DARK SEDUCTION

chapter 67

When we arrived at Leila’s house, she was already dressed and waiting for us. She wore a stunning green gown that hugged her figure perfectly, with her hair pinned elegantly to the side. In that moment, she looked like an exotic beauty straight out of a painting. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of insecurity, realizing how plain I must have seemed in comparison. I wished again that Max had thought to get someone to do my makeup, but it was too late now. It could have been worse, I shuddered at the thought of how I might have looked if I had been stubborn and insisted on wearing that old, ragged dress.

Max and I settled on the two-seater couch, while Leila sat across from us on an armchair. As I watched her, I noticed a flicker of something in her eyes regret, maybe, or perhaps hesitation. I couldn't be sure. She seemed almost vulnerable, despite her polished appearance, and I found myself feeling unexpectedly sympathetic toward her. Leila’s gaze shifted briefly toward the door, and I half expected Ethan to walk in, but he didn’t. It was clear she hadn’t invited him. This was her mess to clean up, and she knew it.

Max opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say a word, Leila held up her hand to stop him. “No, let me,” she said, her voice quiet but firm. “I have something to say. First, I want to apologize to both of you.”

She paused, glancing between Max and me. Her expression was earnest, and I could see the weight of whatever she was about to reveal pressing down on her. I braced myself for what was coming.

“Anna,” Leila continued, turning her attention fully to me, “believe me when I say that I’ve had a crush on Max ever since high school. He never even looked my way, but I always wanted him to be mine. It’s...embarrassing to admit, but I kept tabs on you, Max. I’m not usually a stalker, but that’s how deeply I felt for you.”

Max shifted uncomfortably beside me, and I could feel the tension radiating off him. This wasn’t something he had anticipated, nor had I.

“When I heard about the party,” Leila went on, “I knew you’d be there, and I decided to take my shot. I found out you were completely into Anna, and...well, I decided to play a fast one.” She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly as she confessed, “I drugged you, Max, and took you with me. That’s why you couldn’t remember anything after the party. I’m really sorry, I understand if you want to press charges.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of her confession settling over us like a thick fog. I could hardly believe what I was hearing the woman was diabolical, and a quick glance at Max told me he was equally stunned. Leila’s words hung in the air, and for a moment, none of us knew what to say.

“It’s kind of my fault the reporters came, too,” Leila added quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I invited them. I thought... I thought it would make things easier for me if people assumed we were together.”

Her admission was met with stunned silence. My mind was racing, trying to process everything she had just said. The betrayal I felt was sharp and painful, but beneath it, there was something else pity, perhaps, or understanding. Leila had been driven by emotions she couldn’t control, and while it didn’t excuse what she had done, it made her human.

Max was glad he  didn't pursue a relationship with Leila because it would have been one built on lies and if he had found out when they were hitched or something, He would have never forgiven her, because he would have felt like he was manipulated, emasculated but he would give her, her flowers Leila was a very smart woman .

Without a word, I stood up and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind me. As soon as the door clicked shut, I leaned against it, trying to steady myself. This man had come to mean so much to me, more than I had ever anticipated. It took all my willpower to leave him alone with Leila, but I knew they needed space to talk. I was trained better than to let my emotions get the best of me in a situation like this.