Chapter 23
Clarissa’s earlier excitement was extinguished after seeing the word “Layla“.
She knew Layla had studied wedding dress design. Once, a single gown had brought her recognition in the design world.
Layla had gone on to participate in several competitions, achieving remarkable success every time.
Clarissa had to admit, the wedding dress on the sketch was the most beautiful she had ever seen. Its design and elegance surpassed even the works of today’s top designers.
Jealousy burned in her chest as she stared at the sketch, but curiosity crept in too..
Why did Seth have a wedding dress designed by Layla? Could it be that four years ago, planned to marry Layla?
As that thought took root, a cold glint flashed in Clarissa’s eyes.
he had
She pulled out her phone and snapped a picture of the sketch before sending it to the bridal boutique.
She texted, “Customize this design for me.
Just as she was feeling triumphant, the door to the office opened.
Sean entered, and his tone was respectful as he said, “Ms. Price, Mr. Parker has instructed me to escort you to the lobby.”
Caught red–handed, Clarissa didn’t dare to linger. Clutching her phone, she left Seth’s office.
without a word.
Mark had already prepared the dinner when Layla got home.
Hearing the door, he set down what he was doing and went to the entrance to greet her.
“Daisy, come here and give Daddy a hug,” Mark said warmly
Daisy toddled over on her little legs and threw herself into his embrace. She pointed to her cheek, then to Layla, making an exaggeratedly pained expression.
Mark immediately understood what she meant. Carrying Daisy, he approached Layla and studied her closely.
When he noticed the redness on her cheek and the swelling on her hand, his expression. darkened with concern. “What happened? Who hit you?”
Layla said calmly, shaking her head. “I am okay. Clarissa instigated a parent to do it, but don’t
worry,
R
Mark led her to the couch, pulling out a tube of ointment from the cabinet.
As he gently applied the ointment, he said firmly, “If this job is making you unhappy, don’t force yourself. You’ve fought so hard to come out of the dark. I don’t want you to fall back in.”
Layla chuckled, trying to reassure him. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not the same Layla from four years ago. A little setback isn’t enough to make me back down. Whoever dares to hit me. will get it back double. If it weren’t for all the students around today, I’d have slapped her a
few more times.
Mark’s tense expression relaxed a bit as he sighed in relief. “It’s good you feel that way. Just don’t let yourself sink in like before, alright?”
Not wanting him to worry further, Layla smiled and changed the topic. “I promise I won’t. Now, what dinner have you made? Daisy’s tummy has been growling, so let’s go eat.”
Daisy, hearing this, patted her belly enthusiastically, signaling that she was hungry.
Once Mark finished applying the ointment, he scooped Daisy into his arms, and kissed her chubby cheek.
He said, “Daddy made your favorite pasta and roasted chicken wings. Do you like it?”
Excited, Daisy threw her arms around his neck and planted a big kiss on his cheek in return.
Feeling her affection, Mark’s earlier worries completely vanished.
He lifted Daisy high above his head, grinning. “Sweetheart, can you try to say ‘Daddy?“”
Daisy’s eyes twinkled as she looked at him, but her little mouth remained shut.
Mark chuckled and gently pinched her tiny nose. Fine. No ‘Daddy,‘ then. Let’s just eat.” The three of them sat down together for dinner, the atmosphere warm and harmonious
