After Us

Present Day—-Weight Of Silence

The sound of Layla’s heels echoes smartly against the polished marble of the grand hall as she and Daniel exit the gala. The evening’s weight seems to press on her shoulders, her breaths shallow, her thoughts racing.

“You sure you’re okay?” Daniel asks, his voice careful but edged with concern.

Layla hesitates. “I’m fine—just tired,” forcing a smile.

The excuse sounds thin, even to her, but Daniel doesn’t press further. His gaze, however, lingers a moment too long, as if detecting her every mood.

As they move toward the valet stand to retrieve the car, a young man in a crisp brown uniform steps forward. He stands, holding an envelope in one hand, his other hand tucked behind his back.

“Excuse me,” the valet says, “Miss Layla Grant?”

Layla stops. Her name jerks her out of her haze. “Yes?”

“This is for you,” he says, extending the envelope.

Layla hesitates but eventually reaches for it, her fingers brushing against the coarse paper as she tries to ignore the icy trickle of anxiety. She searches for a name, but there’s none.

The envelope bears no sign beyond her name written in bold, blocky writing. There is something about the writing—maybe familiarity.

“Who sent this?

“I was only asked to deliver it, ma’am,” the valet answers before bowing and walking away, leaving the envelope firmly in her hand.

Daniel’s eyes gaze from the valet to the envelope, his jaw tightening. “What the hell is going on?! Do you know who it’s from?”

“I… I don’t know. Not yet.” Her voice comes out as if controlled but barely above a whisper.

The car finally pulls up; the silence during the ride to Layla’s apartment feels noisier than the sound of the engine purring beneath them. The tension between them grows heavier with each passing streetlight.

Daniel’s gaze occasionally flashes to the rearview mirror where Layla’s reflection appears blurry and distant.

Heavy with concern and curiosity, but he decides to be calm.

When they reach her apartment, Sophia’s cheerful voice rings out the moment they walk through the door.

The moment they walked through the door, Sophia’s cheerful voice calls out.

“Mummy! You’re back!” Sophia’s exciting voice pops up.

“You’re still up, Soph?” Layla asks,

“She promised to stay awake until you both came back,” Megan responds, walking out from the kitchen, her knowing smile softening the room’s tension.

“How was the gala?” Megan asks, taking Layla’s coat as Daniel follows close behind.

“It was…” Layla began, searching for a word that wouldn’t hint at the storm inside her, “…eventful.”

Sophia throws herself at Layla, who caught her daughter in a warm embrace, the weight of her little arms grounding her in that moment.

“Mummy! I saw butterflies today, and guess what? They even let me hold one!”

Layla crouches down, her heart loosening up as she takes off a loose strand of hair from Sophia’s face.

“You held a butterfly? Really? What colour was it, sweetie?”

Sophia beams. “It was orange and black, and it tickled when it sat on my hand! Granny said I had to be very gentle so it wouldn’t fly away.”

Daniel laughs as he joins them, sitting on the couch. “Did you name it, Soph? You know, butterflies deserve names too.”

Sophia gasps, facing Daniel with wide eyes. “I didn’t think of that! What do you think I should name it, Uncle Daniel?”

Daniel puts on a thinking face. “Hmm, how about… Flutters?”

Sophia sparks with excitement. “Flutters! Yes, Flutters is perfect!”

“Uncle Daniel, you said you’d tell me about the glittery butterflies when you got back!”

“I did, didn’t I? But that’ll be our story for tomorrow morning. Right now, it’s Daniel’s time for you, little lady.”

Sophia frowns but giggles when Daniel lifts her easily into his arms. Sophia giggles, wrapping her arm around his neck.

Layla watches them interact, her chest tightening. There was something sweet about the way Daniel fits into her world.

“Why don’t I help put Sophia to bed while you and Megan catch up?” Daniel offered.

“He tells the funniest bedtime stories,” Sophia whispered loudly to Layla.

“He’s all yours, sweetie.

Layla watches them disappear down the corridor before turning to Megan,

She is arm-crossed and fixes a deadly look on her.

“You look worried.”

Layla sighed. “It’s nothing, Mum. Just… a long night.”

“That’s not a long night face, Layla,” Megan pressed gently.“What’s wrong?”

She hesitated, her fingers twisting together. “Evan showed up tonight.”

Megan's face darkens at the mention of the name. “Evan? What does he want now?”

“I wish I knew,” Layla murmurs, running a hand over her hair. “But whatever it is... I need to figure it out.”

“You've built a really good life for yourself. Do not let anyone break your peace.

“It’s not that easy, Mom. Evan showing up again… It's like he’s trying to rewrite everything I've fought to erase.“

“Then don’t give him such power. You’re stronger than this.”

“It's not just about Evan…“ She pauses and continues, “Daniel keeps asking questions, and I don’t know what to tell him. I feel like everything is happening at once.”

“Do you want to talk to him about it?” Megan asks.

“I do,” Layla admits, her voice shaking. “But what do I even say? He’ll think I’m keeping secrets, which I guess I am.”

“You need to figure out what’s best for you—and for Sophia,” Megan said gently.

Layla nods, though clarity feels further away than ever.

eyes flicking toward the door, decreasing her tone

“A man handed me an envelope at the valet after the gala.”

“Who was it from?

Before she could respond, Daniel came into view as he stepped towards them.

“She’s out like a light,” he said, glancing at Layla. “You two good in here?”

“We’re fine,” Megan replies, sensing her daughter’s need for privacy. “I’ll let you two talk.” She stepped out, leaving them alone.

Layla grabs Daniel's hand as he sits down beside her. “I know you’re worried,” she began, her voice quiet but earnest.

“I am,” Daniel admits. “You’ve been quiet all night,” he said softly. “Talk to me, Layla. Please. I need to know what’s going on.”

Layla hesitates, his eyes searching hers for answers. She tries to speak, but words leave

“Daniel…” Finally, she begins