Chapter 244: Type of woman I wanted
The next morning, Layla stirred wake from her sleep, feeling steady, warm breath falling on her forehead. She looked up and saw Lucius next to her. But they were on bed. Last night after Lucius left, Layla waited for him to return on the chaise and ended up falling asleep there.
Layla noticed a frown creased on his forehead. Instinctively, she reached out, her fingertip brushing against the crease on his forehead. She traced it gently. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she whispered to herself, "Even in sleep, you don’t let yourself rest."
Lying quietly for a moment longer, Layla carefully slipped out of bed, ensuring she didn’t disturb Lucius. Once freshened up, she made her way downstairs, her mind already buzzing with plans for the day. Since they had to leave the vacation cottage by the afternoon, she wanted to capture a family photograph—something to remember forever.
After making the arrangements, she lowered her phone, a satisfied smile on her lips, when she heard Roderick’s voice.
"Good morning, Layla. You look radiant today," he said.
Layla turned to him, squinting slightly as she took in his casual appearance. "Thank you," she replied. "But I’m surprised to see you up so early. Isn’t this a little out of character for you?"
Roderick chuckled, running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair. "I hardly get a good night’s sleep when I’m not in my own house. You know that well," he admitted with a shrug while reminding her. "But since I’m up, I thought I’d ask—would you like to have coffee with me? Everyone else seems like they’ll be sleeping in for a while."
Layla’s polite smile didn’t falter. "Thank you for the offer, Rick, but I’ll have to decline. I try to avoid coffee in the morning," she said gently. Her gaze flickered right behind Roderick, and her smile widened.
"Oh, look, Ivy’s here! You should definitely enjoy a mug of your coffee with her instead. I’m sure she’d appreciate the company."