Chasing the Unexpected

“Even if you were the one who ended things, he wronged you first! Are you just going to take it lying down?” Valarie looked at Nyla, her expression a mix of anger and sympathy.

“What else can I do? He doesn’t like me anymore. Am I supposed to hold a knife to his throat and force him to change his mind?” Nyla’s voice was calm as if discussing something unrelated to her life.

Her naivety had led her to believe Damon genuinely liked her, that he wouldn’t hurt her as Clark had done.

Valarie glanced down at Nyla’s hands, clenched so tightly that her knuckles had turned white. With a sigh, she said, “Let me go. I’m not going to cause a scene.

“Really?” Nyla asked, unsure.

Valarie nodded. “Yeah.”

People always kicked those who were down. Even if they confronted them now, the others would laugh at Nyla’s expense.

Nyla released Valarie and said softly, “Don’t dwell on this. I’ve made peace with it.”

Sometimes, she still felt sad when she thought about him. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Okay, let’s not talk about it anymore. Let’s find something happier to chat about,” Valarie suggested, trying to comfort her.

They changed the subject. Although Nyla continued to respond to Valarie, her mind was elsewhere.

So, Damon had brought Rebecca here tonight to throw her a welcome–back party. It seemed he truly did love her. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have kept thinking about her all these years, seizing the chance to be with her the moment she returned.

In a way, this was good. Rebecca was a better match for him than she ever was.

Valarie noticed Nyla’s distraction but chose not to mention it, feeling only pity for her.

After spacing out for the third time and missing what Valarie had said, Nyla took a deep breath and stood up. “Valarie, I’m going to the restroom.”

Nyla turned and walked quickly to the restroom.

Splashing her face with cold water, she finally felt a bit more clear–headed.

Just as she straightened up and began wiping her face, the restroom stall’s door opened, and Rebecca walked out.

A glint appeared in Rebecca’s eyes when she saw Nyla. She moved to the sink and turned on the faucet to wash her hands.

Nyla tossed the damp paper towel into the trash and was about to leave when Rebecca suddenly spoke up. “Hello, Ms. Jayston. I’m Rebecca Austen. You’ve probably heard my name.”

“Is there something you need?” Nyla asked, her expression cold as she looked at Rebecca.

Rebecca shut off the faucet, lightly shook the water from her hands, and smiled.

“Not much. I just heard you were seeing Damon, so I was curious. But now that I’m back, I hope you can keep your distance from him. After all, I don’t like other women hanging around Damon. If I get angry, the consequences could be severe,” she warned.

Nyla huffed an annoyed laugh. “Save your breath for Damon. Unlike you, I have no interest in stealing other people’s boyfriends.”

Initially, Nyla didn’t have much of an opinion about Rebecca. If Damon hadn’t given Rebecca the chance, it wouldn’t have affected Nyla’s relationship with Damon, no matter what Rebecca did.

However, the way Rebecca spoke just now sparked a strong sense of dislike in Nyla. She could tell Rebecca had known about her from the start and had purposely timed her return.

Rebecca’s expression changed briefly before she burst into laughter. “Ms. Jayston, Damon and I have known each other for ten years. You didn’t even exist to him back then. We’re just picking up where we left off. There’s no stealing involved.”

“You could know him for a hundred years, but when you came back, he and I were still dating,” Nyla retorted.

Rebecca raised an eyebrow, her confidence unwavering. “You were just a stepping stone in our relationship. You’d better know your place, or you’ll only get hurt.”

“And what if I refuse to know my place?” Nyla challenged.

“If you don’t… This is the consequence!” Rebecca’s expression turned icy, and she suddenly grabbed Nyla, slamming herself hard against the wall.

“Nyla, what do you think you’re doing?!” The sound of a head hitting the wall was accompanied by an angry voice behind Nyla.

Before Nyla could react, someone yanked her away.