Chapter 6

"Seth, I know you very well, but Layla is a good person. Don't let her down." Marianne Stanton's brow furrowed slightly as she looked at her son.

Every time Seth heard his mother or his late grandfather praise Layla, it irritated him. Sometimes he wondered what tricks Layla had used to make them like her so much.

"Mom, I spend the most time with Layla. I know exactly what kind of person she is," he replied dismissively.

"So in your heart, you think Layla is actually a bad woman, is that right?" Marianne's eyes were full of scrutiny.

Seth remained silent, which was as good as confirmation.

In the living room, Elizabeth sat on the sofa while Layla stood before her.

"Didn't I tell you that as Seth's wife, whenever you leave the house, you must pay attention to how you dress? Look at yourself. Are you ignoring what I say?" The elderly woman's voice was sharp with disapproval.

Layla pressed her lips together. "Grandmom, it was sudden. I didn't have time."

"Then how did Seth manage it?"

"Because Seth just got back and hadn't changed yet." Layla offered the excuse quickly. She could hardly explain that they had been...

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows contemptuously. "Are you talking back to me now?"

"No, no, Grandmom. I was just explaining," Layla hastened to clarify.

Elizabeth had called Layla out for the same reason Seth wanted to keep her away from Marianne—they didn't want Layla and Marianne growing too close. As long as Marianne was alive, she still had influence in the Stanton family.

They looked down on Layla and naturally didn't want anyone in the Stanton family to like her.

Elizabeth even thought that when Marianne passed away, she would make sure Seth divorced Layla.

"Don't go back to the room. Let Seth and his mother talk privately. You're an outsider; it's not appropriate for you to be there."

Layla nodded, feeling an indescribable ache in her chest.

"I saw the news too. I've met Jennifer Parker before. She seems to have some health issues, though Seth won't tell me what exactly. And in terms of figure and appearance, she's not your equal. Have you ever wondered why you can't capture Seth's heart, while Jennifer, who is inferior to you, is treasured by him?" Elizabeth looked Layla up and down, her face full of disdain.

Layla's face turned ashen. She knew about Jennifer's existence.

Of course, she also knew why a woman who was inferior to her in every way was favored—Jennifer was merely a shadow of someone else.

Elizabeth's accusations made Layla's already wounded heart ache even more.

Her eyes became vacant, losing focus. After a long moment, she said, "Perhaps Jennifer is special to him."

She was like a person, someone who lived in Seth's heart. But Layla didn't dare say it aloud—she was still deceiving herself!

"Let me tell you, all men are lecherous. Don't give me that nonsense about feelings. You need to find the problem in yourself. Don't think it's all Seth's fault. Men like to play around, but what matters is whether a wife can keep her husband in check. That's what takes skill." Elizabeth took a sip of her coffee, making no move to invite Layla to sit down and join her.

Beneath her seemingly calm exterior, Layla's heart was weighed down by heavy guilt. Was it really her fault?

Was it because she couldn't capture Seth's heart that things had turned out this way?

"Seth, Layla is a good person. Don't hurt her, or I won't rest easy even after I'm gone." Marianne gripped her son's hand as she spoke.

Again with similar words. Seth felt extremely annoyed, but he couldn't show it in front of his sick mother.

So he could only say, "I understand. Don't worry."

"The news about you and Jennifer is everywhere. How can I not worry? Unless you have a child with Layla soon, I'm afraid that when I'm gone, you'll take the opportunity to drive her away." Marianne's mouth turned slightly downward, as if pulled by the weight of her concerns.

It was already eleven at night when they left the Stanton Manor. Marianne had wanted them to stay overnight, but Seth had refused.

Layla knew he was rushing to North Shore Heights to be with his lover.

In the car, neither spoke. The atmosphere was oppressive, the air seemingly frozen, with only the faint sound of the car's engine.

Seth turned slightly to look at Layla beside him. Her profile was beautiful—flowing contours, a long swan-like neck, appearing exquisite in the dim light.

Although he didn't love Layla, her face did captivate him. He had seen many beautiful women, but rarely one like Layla.

Fresh and elegant yet not without charm, she wasn't very tall at 5'5", but her perfectly proportioned figure made her stunning.

After a silence, Layla suddenly spoke. "You can drop me off at the roadside. I'll take a taxi back."

Startled, Seth glanced at her. "What?"

"Aren't you going to North Shore Heights? Oceanview Estate isn't on your way." Layla's tone was flat, devoid of emotion.

Somehow, seeing Layla like this, Seth felt a slight twinge of guilt, though it vanished instantly.

"I'm not going to North Shore Heights tonight. It's late; I'm going back to Oceanview."

In Layla's mind, Seth must be afraid of disturbing his beloved's rest, which was why he chose to return to Oceanview with her.

How considerate he was to Jennifer.

After a while, Seth spoke again. "I've already had Ryan take care of Brian and warned him. If he gives you trouble again, let me know immediately."

If he had said this a few days ago, Layla would have been touched enough to continue her one-sided love for Seth. But now it was too late.

She didn't answer his question. Instead, she said, "It doesn't matter. After our divorce, I'll leave Haven City. Then Brian and my mother won't be able to find me."

Instantly, Seth's face darkened, his brow revealing impatience.

He had initially thought Layla was just throwing a tantrum that would pass, but she was bringing it up again.

"Layla, my patience is limited. If you're unhappy, I'll give you a card with unlimited credit. You won't need Ryan to give you monthly checks anymore."

Layla almost laughed. She was laughing at herself. In Seth's eyes, was she only after his money and the position of his wife?

"Give as much of your money as you want. For the house, I only want our current home. You and Jennifer probably won't want to live there after you marry anyway. That's all I'm asking. Let's sign the papers now. There's still a one-month cooling-off period for divorce. Don't waste time."