Chapter 33
GAbrIEL
I sat out on the patio and blew out a frustrated breath.
So Laila was going home to help my mother.
On the one hand, Laila’s caring nature was one of the things that I loved about her. But on the other, I wished that sometimes she would put her own needs first. She was enjoying herself, but now she was going to cut her trip short.
Although I did not have the best relationship with my mother, I did not wish her any harm.
I wanted her to be well. So of course, if she was seriously ill and had no one to help then stepping in would be understandable.
But she had a community around her and no doubt a rich boyfriend who could lend a hand, so that Laila could continue to enjoy this opportunity without guilt.
Hopefully Mother would do the right thing this time and tell Laila to stay.
And I admit that if Laila left, I would miss her too.
The past few days had felt like a dream.
When she had told me after the concert on Saturday night that she was willing to try and see where things went between us this week, I felt like I had won the lottery.
Selling my business was a huge achievement and seeing all of that money in my bank account was a thrill, but that did not even begin to compare to the feeling of being with Laila.
It was not just the sex, which was incredible. It was everything. Talking to her about everything and nothing. Making dinner together in the villa. Even ordering the shopping on the app was enjoyable because I was doing it with her.
Whilst she slept last night, I continued making plans for her birthday surprise. I had already asked Jasmine to help me organise something special. Now I was worried that she would not get to enjoy it.
I wanted to tell Laila why I had a strained relationship with my mother. But even after all of these years it was still painful.
Her actions hurt me and my father. Although I had tried to get over it, I found it difficult.
Plus, I knew that Laila idolised Juliette and thought she was flawless, so somehow it felt wrong to shatter that illusion.
Laila might also think that I was just bad-mouthing my mother to ruin their friendship so that Laila would not have to feel guilty any more.
I wanted Laila to choose me because she wanted to be with me, not because I had told her about my mother’s past.
‘There you are!’ Laila tightened the belt around her robe.
‘Are you catching the next flight to London?’ I asked.
‘No, of course not! I’m staying.’
‘You are?’ My brows shot up to my hairline. ‘But my mother called you.’
‘I know. But I told her that I wanted to stay – at least for a few more days. We’d already agreed to spend my birthday together, right?
I wasn’t going to change our plans. She said she was fine.
I’ll message Cordelia to ask if she can keep an eye on her.
And if she’s really bad, I can think about going on Friday.
But tomorrow’s my birthday and for once in my life, I want to have a nice day. With you. Just the two of us.’
Laila wrapped her arms around my waist and as she melted into me, my shoulders loosened.
She was staying.
She’d chosen to prioritise herself.
Laila had chosen us.
That was a big deal.
‘I like the sound of that, merci,’ I said, warmth flooding my chest. ‘I promise to make sure that tomorrow will be a day that you will never forget.’