#Chapter 158 - Hopeful Beginnings

Layla The morning we were set to head back to New York, I repacked my bags and brought them downstairs. While Eva was busy wiping down on the counters in the kitchen, I noticed Stasia standing out on the back deck. She was leaning against the railing, overlooking the gorgeous ocean view. I instantly noticed she wore that same melancholy look she had when she was driving the day before yesterday. I gave an acknowledging nod to Eva before stepping out onto the deck. “It really is beautiful,” I said. Stasia merely hummed in agreement while her gaze remained fixed on the world in front of us. “Stasia, is something wrong?” I asked. “You know you can tell me anything.” She slumped her shoulders back and tilted her head to the side. Letting out a long withheld breath, Stasia turned to glance at me. “Layla, I haven’t been completely honest with you,” she confessed. I kept quiet, prompting her to talk. “When Irena first reached out to us, and I found out that you were no