go,” he said with a forced smile, walking her to the entrance of her dormitory.
Just as he was about to leave, Layla stopped him again.
“Can I come back to your place tonight?” she asked, her words filled with hope..
It was a suggestion Julian understood immediately, but he didn’t accept. His feelings were too conflicted.
“You’re too young,” he replied.
Layla was momentarily stunned, but then a wave of happiness washed over her. If he wasn’t taking her back, it must mean he cherished her.
“Alright, see you later then. I’ll bring you some steak tomorrow–I just learned how to make it,” she said with a bright smile, but Julian’s heart only felt more unsettled.
Chap 16 Becoming Whole. Agam
