Calm Yourself, Layla

"Even so, I have to think of a gift that will truly make her happy and be an unforgettable memory!" Jayden was grateful for Agatha's response to Layla's birthday. Although there was no blood relationship, Agatha truly loved Layla as if she were her own child. Jayden suddenly thought of something. Would the right time to express his feelings be one day before Layla's birthday? That way, Agatha wouldn't be too surprised about the gift Layla requested. "And even if I get rejected at that time, I will tell the truth. She will surely understand about Layla's request," Jayden thought, trying to hold back a smile. "Ah, but I think it's impossible for her to reject me." Tomorrow he planned to consult Rey, who was experienced in matters of love. Although he was quite doubtful if he could rely on his ideas, perhaps his secretary could reduce his feelings of doubt.  *** The dark sky enveloped the city as Agatha finished helping Layla complete her school assignments. Agatha smiled happily as Layla's abilities improved day by day. Agatha felt confident that Layla was truly an amazing child. "You're amazing, Layla. You'll surely get the best grade in class tomorrow. I can guarantee that." Layla smiled shyly. "There are still others who are smarter, Auntie." Agatha playfully tapped Layla's head. "I think you're smart too. No, actually, you're very clever." Layla blushed even more. Agatha could read her facial expression clearly and couldn't help but smile. She then helped Layla pack her books into her bag. "Oh, right. After this, I'm going shopping. Are you okay waiting here for a while?" "Um, can't I go with you, Auntie?" Agatha smiled gently but shook her head. "No, Sweetheart. I'll just be a moment. It's better for you to wait here and watch TV. You must be tired after doing your assignment." Layla's lips pouted cutely like a kitten. "But promise you won't take long, Auntie?" Agatha chuckled amusingly. "Promise, Sweetheart. I won't be long. Coincidentally, I also intend to buy some snacks for you." "Wow, really? Can I also ask for ice cream?" "Well, how about that? That request is a bit tricky. I'll think about it first." Layla looked at Agatha with sparkling eyes. "Auntie is so kind! Come back quickly, and we'll eat the snacks together!" "Alright, I will!" In front of the minimart's entrance, Agatha saw a tempting array of ice cream. Her mind went to Layla, who would surely be happy to have that snack. Although Layla had asked to be bought ice cream, Agatha hesitated to fulfill that request out of concern for Layla's health. "Eating ice cream at this late hour is definitely not good. I don't want her to be sick tomorrow morning," Agatha muttered. Agatha decided to buy bath supplies first, hoping Layla would understand her good intentions. Inside the minimart, the fresh scent of fruits and bath soap filled the air. Agatha was busy choosing the right products. Meanwhile, Layla enjoyed her time alone in the apartment, sitting on the sofa watching her favorite TV show. She felt happy because Agatha willingly helped her finish her schoolwork. Layla couldn't wait for Agatha to return, bringing bath essentials and some snacks to accompany their evening. But it seemed that several minutes had passed. Layla grew tired of waiting. Her once fiery enthusiasm was gradually dimming. It was approaching an hour, but there was still no sound of the door opening. This evening, exactly one day before Layla's birthday arrived very quickly. Jayden also didn't expect his heart to beat rapidly. He really wanted to express everything quickly so that his feelings could calm down. "You have to be strong and confident! I'm sure the girl will definitely accept your feelings!" Jayden remembered Rey's words earlier in the office that afternoon. Right. He shouldn't be pessimistic. But when Jayden arrived at his apartment and opened the door, he saw Layla crying, and he immediately panicked. Quickly, Jayden approached Layla, who was sitting on the sofa sobbing. "Layla, why are you crying? Where is Aunt Agatha?" he asked worriedly. Jayden knelt in front of Layla, cupping her face. Layla tried to wipe her tears with sobs. "Aunt Agatha went to the minimart, but she hasn't returned yet, Dad. I'm scared." Jayden was shocked, then tried to comfort Layla by patting her shoulders and head. "Calm down, Layla. Maybe Aunt Agatha is still at the minimart. If you're still worried, I'll look for her right now." Without waiting long, Jayden tried to contact Agatha before deciding to go down to the ground floor. However, the phone call went unanswered. One time, two times, even three times, there was still no connection. Worry began to creep into Jayden's heart. "How is it, Dad? Is Aunt not answering the phone?" Layla, who was initially slightly calm, became anxious again. Jayden tried to smile after putting his phone back in his pocket. "It seems like Aunt Agatha's phone battery is running out. So, I don't know if she heard me calling." "Will Aunt Agatha be okay, Dad?" Layla, whose teary eyes began to shimmer again, was really regretting not going to the minimart with her. Jayden nodded, trying to reassure even though he wasn't so sure. "She'll surely be okay." Jayden tried to control his anxiety. He hugged Layla, who was crying again. Jayden closed his eyes, listening to her sobs. His anxiety grew even more. "Why does it have to be tonight?" Jayden cursed inwardly. His hands clenched tightly as he watched Layla continue to cry incessantly. "Layla, you have to calm down first. Dad will look for Aunt Agatha. You stay here, okay," Jayden requested softly, kneeling in front of Layla sitting on the sofa. "I want to come with you, Dad. I don't want to be alone here," Layla whispered amid her sobbing. Jayden was startled, then, while rubbing Layla's back, he quickly thought of a plan. After deciding, he finally picked up Layla to go downstairs. Jayden also couldn't leave Layla alone in the messy apartment. "Calm yourself, Layla. We have to find a way to locate Aunt Agatha." Jayden patted Layla's shoulder and then planted a kiss on her head. Layla just nodded, her sobs slowly subsiding. Jayden took a deep breath, a mix of anger and worry engulfing his heart. Exiting the elevator, Jayden immediately headed to the minimart where Agatha usually shopped. "Welcome," greeted an employee at the cashier as soon as Jayden opened the door and entered. Jayden stood in front of the cashier with a cold expression. "Is there an active CCTV around here? Can you tell me?" "Uh, wait a minute." The employee flinched but quickly called a man who was there. "Sorry, you can check it with him. But before that, may I ask what happened?" the employee returned to Jayden with a man. "We are looking for a woman who disappeared a few minutes ago after shopping. The CCTV around here might help track her whereabouts. Can you help us find the CCTV footage that might have occurred tonight?" Jayden explained seriously to the minimart employee. Jayden looked at Layla, who was still shaken, then turned back to the employee and waited for a response.