After Us

All my life, I’ve always wished to be loved. I thought it would change everything... And oh, if you’re wondering. IT DID.” Layla breathes out slowly, adjusting her green satin dress as she gazes into the mirror. In a few minutes, she’ll walk into a ballroom filled with the city’s elite—something she’s never seen herself doing. She picks at a tiny thread on her dress, trying to calm the knot of anxiety growing in her chest, but it doesn’t help. The same habit from her childhood lingers, even now. Growing up with an overworked mother and a father who only showed up rarely on Christmas never taught her much about blending into crowds like this. A calm knock on the door pulls her back. She straightens herself out as the door opens, revealing a young man, Daniel, her boyfriend. He gives a calm voice but doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and Layla figures out it’s time. “Are you getting out sometime today?” Daniel says, teasing with an impatient tone, his voice smooth and calm. “Five seconds,” she replies, dampening her sweaty palms on her blonde hair. She looks into the mirror one last time, exhales again, and murmurs under her breath, “You’ve got this, Lay.” Layla gets hold of her clutch and steps out of the room, sneering slightly. “You should learn patience, Daniel,” she teased. Daniel, waiting with a wine glass in hand, glances up and instantly gives a low whistle. "Wooooo. Remind me to take fashion advice from you more often. You’re stunning,” he said, studying her with a quick but natural approval. “Like a masterpiece on display,he added, accompanied by a smile. “Thanks,” Layla reacts, tilting her head and forcing a slim smile. “That’s the best boyfriend praise I’ve ever heard.” Daniel giggles, slipping an arm around her waist. “You know I’m right.” His eyes soften as they travel over her. “Seriously, though. You’re breathtaking.” “Careful, you’ll make me blush,” Layla lets out lightly, warmth creeping into her cheeks. Their connection has been something out of Layla’s comprehension—a partnership that still feels surreal. Daniel is her rock, her warmth, and, most significantly, someone who accepts her six-year-old baggage—Sophia. They made their way towards the dazzling major hall. Their views were filled with seas of suits and gowns. She could hear voices chanting and the heat of tension filling her veins. It’s everything she expected: overly polished, crowded, and loud. Layla smiles and nods at a passing waiter, but her palms feel damp against her clutch. She damps them again. “You okay?” Daniel whispered, picking up on her slight unease as they stepped further inside. She nodded. “Yeah. Just mentally preparing for two hours of faking smiles and greetings.” “You mean two hours of charming everyone while I brag about you?” he said with an effortless grin. Layla scoffs, “You’re unbelievable.” She rolls her eyes, but deep down, she appreciates his warmth. “C’mon, Babe, these are people like you; cheer up,” he added. Layla didn't hear that part; she was struck by the gala chants. It was everything she had expected: overly noisy and polished. Daniel in his element, already exchanging waves and head nods. It’s dizzying, and Layla tries to keep her energy up, chuckling even when nothing seems funny, offering carefully crafted reactions. Yet she feels null. “Nervous?” Daniel checks on her again, glancing over as they step forward. “Not nervous. Just... adjusting,” Layla lies. Daniel grins playfully. “If you trip, I’ll just yell, ‘Everyone! She’s a genius who trips for the aesthetic!’” Layla couldn't help the burst of laughter that escaped her. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” Daniel says unexpectedly. Layla lifts up an eyebrow. “Who?” “Alison Monroe,” he replies. “The PR genius?” Layla perks up at the name. Alison Monroe is a legend in the marketing world, the type of woman Layla secretly aspires to become. Daniel’s grin stretches, nodding as he leads her toward the back of the room. Layla straightens, mentally practicing what to say. She adjusts her smile and poses just as Alison turns to face them. “Hello, Daniel,” she smiles, giving him a gentle hug. Then faces Layla. “And you must be the famous Layla Grant?” Alison says, extending her hand. “Heard a lot about you.” The praise grabs Layla off guard. “Hi Alison,” she stammers, shaking Alison’s hand, trying to keep herself from the shock of the credit. “I think Daniel talks me up a little too much.” “Oh, he doesn’t shut up about you,” Alison teases, earning a laugh from Daniel. “And that's because she's the best.“ Daniel speaks up. “Daniel, please.” Lay smiled more than she expected. The interaction relaxes Layla for the first time that night, and she begins to find herself. Her earlier uncertainty about the gala easing into real joy. “I’ll leave you two for a bit,” Daniel said. “I need to refill my glass.” Alison tilted in as Daniel walked off. “He really does adore you,” she said, drinking down her champagne. Layla smiled softly, sceptical on how to react. “He has his moments,she admits. “I’ve always admired your work,” Layla says shyly. “You’ve built something truly remarkable. If you ever give a workshop, I’d be first in line.” “Flattery from the famous Layla Grant? Careful, you’re starting to sound like Daniel.” Layla laughs lightly, “He does have a way with words. But I mean it—your campaign for the Silverman fund was genius.” “That’s high praise coming from someone who’s turning heads in this crowd,” Alison teases, lifting her glass in salute. Before their chat can go deeper, a group of people begins to walk in. Layla excuses herself and drifts toward the edge of the room to grab another drink. Her gaze roams over the enchanting crowd, and then she spots a familiar face. . At first, it’s just a tall image on the other side of the room. Then the shadow becomes visible. Evan? Even from across the room, his features are detailed. Seven years might’ve passed, but Layla would remember those manipulative grey eyes anywhere. Layla feels the floor collapse from under her. The champagne glass in her hand quivers slightly. It couldn't be. But it is. Evan—the same man who had broken her life without looking back. She can’t seem to draw breath, her mind running through years of memories she’s battled to bury. Then, without notice, he starts making his way toward her. And Layla freezes.