Chapter 96: A birthday present

Layla's sleep was abruptly interrupted by the shrill sound of her alarm. She rubbed her eyes, confused as she looked at the clock. It was 11:55 p.m.

She turned over, instinctively reaching for Lucius's side of the bed, only to find it empty. Panic bubbled up within her—had he not come home? She quickly dialed his number, but her call went straight to voicemail. His phone was off.

Heart pounding, Layla slid out of bed and slipped into her slippers. She hurried out of the room, heading toward the living hall.

The entire space was shrouded in darkness, save for two dim lights above the staircase, casting a faint glow over the first few steps.

"Is anyone there? Lucius hasn't come home yet," she called out, her voice trembling slightly as she descended the stairs.