Chapter 4: Engagement

Layla's lashes fluttered open

Her eyes met the carved lines of the vaulted ceiling above. For a moment, she didn't move. She didn't have to look around to know where she was.

The bitter ache in her body was reminder enough.

Last night was the most humiliating moment of her life not just the act, but the way he had spoken to her.

"If I can't have your smile... then I will have your tears”

His words echoed, cruel and cold. And then his hands, his body. The way he used her like she was nothing more than a thing to be claimed.

She hated it, and hated him.

A tear slipped silently down her cheek.

Slowly, she sat up, her back resting against the tall, padded headboard. Her limbs felt heavy, and she felt sick.

Then she saw him

Corvin Vellor.

Sitting in the velvet armchair near the fireplace, one leg crossed neatly over the other…watching her

Layla tore her gaze away. He was the last person she wanted to look at. The last person she wanted to see ever again.

She didn't speak.

Corvin stood. His movements were smooth as he closed the distance between them. One hand remained tucked in his pocket; with the other, he pulled out a cheque and held it out to her.

Layla didn't move, neither look at it.

Corvin's jaw tightened. He grabbed her wrist and shoved the cheque into her hand.

"What happened between us stays inside these four walls" he said flatly, his voice was calm, but colder than ice "I'm sure you understand the consequences if it doesn't."

Layla said nothing

But she didn't need to. Corvin watched her for a second longer, then turned and walked toward the bathroom,

disappearing behind the door without another word.

The silence that followed was louder than any threat.

Tears gathered in Layla's eyes, her throat tight as they spilled freely down her cheeks.

She looked at the cheque now. It was a massive amount…more than her family had ever seen but to her, it wasn't money.

It was a transaction

And she hadn't sold herself. Not for a check. She had sacrificed herself for her father.

That difference mattered to her.

With trembling hands, Layla tore the cheque clean in two and placed it quietly on the nightstand.

Her body ached as she swung her legs over the side of the bed but she didn't wince and she didn't care.

She just needed to leave.

She spotted her gown on the floor, slipped it back on, and stood.

Then, without looking back, she opened the door and stepped into the hallway beyond.

She didn't stop walking.

Few minutes later, Corvin stepped out of the bathroom, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt.

The room was empty.

She was gone.

His eyes landed on the nightstand, where the cheque he had given her lay torn clean in half.

He walked over, picked up the two halves and let out a sharp scoff.

What was she trying to prove? That she couldn't be bought?

His lips pressed into a thin line, as he narrowed his gaze but then his eyes shifted to the bed. And there, on the clean white sheets, he saw it.

A small red stain

Corvin froze.

He hadn't paid attention last night.. hadn't noticed that particular detail. He had been too consumed by his desire

A strange heaviness settled in his chest.

"She really was untouched" he muttered, almost to himself.

For a moment, he said nothing more. Just stood there, hand still clutching the shredded check and yet, under his usual coldness, something flickered.

Pride, possession. A dangerous kind of satisfaction.

********

Outside, Layla walked slowly. The palace was quiet, as it always was in the early morning silence

Until—

"Layla!"

She stopped in her tracks.

Zaya’s voice was close behind.

Layla turned, swallowing hard. Her friend stood with her hands planted firmly on her hips.

There was no mistaking it…Zaya was mad. And she had every right to be. Layla had left in the middle of the night without a word.

Zaya marched toward her

"Where the hell have you been all night?" she demanded.

"I… I" Layla stammered but Corvin's warning echoed in her head like a knife at her throat ‘You know the consequences’

She dropped her gaze "I can't talk about it."

Zaya’s frown deepened.. then, surprisingly, she let out a small exhale and gave a crooked smile.

"Well, whatever it was... it worked"

Layla blinked, confused.

Zaya stepped closer, her tone softening "Your father. He's been released"

Layla's breath caught

She didn't wait to hear another word. She turned and broke into a half run down the gravel path toward the chauffeur's quarters.

Zaya called after her, half laughing. "Seriously?! You never let me finish a sentence!"

But Layla didn't slow

*********

Inside the chauffeur’s Quarters

Layla didn’t know as she pushed open the door and there he was.

Her father

Sitting on the couch, a small first aid kit on the table beside him, a plaster in his hand. His shirt was loosely buttoned

He looked up and smiled

"Layla" he said softly.

Her name sounded like sunlight

A wave of emotion broke over her. Tears rushed to her eyes as she crossed the room in three steps and threw her arms around him, hugging him tight.

"I'm glad you're okay, Father" she whispered into his shoulder, her voice trembling.

Tomas chuckled gently and placed his hands on her shoulders, easing her back so he could see her face.

"I'm fine Layla, after the investigation, they said it was just a misunderstanding"

Layla crouched beside him, her fingers clutching his sleeve.

A misunderstanding?

She stared at him, stunned. That was the line they gave him?Her stomach twisted.

She knew who was behind his release and why. And the lie of it, the injustice, made her feel sick.

"Father" she whispered "Let's leave. I don't want to stay here anymore"

He blinked "Leave? Layla, what are you saying?"

She swallowed, trying to clear her throat

"They humiliated you" she said, voice cracking "They chained you up like a criminal. You don't deserve that. No, We don't”

Her voice shook, and her hands balled into fists in her lap "We have some savings, we can just leave the palace. Find a small house somewhere and start over"

Tomas sighed, and the look in his eyes aged him.

"Layla" he said gently, reaching to wipe a tear from her cheek "We can't just walk away. You know how things work here. There are rules and protocols”

Layla's voice rose,

"Why not?They accused you of treason., i don't care if they apologized or dropped the charges..that doesn't erase what they did!"

Tomas looked like he wanted to speak again, to calm her but then

Knock.

Both of them turned.

The door creaked open.

Zaya stepped inside slowly, a half apologetic smile on her lips.

"Sorry for interrupting" she said, then added "Lady Rowena is back in the palace, and Miss Evelyn has ordered all maids to report to the kitchen garden immediately"

Tomas nodded slowly "I suppose that means there's going to be a ceremony tonight"

Layla looked at him, then rose to her feet. "I will be back, Father and please think about what I said"

Tomas gave a faint nod, though worry still lingered in his eyes.

Layla followed Zaya out into the corridors, her thoughts still tangled. The early morning light spilled through the windows as they made their way to the kitchen garden.

When they arrived, a crowd of maids had already formed, standing in neat lines, the sound of whispered conversation buzzing through the air.

Layla and Zaya quickly joined in.

Moments later, Miss Evelyn stepped forward. Her heels clicked sharply against the stone floor as she walked, her posture stiff and her expression composed. She raised her hand and cleared her throat. The murmurs died instantly.

Her voice was calm but carried the weight of authority.

"Ladies" she began, "as you all may have heard, the President's engagement ceremony will take place tonight at the hall of the Palais du Lys"

Gasps and whispers moved through the crowd

Layla held her breath for a second

Engagement

The words cut through her. Her stomach twisted painfully as memories of the night before—his hands, his voice, his weight flooded back. She fought to hold back tears. Her hands clenched tightly at her sides as shame twisted inside her.

Miss Evelyn continued, unfazed by the reactions.

"Your task is simple but important. Ensure the hall and surrounding grounds are spotless and perfectly arranged. We are to accommodate dignitaries, political leaders, and esteemed guests. There is no room for error and above all…”

She paused, her gaze sweeping the rows of maids

"I expect each of you to behave impeccably, no disturbances, gossip and trouble. Do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am" the group echoed in unison