It was a Sunday, and despite the children's initial reluctance, Layla had insisted that their guardians drop them off. She was determined for them to meet their new temporary teacher, Carla, and adjust before Tuesday. On that day, Layla would be heading off on vacation to a destination Michael hadn't yet disclosed—but even then, she would make sure the children received the education they needed.
Michael had done his best to shield Layla from the scandalous rumors circulating about her, using his influence to keep them from reaching the news. Seeing his sweet angel hyperventilating over the situation had broken his heart. If only he'd known how bad it would get, he would never have let the story slip into the public eye.
By the time Layla finished for the day, she was exhausted. She bid everyone goodbye, closed the door behind her, and made her way to her room, where Michael was busy working at his desk, absorbed in his laptop.
