Chapter 14 Best Friend Forever and for Life
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The golden sun dipped low over the Tate Estate, casting warm light through the tall windows of the living room. Layla sat curled up on the velvet couch, her hand absentmindedly resting on her stomach as soft classical music played in the background.
The wedding was behind them, but her mind hadn't stopped spinning. The kiss. The whispers. The secret that still lingered between her and Jasper like the pause before a thunderstorm.
Suddenly, the front door flew open with a burst of chaotic energy.
"Ayla," Layla gasped, nearly dropping the tea in her hands. "You could knock!"
Ayla grinned like she held the greatest secret in the universe. "Girl. You won't believe what just happened."
Layla sat up straighter. "What?"
"I have news. Earth-shattering, life-changing, delicious news."
Layla raised an eyebrow. "You're either pregnant or in love."
Ayla threw her head back laughing. "Close. I'm dating someone."
Layla blinked. "What? Who?!"
Ayla practically squealed. "Jasper's best friend."
Layla's jaw dropped. "Wait-Elias?! The guy from the club?"
Ayla nodded, eyes sparkling. "Yup. That night you met Jasper, I saw Elias and dragged you into the VIP section, remember?"
Layla's lips parted. "I thought you were just being dramatic."
"I was! But apparently, my instincts were on point. I ran into him again at the wedding. We talked for hours while everyone was getting tipsy and crying over how 'perfect' you and Jasper looked."
Layla's heart warmed. "And now you're dating?"
"He asked me out yesterday," Ayla said, flopping next to her on the couch. "He's intense. Smart. Confident. But he listens. Like, really listens. And he's already planning a second date."
Layla nudged her playfully. "You're glowing."
Ayla smiled, then sobered. "Honestly, I'm scared. He's Jasper's best friend. This isn't a little fling. I think he wants something real."
Layla looked down, brushing her fingers over her stomach. "I get it."
They sat in silence for a moment, the unspoken things between them growing heavier.
Finally, Ayla nudged her gently. "You gonna tell me what's going on between you and Jasper?"
Layla looked away. "It was supposed to be fake."
"But?"
Layla exhaled. "I don't know. Things are changing. Fast. I feel like we're walking toward something huge and I don't know if it's going to break me... or make me whole."
Ayla leaned her head on Layla's shoulder. "Whatever happens, I'm with you. Forever and for life, remember?"
Layla smiled softly. "Forever and for life."
Just then, Elias and Jasper walked in through the side entrance, both laughing - a rare, easy sound from Jasper.
"Ladies," Elias greeted smoothly. "I hope we're not interrupting anything."
"Only a life-altering confession," Ayla teased, standing and walking over to him.
Elias raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Ayla kissed him, slow and sure. "Told her about us."
Layla watched as Jasper's gaze flickered from Elias and Ayla... to her.
And for the first time since their wedding, he smiled - the real kind.
"Maybe it's time we stopped pretending too."
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