Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla) novel Chapter 17

**Chapter 17: The Necklace on Screen**

Ayla inhaled deeply, the weight of memories pressing against her chest. She knew it was time to share a piece of her past that had lingered in the shadows for far too long. “You remember Draven, right? He came to my wedding with Troy. It was a fleeting appearance—he was there for maybe ten minutes before he just… disappeared. After that day, I never laid eyes on him again, and I thought it best not to bring him up with you,” she recounted, her voice steady yet laced with a bittersweet nostalgia.

Halle’s brow furrowed slightly as she absorbed this new information. “Oh, I see. So, he’s practically a stranger to you now,” she replied, her tone light but curiosity dancing in her eyes.

Ayla nodded slowly, a shadow crossing her features. “Exactly. After my divorce from Troy, I distanced myself from his family entirely. That’s why I asked you not to mention Draven. It’s just… complicated,” she admitted, her heart tightening at the mere thought of Troy’s family.

The mention of anyone connected to Troy sent an uncomfortable shiver down Ayla’s spine. Martin was the sole exception—the only connection that felt safe to her.

Understanding her struggle, Halle chose not to press further. “Alright, I’ll keep it to myself. But remember, there’s still Will in the mix. If I want to know about Draven, I can always ask him,” she said, attempting to lighten the mood with a playful smile.

Ayla appreciated Halle’s effort to divert the conversation. “You’re right, but it’s really too soon to draw any conclusions about anything. If you ever decide to race again, I believe the people who care about you will find their way back into your life,” Halle added, her optimism shining through like a beacon of hope.

Ayla didn’t linger on thoughts of the future, but a flicker of a smile broke through at Halle’s encouraging words. “We’ll see what happens when the time comes,” she replied, her voice a blend of hope and caution.

Halle glanced at her watch, realizing they still had time to spare. “It’s still early; I’ll swing by your place for a bit,” she suggested, her eagerness to spend more time together evident.

However, their visit to the hospital had stretched longer than they anticipated, and Halle decided against stopping by Ayla’s home after all.

As Ayla prepared to start the car, her attention was suddenly seized by the enormous screen outside the racetrack, which flickered to life with the latest interview segment.

The first racer featured was none other than Skyla, who had claimed victory in her group.

The host, radiating charisma, cracked a few jokes to energize the crowd before diving into the questions. Since Group B was still waiting for their turn, the inquiries were straightforward, and the racers responded with quick, enthusiastic answers.

Initially, Ayla found her mind wandering, distracted by the hustle and bustle around her.

But then, the host posed a question that sent a ripple of excitement through the audience. “I’m sure everyone noticed that you wore a stunning lily necklace during the race. Does this necklace hold a special significance for you? Why did you choose to bring it to the track today?”

The moment the question landed, the atmosphere in the arena shifted dramatically. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, eager for the juicy details.

Ayla felt her heart race as she froze, her gaze riveted to the massive screen. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within her, each thought battling for dominance.

Halle, ever perceptive, noticed Ayla’s reaction but chose to remain silent, allowing her friend to absorb the moment.

Skyla stood confidently before the host, her demeanor calm despite the roaring crowd. She flashed a bright smile and replied, “I didn’t expect you to notice! Yes, this necklace was a birthday gift.”

The host leaned in, his eyes sparkling with intrigue. “A birthday gift! Could it possibly be from your boyfriend?”

Skyla chuckled softly, her laughter like a gentle breeze. “No, but it was from someone incredibly special to me. Someone I admire deeply and truly like. It means a lot to me. I plan to wear it during every significant moment in my life,” she declared, her voice imbued with sincerity.

The host, clearly in his element, grinned widely. “Well, if it’s that precious, don’t you think that special someone should be here to witness it in person? Am I right, folks?”

The audience erupted in a chorus of agreement, their voices echoing through the arena. “Right!” they shouted in unison, the energy palpable.

Yes, Ayla had lost her way for a few years, blinded by the intensity of love. But who hasn’t stumbled in life?

The key was to learn from those mistakes and move forward.

If Ayla could hold the steering wheel with such steadiness, she could certainly navigate her own life with the same determination.

Halle gently patted Ayla’s shoulder. “I’m sorry. I underestimated your strength.”

Ayla offered a self-deprecating smile. “Or maybe those three years of me being a lovesick fool scared you off. Made you lose faith in my resilience,” she teased, her tone lightening the moment.

Halle burst into laughter, the sound infectious.

Ayla joined in, her laughter mingling with Halle’s, a shared moment of joy amidst the heaviness of their conversation.

When they finally arrived in Westhaven, Ayla eagerly showed Halle around her home.

It was an upscale complex, where condos started at a staggering 300,000 per square foot. The penthouse was fully furnished, spacious, and modern, boasting an unbeatable living environment that reflected Ayla’s taste and aspirations.

As Ayla navigated the familiar streets of Westhaven, a sense of clarity washed over her. The emotional turmoil that had once clouded her heart began to dissipate, leaving behind a resolute determination to embrace her future. The sight of Troy, so effortlessly supportive of Skyla, had acted as a catalyst for Ayla’s healing. She recognized that her journey was not about holding onto the past but rather about releasing it. The laughter shared with Halle in the car was a testament to her resilience, a reminder that joy could coexist with heartache. With each passing moment, Ayla felt more empowered, ready to redefine her narrative and reclaim her happiness.

Arriving at her penthouse, Ayla was filled with a renewed sense of purpose. The luxurious surroundings reflected the life she had built for herself, a life that was no longer defined by her past or her connection to Troy. Instead, it was a space that symbolized her growth and independence. As she welcomed Halle into her home, Ayla realized that she was not just moving forward but also creating a future filled with possibilities. The journey ahead might still hold uncertainties, but with her newfound strength and the support of friends like Halle, Ayla was more than ready to embrace whatever came next. In that moment, she understood that healing was not a destination but a continuous journey, one that she was now eager to embark upon.