Chapter 22

Layla

As the hall erupts in celebration and everyone around me rises to their feet, I remain in my seat, frozen in place as I hear my heart pound in my ears despite all the noise around me. Nothing could've prepared me for such an announcement.

Even as the celebration carries for a few more seconds, I still can't seem to react in any way, and I barely blink as I stare right at him. He looks all around with a smile, but his gaze feels more intense when he looks at me.

Quickly, he looks away and tries to grab everyone's attention. Despite his efforts, he struggles with it as everyone around me is in such high spirits that they can't seem to contain themselves, including Trish and Dave.

I'm the only one not taking part as I realize what this means for me. This isn't what I was expecting and it goes against everything I've planned for me to begin my revenge.

"Everyone, please settle down," he says loudly. "I'm not yet finished."

I glare at him as I breathe hard, and he looks right a