LAYLA - DARK BEAUTY

Protecting his pride and honor

As the clock struck 07:45, Layla's introspection was interrupted by a gentle tap on her shoulder. She turned to face Luis, the peon a middle age man in his early 40s , who had arrived with the office keys.

"Miss Clapton, it seems you were lost in thought," he said with a considerate smile.

"I called your name a few times, but you didn't respond, so I had to tap your shoulder. Sorry if I startled you." He explained,
"I've already opened the door, you may come in, ma'am."

"It's ok sir, Thank you so much " Layla smiled reassuring him there by putting him at ease, and he continued on his way, using the elevator to attend to other office doors before the morning rush.

On the other hand,  Despite his tardiness, Jones opted to take his time, driving at a leisurely pace while tuned into his favorite radio station, "All of Me," hosted by his childhood friend Chad Carr. As the show began, Chad's warm voice filled the airwaves:

"Good morning, city of Belring! It's your host Chad Carr... So, guys, we already know the drill. You send a letter to the station, we read it, and send your message across. Don't forget, we also play your favorite song... So, while we wait for our first caller, listen to this song to open up your hearts. Brace yourself for today's episode, as our topic is about the matters of the heart. So, folks, here it is: Is it destiny or a coincidence?"

As the song "How Do I Breathe" started playing, Jones found himself lost in thought, unknowingly pondering Layla. He hadn't even had a chance to check if her fever had subsided before she left his house, and he was planning to check on her at work.

After the song stopped playing Chad spoke again
"Folks ! Today we're reading a letter from Hugo to his first love Marisa ; Here it goes"

" *I still remember the day we first met*
*There were fireworks all around you and me*
*You gazed at me like the morning sun*
*At that moment you lit up my whole world* 
*I felt the warmth inside like a river flowing through my veins*
*Since that day l kept wishing upon a star to make you a permanent part of my life*"

  "Woah guys , that letter brought me to tears , if you have any comments call the station, Ciao " Chad said before going to a break.

At 8:45 Jones strolled into the office , his deliberate tardiness fueled by two motivations. Firstly, he sought to reciprocate the worry Layla had caused him by leaving his house without a goodbye, leaving him concerned and anxious about her well-being. Secondly, he had no pressing meetings scheduled for the day.
As he arrived, a worried Layla hastened to greet him, but halted mid-stride, recalling their tense encounter on her first day. She waited for him to approach her desk, her eyes fixed on his stoic expression.

"A very good morning to you, Miss Layla Clapton," he said, his voice devoid of warmth, his straight face a clear indication of his displeasure. Layla sensed the chill in his tone and responded, her words laced with frustration:

"Well, sir, you might be having a good morning, but not me... Do you know how worried I've been? Seconds felt like hours, and you weren't even answering my calls, Jones. Why were you late? You've never been late before, and without prior notice, at that!"

Jones smirked, satisfied that his plan had worked. "Princess, I must be on my way ,  As you just  said, I'm already late, so I'd better get started on my work as soon as possible, don't you think?" He replied lazily, leaving her visibly irritated.

"What the ! .. that Monarch King , he's getting on my nerve, ;  but at least he's okay," she muttered under her breath.

Hours after Jones' arrival, his business rival Phil stormed into the building and headed straight to Jones' office while a worried Layla trailer behind.