🖤TWISTED OBSESSIONS 🖤

Chapter -24

The magical moment, however, was abruptly interrupted when they heard a loud noise coming from inside Layla's room..
Rushing inside, they discovered Layla in her room, tears streaming down her face. She had been battling depression it seemed she had reached her breaking point. With the support of Bella and Oliver, they managed to intervene just in time and prevent Layla from harming herself.Bella felt guilt as she couldn't be by her side when she was going through this...Bella hugged layla...

-'' why are you doing this? For a boy who hurted you tremendously... Layla I didn't thought.."

" I... I ... Love him... Bella!"

-" turn that feeling off god dammit how can you love someone who hurt you!" Moreover he did a crime , criminal ,a  murderer layla!"

Layla desparately crying as they holded her As they comforted Layla, layla's phone rang. An unknown number flashed on the screen, and hesitantly, she answered.

The caller warned that this was just the beginning of a nightmare that would engulf them all.

Fear gripped Bella, Oliver, and Layla as they realized they were being dragged into something sinister. They spent the hour discussing their options and trying to make sense of the cryptic call

They frightened out of fear maybe it was something really dangerous coming now...

" You go sleep Bella ..."

-" I can't! After what you did not that! I will sleep with you"

" Just go;! I want to be alone, I won't do anything like this!"

-" but Layla you really need someone now!"( Oliver said)

" I don't! And I know what to do now so just go !"

She slammed the door and pushed Bella and Oliver out....

" Umm... I think Oliver you should go home..."

-" You sure you'll be alright walking up alone?" Oliver asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Bella chuckled, knowing exactly where this was headed.

-"Oliver, it's just beside the room. I think I'll survive," she teased, a playful smile on her lips.

-"Ah, but you never know what dangers lurk in the shadows of apartment ," Oliver replied dramatically, feigning concern as he stepped closer to her.

Bella laughed, shaking her head at his antics.

"Oliver, you're incorrigible."

-"Just looking out for you, Bella,"

Oliver said, his voice softening as he looked at her with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.

Suddenly, Oliver leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

-"You know, Bella, it's not just about safety. I enjoy spending time with you, even if it means making sure you get to your door safely."

Bella felt her cheeks flush at his words, a mixture of surprise and a flutter of excitement dancing in her chest.

"You're such a flirt, Oliver,"

she murmured, unable to hide the smile that tugged at her lips.

Oliver chuckled softly.

-"Only with you, Bella. Only with you."

As Bella finally made her way inside, she couldn't shake the warmth of Oliver's words or the twinkle in his eyes. Flirting had never felt so genuine, so effortlessly sweet, as it did with Oliver. Who had been something more special to her....

-" I hope you sleep well! Don't think about me much!!"

Bella chuckled

" You too Oliver!"

The next morning Bella,  couldn't believe how drastically Layla had changed seemingly overnight. Where once Layla had been timid and reserved, she now exuded a newfound confidence that bordered on assertiveness. Her mannerisms, the way she spoke, even the subtle nuances in her laughter had all shifted.

" How can she change so much overnight" she told to herself she couldn't believe her eyes , she was shocked!

Bella couldn't shake the feeling that Layla was putting on an act. Despite Layla's outward appearance of strength, Bella sensed an underlying sadness, a vulnerability that Layla was trying desperately to mask. She watched as Layla threw herself into work and social activities, always surrounded by people but seeming somehow distant.

"Layla,"

Bella began tentatively,

-"I've noticed you're acting different . It's like... like you're trying to be someone you're not. Don't try to act someone you are not"

" What do you mean Bella!"

Layla's facade faltered for a moment, a brief glimpse of vulnerability surfacing in her eyes before she quickly masked it.

"I'm just trying to move on, Bella,"

Layla replied evenly.

"I realized I can't let one person define who I am or how I feel"

Bella nodded slowly, understanding but not entirely convinced. She had known Layla long enough to recognize when something wasn't quite right. "Layla, I get that. But pretending to be okay when you're not... that's not moving on. That's just burying your feelings."

Layla's gaze softened, her shoulders sagging imperceptibly.

"Maybe you're right, Bella. Maybe I am pretending. It's just... it's easier this way, you know?"

Bella reached out and gently squeezed Layla's hand.

-"It's okay to not be okay, Layla. You don't have to hide your pain from me."