Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 9

Her voice was laced with guilt.

“Did I upset Amanda because I called you when I had that episode on your engagement day? This is all my fault. I’ll talk to her and explain.”

Travis pressed his fingers to his brow.

“It’s not on you. I made the call. She’s mad at me, not you, so there’s nothing for you to apologize for. Just focus on getting better. That’s what matters.”

But on the other end, Leila started to cry—soft, shaky sobs.

“It really is my fault. How could I forget it was your engagement party with Amanda? If only I hadn’t called you…”

Travis felt his headache ramping up. Still, he kept his voice gentle for Leila.

“Hey, don’t do this to yourself. It wasn’t your fault…”

Suddenly, he heard David’s urgent voice break through.

“Leila? Leila, can you hear me?”

Travis' chest tightened.

A second later, David picked up.

“Travis, Leila fainted. She was overwhelmed.”

Travis' jaw clenched.

“She’s always been fragile. Just watch over her, please.”

David didn’t let it go.

“Travis, you know she needs you more than anyone else…”

Travis' mind flashed back to Amanda walking away, cold and distant.

He knew he couldn’t keep ignoring this.

“I can’t leave right now.”

David’s voice was starting to crack.

“This is about Amanda, isn’t it? Travis, are you serious? Amanda’s just throwing a fit. She’ll come running back—she always does. But Leila needs you right now. She should be your priority.”

David was stunned Travis would actually say that.

He rushed to comfort her.

“Leila, don’t take it to heart. You’re still the most important person to Travis. Amanda’s just making a big deal out of things this time. He’s just giving her a way out.”

Under the covers, Leila’s hand curled into a tight fist.

A flash of cold calculation flickered in her eyes.

Amanda, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away. Or what happened at the engagement party is just the beginning.

Leila forced a fragile smile for David, her delicate face soft and sweet.

“I get it. Amanda’s going to be Travis' wife someday. I’m only his friend…”

David’s heart broke for her.

The second Amanda’s name came up, his expression twisted with disdain.

“Please. Like Amanda could ever deserve to be with Travis.”