Chapter Eight: My Next Boyfriend

Ashton's face was dark with anger as he flipped the table, shooting a fierce look at Layla as if he wanted to swallow her whole. "You can't wait to shout it to the world, can you? Is it because you don't want me to get in your way for hunting the next catch?" "I'm not wrong about you being a nuisance," Layla replied as she ran her fingers through her beautiful curly hair. She flashed a sweet smile, grabbed her purse from the couch, rose up tall over Ashton, and declared, "Let's call it a night. Please know your place, and don't disrupt my search for the next boyfriend." With that, Layla left without looking back. Clenching his teeth, Ashton frantically searched for his cigarette box, filling the once-silent room with a flurry of noise. As Mike watched Layla's graceful figure disappear into the distance, he wiped the sweat off his forehead and asked, "Is this really happening, Ashton? Is this because you took Poppy to that charity event? I thought she could put up with it like she used to." After finally finding his cigarette box tucked away in a corner, Ashton lit a cigarette with impatience. "What if we get divorced? So what? She's been mine forever, and I won't let her go to any other guy." He declared with a fierce glare, his eyes bloodshot and intense. Before he could finish his smoke, the urge got the best of him, and he stood up abruptly, saying, "I'm going to find her." Hastily, Ashton dashed out and spotted Layla alone at the club entrance, searching through her bag. She realized that she had lost her car keys. Ashton couldn't explain the emotions swirling inside him. Countless times, Layla had waited like this at his office building's entrance for him to finish work, yet he always took it for granted. He even took pleasure in driving past her with another woman in the passenger seat. Pulling the car up in front of Layla, Ashton rolled down the window and said, "Please get in. I'll give you a ride." Feeling the goosebumps on her arms from the chill, Layla chuckled and replied, "Well, thank you for playing the gentleman and offering a free ride." Layla opened the back door with a smile, slid in, closed her eyes leisurely, and directed, "Ivory Crest Residences, please." Ashton's jaw clenched as he fixed his gaze on Layla, who was lying in the backseat, his expression almost predatory in intensity. "Do you think I'm your chauffeur?" He muttered through gritted teeth. Irritated by the interruption to her catnap, Layla opened her eyes with annoyance. "Well, are you driving me home or not? If not, I'll just get out," she said, preparing to leave. Ashton reluctantly started the car with a heavy sigh. "By the way, when will you be able to handle the formalities? I'll have the ownership of the land transferred to your name." "If you're truly serious about transferring the land to me, I'll have my investment department contact you. Let's handle this in a professional manner, shall we? We should stick to market rules and avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings," Layla replied calmly. With a sudden stop, Ashton pulled the car to the side of the road. The sound of the tires screeching against the pavement echoed loudly in the still night. Through clenched teeth, he asked, "Is this really how you want to cut ties with me?" Layla's lips curved into a subtle smile as her calm gaze passed over, conveying a silent message. A mix of helplessness and bitterness stirred within Ashton inexplicably, making his eyes reddened with emotion. "Okay, fine! Your company can adhere to market regulations and compete openly with other businesses through public bidding." "Thank you." Once back in her villa, Layla indulged in a soothing aromatherapy bath to relax. The calming scent of lavender filled the air, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Amid the chaos of work and personal affairs, she finally found a moment of tranquility and drifted off to sleep in the bathtub. She was jolted awake only when gentle hands lifted her. Opening her eyes suddenly in the pitch-black night, she couldn't see anything but caught a faint whiff of cedar. The familiar aroma brought comfort. She then realized that it was Simon who had arrived. Layla sighed in relief, wrapped her slender arms around his neck, and coyly asked, "Why did you come?" His deep voice held a hint of suppressed emotion as he replied, "Then who were you hoping for?" Layla chuckled, tracing her fingers down his toned chest. He carefully laid her on the soft bed, leaning over her. She encircled her legs around his waist and playfully teased, "And what's your guess?" The room's vibe shifted into a playful atmosphere. Layla, freshly bathed and exuding a captivating scent, felt his hand gliding up her silky legs. She let out a contented sigh. Her closed eyes revealed a touch of rose color in the dim light. In a moment of desire, she playfully hummed, her hand around his neck tightening slightly as she teasingly licked his chin. Layla became concerned as she felt the heat radiating from him. "Are you running a fever?" With a tender touch, she caressed his chiseled face, pulling herself back from the heat of the moment. "If you were feeling unwell, you should have told me earlier. I wouldn't have let you come over." As Layla attempted to get out of bed, Simon held her back, his grip strong on her slender legs, his gaze intense and possessive. "If I had arrived a bit later, you would have spent the night with another guy." "Don't be ridiculous. You're still sick," Layla protested. "You should have a good rest if you're unwell. I..." Before she could finish her sentence, a dominant kiss forcefully sealed her lips. His fervent kiss, filled with desire, left Layla momentarily breathless. "Just a slight fever, not on death's door," he said. His lips traveled down her velvety neck and chest, peppering a path of gentle kisses. Layla lovingly patted his strong back, playfully saying, "You know, you don't have to go to all this trouble for me." He responded by unfastening his belt.