Loving Your Rival After Rebirth (Layla and Logan) novel Chapter 16

Chapter 16 Harper’s Birthday

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“She’s just an employee from our company who was assisting with selecting gifts. I thought a woman might pay more attention to the details, Logan explained, casting a glance at Layla, tinged with affection.

Had Layla not been privy to his true sentiments, she might have been deceived by his gaze..

Rachel, uneasy witnessing the intimate exchange between Logan and Layla, couldn’t shake off the discomfort.

She had heard whispers about Logan’s involvement with a female university student. It was widely known that he harbored no fondness for Layla

“Logan is not only young and capable but also rares deeply for Layla. Knowing she’s in your hands puts me at ease. My late brother would feel the same. There’s no need for such formality at a family gathering. Peter expressed joyfully before urging Logan to take a seat.

Gripping Logan’s arm, Layla whispered, “I didn’t expect your acting skills to be this convincing”

Likewise,” Logan responded, his tone cooling once more.

Rachel squirmed in her seat at the table, frequently glancing at Logan and Layla, as if attempting to uncover any cracks in

their facade.

“Aunt Rachel, is there something on my face? You keep looking this way,” Layla suddenly asked, leaving Rachel feeling awkward

“I was merely observing the affection between you and Logan. It’s quite contrary to the rumors,” Rachel replied, attempting to mask her discomfort.

“Rumors are unreliable. Why would you believe such nonsense, Aunt Rachel?” Layla interjected, placing a piece of meat on Logan’s plate.

Logan typically favored lighter flavors, but this time, he consumed the meat without complaint before placing a deboned fish. in Layla’s bowl.

Rachel forced a smile. Indeed, rumors can lead astray. Today, I witness how much Logan truly cares for you.”

Peter observed their interaction with a puzzled expression. “Layla, since when do you enjoy steamed fish?”

Rachel seized upon the opportunity. “Oh, I recall Layla never cared for steamed fish. How could Logan be unaware? Unless…”

“Aunt Rachel, you’re overthinking it. Logan prefers lighter fare, so I’ve adapted my taste accordingly,” Layla explained calmly.

Rachel remained skeptical. Before she could respond, Logan interjected coldly, “It appears you don’t have much faith int Layla and me.”

“Of course not, I’m simply concerned for you both as newlyweds, Rachel replied, her earlier confidence wavering as she refrained from further inquiry.

Layla quietly continued eating.

Although this was a family banquet, everyone present judged people based on their status.

As the eldest daughter of the Kennedy family, Layla faced implicit expectations, with everyone silently waiting for any

misstep.

Since her father’s passing, these people had been eyeing the head position of the family.

Any misstep on Layla’s part could lead to the swift division of her family’s wealth among them.

In her previous life, she sought Logan’s affection desperately due to the immense pressure she faced.

Looking back, she found her past self rather pitiful.

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Chapter 16 Harper’s Birthday

She had devoted herself to Logan, but he never reciprocated her feelings.

At that time, just a single word from him could have rescued her, but he opted to stand by and watch.

Thinking of this. Layla instinctively pulled her hand away from his.

Logan frowned slightly, but fortunately, no one seemed to notice this subtle gesture.

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After the family banquet, Logan and Layla departed the Kennedy Residence hand in hand. Once outside, she deliberately disengaged from Logan’s hold at the opportune moment.

Sensing the absence of her hand in his. Logan felt a sudden Pang of unease.

After a prolonged silence, she finally inquired. “What did you come!”

“Why did you come alone, knowing you would face mistreatment? Logan countered.

Layla paused. That’s my question.”

Logan pressed his lips together. “It’s Harper’s birthday today. I still need to stop by to see her.”

“Harper’s birthday?” Layla was stunned. “Then why did you come?”

Logan always seemed to prioritize Harper above all else.

Hearing the incredulity in Layla’s voice, Logan frowned. The Kennedy family banquet pertains to the relationship between our families. I needed to attend

“Hypocrite. Layla muttered under her breath.

“What did you say? Logan asked, not catching her words entirely.

Layla fell silent, reminiscing about her past life and how Logan had let her navigate the challenges of dealing with Rachel and other Kennedy elders alone during similar events. Later, he hadn’t even bothered to explain his absence,

“I mean, isn’t Harper’s birthday such an important day? Shouldn’t you be with her?”

I don’t need you to remind me.”

Mentioning Harper seemed to soften Logan’s tone somewhat. “Harper has been an orphan since childhood. She’s obedient and sensible. When she learned about the Kennedy family banquet, she called me right away to handle matters. I promised her Id join her after the banquet to celebrate her birthday.”

As soon as the words escaped him, Logan realized his misstep

Feeling a twinge in her heart, Layla let out a self–deprecating chuckle.

Harper has been without parents since she was young. What about met

In Logan’s eyes, she and Harper inhabit different worlds.

“Suit yourself. I’m heading home.”

Layla turned to make her way to the car.

Perhaps realizing his mistake, Logan reached out to grab her arm, his voice laden with emotion. “Harper holds this tradition dear. For years, I’ve been the one to accompany her on her birthday as an elder. If I break that tradition this year due to our marriage. I’m afraid it might upset her.”

He emphasized the word “elder”

Layla coldly shrugged off his touch. “That’s not my concern. Go and be with Harper. Given her upbringing as an orphan, she likely needs your presence on such an important day like her birthday.”

Logan had anticipated Layla’s anger, but hearing her genuine desire for him to visit Harper left him feeling conflicted. 2/4

Chapter 16 Harper’s Birthday

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Once Layla departed, Leo noticed Logan’s bad mood and felt compelled to remind him, “Mr. Robinson, Miss Hamilton is still waiting for you at the hotel”

“Got it,” Logan replied curtly.

Inside the hotel room, Harper’s spirits lifted as she gazed upon the birthday decorations and the candlelit dinner arranged o the table

Deliberately dimming the lights to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, she sought to enhance the ambiance..

Today, she donned attire different from her usual style, opting for a mature and alluring outfit,

Ever since she witnessed Layla’s glamorous and captivating long dress, she had become acutely aware of the disparity between herself and Layla

Logan often regarded her as a young girl in need of protection, seldom acknowledging her as a woman,

Determined to seize the moment, Harper resolved to express her feelings to him tonight.

Cat-

As the door was pushed open, Harper’s heart raced.

Turning around, she beheld Logan’s entrance and promptly rushed into his embrace,

“Harper

“I thought you wouldn’t come.”

Her voice was low, carrying a hint of distress.

Logan gently pushed her away, saying, “Today is your birthday. I promised you I’d come, and I keep my word.”

At his words, a blush suffused Harper’s checks.

However, noticing her outfit and the room’s decorations, Logan frowned.

“Logan, 1-

“Harper, this outfit doesn’t suit you”

Before she could speak, Logan interrupted her.

Stunned, she fell silent as he casually turned on a nearby lamp.

“Do you like the birthday gift I picked for you today?” he asked.