That evening, Layla Jensen was scheduled for a night shift at the hospital. That meant she couldn't pick Avianna up from school or help with her homework later. When the housekeeper brought Avianna home, her little heart sank the moment she realized Layla wasn't there.

When Sebastian Knight got back from work and found his daughter crying, he didn't waste a second. He tossed his suit jacket aside, scooped her into his arms, and gently wiped her tears away.

"What's wrong, my little star? Are you feeling okay?" he asked, his voice as soft as ever.

Avianna looked up at her father, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Daddy, did you make Mommy go away because she gave me ice cream and my tummy hurt? Why isn't she back yet?"

The little girl had never really had a mother. That empty space had always been there, a quiet ache. But ever since Layla came into her life and stayed by her side, Avianna had clung to her like a lifeline. Layla made her feel safe, seen, truly happy deep in her bones. Not being able to find her now, Avianna's first thought was that her daddy had sent Layla away—and the thought shattered her.

Sebastian checked his watch. It was already late. Where the hell was Layla? He turned to the housekeeper, his tone sharp. "Call her. Find out what's going on."

The housekeeper quickly made the call and returned moments later with the phone. "Sir, Mrs. Jensen says she's working a night shift at the hospital. She'll be back in the morning."

Sebastian faced his daughter again, keeping his voice calm. "She's working tonight, sweetheart. She'll be home in the morning."

Avianna's face crumbled even more. "Mommy works so hard, Daddy. I don't want her to be so tired."

Sebastian pulled his daughter close, soothing her gently. He'd married Layla for one reason only—to give Avianna companionship. If Layla's job kept her from being there for his little girl, then what was the point of this marriage? To ease Avianna's fears, he made a promise right then and there. "Okay, tomorrow I'll make sure she doesn't have to work like that anymore. She'll be with you every day. How does that sound?"

Avianna finally brightened, a tiny smile breaking through as she nodded eagerly. That night, Sebastian didn't bother Layla at all. The next morning, instead of heading straight to the office, he waited for her to come home.

Layla dragged herself home after her shift, completely worn out. All she wanted was to go upstairs and crash for a quick nap. As she stepped inside, she noticed Sebastian in the living room, sitting on the sofa in his crisp suit, laptop open on his lap, totally immersed in work. Even though exhaustion tugged at every muscle, she made herself go over to greet him. "Good morning, Mr. Knight."

Sebastian closed his laptop and looked up. He took in the tiredness written all over her face but didn't let any irritation show. He just motioned to the seat beside him. "Sit down. I need to talk to you about something."

Layla did as he said, sinking into the seat. Sebastian always looked so put together—impeccable three-piece suit, not a hair out of place. Early thirties and not a single sign of aging, no dad bod, no receding hairline. The guy was basically a walking distraction. She couldn't help stealing glances at him now and then. But Sebastian was all business, not even looking at her as he spoke. "I think you should quit your job. From now on, you'll take my daughter to school, pick her up, help with her homework, and play with her. If the three thousand I'm offering isn't enough, I'll bump it up to four. I seriously doubt you make four grand a month at that hospital."

Most employees at his company, working regular hours, barely pulled in one or two thousand a month. Four thousand was way more than generous, in his mind.

Layla would be lying if she said she wasn't tempted. Four thousand a month just to take care of a kid at home? That was a dream gig. But she wasn't stupid. If she wasn't married to Mr. Knight—if taking care of Avianna was just a straight-up job—she'd have jumped at it without a second thought. But as his wife, everything was different. Mr. Knight could toss money her way when he was in a good mood and cut her off the second he wasn't. Then what? Where would she be?

In a marriage, when a woman is always relying on a man for cash, she ends up with zero dignity, zero standing. Layla knew exactly where she stood in this household, and that's why she held onto her job like a lifeline. It was hers. Only hers. Something that gave her the guts to walk away if everything ever went sideways.

Looking straight at Sebastian, she said, "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Knight. I promise I'll spend more time with Avianna. But I don't want to quit my job."

Sebastian hadn't expected her to push back. His brows pulled together. "You think I'm not offering enough?"

Layla shook her head quickly. "No, you're offering like ten times my salary. It's more than tempting. But I don't want to be a housewife who's always depending on a man."

Once her position was made permanent, she'd be pulling in over a grand a month. Work hard enough, and retirement benefits would kick in later. Depending on some guy's money meant being at the mercy of his mood swings every single day. She'd already sacrificed her marriage for financial security once. She wasn't about to sign up for a life without dignity or control.

Sebastian studied her for a long moment, a silent scoff running through his mind. If she didn't want to rely on a man, why the hell had she married in the first place? She was a damn good actress, he'd give her that.

Running out of patience, he said flatly, "Suit yourself. Let's hope you can actually stick to that."

He wasn't about to waste his breath trying to convince someone who wouldn't listen. As for his daughter—well, as long as Avianna saw Layla every day, things should be manageable.

Sebastian stood and walked out, leaving Layla sitting there in the heated room, suddenly feeling a chill she couldn't shake. Had she somehow pissed him off? Were older guys really this touchy? Shrugging it off, she realized just how wrecked she was. She headed upstairs to take a bath and get some rest. She still had another shift at the hospital that afternoon.

Later, Sebastian paid a visit to his nephew Mathias at the hospital. Once he'd made sure the kid was doing okay, he also swung by the hospital director's office. By that afternoon, just as Layla was getting ready for her shift, the head nurse called.

"Layla, your shifts have been rearranged. You'll now work nine to four every day. No more night shifts."

Layla was stunned. "What? Why?"

Their nursing station always ran on a rotation. She'd been scheduled for at least two straight weeks of nights. How were her shifts suddenly flipped upside down? Did the hospital actually have policies this good?

Totally confused, she listened as the nurse spelled it out. "That's the call from higher up. Just follow the new schedule. No need to come in tonight. Report tomorrow morning."

Hanging up, Layla still felt a little lost. She had zero connections, no one pulling strings for her. Why would management suddenly hand her a schedule this sweet? Then it hit her—did Mr. Knight set this up? So she'd have more time for Avianna? Did he seriously have that kind of pull?

Who exactly had she married? Looking at the time, she hurried downstairs just as Monica was about to head out to pick up Avianna. Layla quickly went with her.

Avianna was absolutely thrilled to see Layla waiting for her after school. As they walked home, the little girl buzzed with energy and managed to coax Layla into the garden for a game of hide-and-seek.

That day, Layla decided against going to the hospital. She got a text from Mathias Knight asking her to bring him dinner. Since Mathias was Sebastian's nephew, Layla was wary of taking any more money from him, so she politely declined.

"I didn't work today, but I'll bring you food some other time—no need to pay me," she texted back. Though she was in dire need of cash, Layla was determined to save up enough for driving lessons. She couldn't exactly explain where the extra money came from if Sebastian ever asked. Taking handouts from his nephew? That would only complicate things.

When Mathias didn't reply, she didn't sweat it. She just tucked her phone away and focused on Avianna. At some point, the little girl found a scarf and thrust it into Layla's hands.

"Mommy, can you cover your eyes with this and try to find me?" Avianna asked eagerly.

Layla took the scarf, frowning. "Where did you get this? It's your daddy's, isn't it? We shouldn't be playing with his stuff."

Avianna shook her head hard, her big innocent eyes wide. "It's one he doesn't use. He said I could play with it. You have to cover your eyes, or it'll be too easy to find me!"

Layla sighed but made sure the garden gate was locked tight so Avianna couldn't dart outside. Once satisfied, she gave in. "Alright. I'll put this on and find you. But stay close, okay? I need to be able to actually catch you."

"Yay!" Avianna clapped her hands, bouncing with excitement.

The second Layla tied the scarf over her eyes, little giggles exploded around her as Avianna darted back and forth. "Mommy, over here!" and "You can't catch me!" taunted the tiny voice.

With the world gone dark, Layla chased the sound, hands outstretched, stumbling every few steps.

That's when Sebastian got home. As his car pulled into the driveway, he spotted Layla playing hide-and-seek with his daughter. He signaled the driver to stop, not wanting to break the spell of the moment.

From inside the car, he watched, captivated. A young woman, early twenties, blindfolded, playing with his five-year-old daughter, who was bouncing around, laughing like she didn't have a care in the world. They looked so carefree, so innocent, so... alive.

Sebastian couldn't ignore the transformation. This was the same little girl who once found it hard to even crack a smile. Dr. Webb had warned him that Avianna showed signs of mild autism. But the child he was watching now? She was just like any other bubbly five-year-old. She'd been starving for a mother's tender love.

For that, he was grateful to Layla. Without her, he would've never seen Avianna's smiles this pure, this joyful.

Not wanting to disturb the sweet moment between Layla and his daughter, Sebastian slipped out of the car, planning to sneak inside unnoticed.

But then Avianna darted right toward him, ducking behind his legs and calling out, "Mommy, I'm right here! What's taking you so long? Come get me, I promise I won't run!"

Sure that Avianna was right there, Layla lunged toward the voice, her hands clamping onto someone as she laughed in victory. "Gotcha! Now where do you think you're going?"

She yanked off the scarf—and her triumphant grin froze into sheer shock. She hadn't caught Avianna. Her hands had landed on Sebastian's... butt.

Heat flooded Layla's face. She jerked her hands away as if burned, stumbling backward. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry, Mr. Knight! I didn't mean to—I wasn't trying to—"

Awkwardness crashed over Sebastian in a wave. Her hand had been right on his most private area. Warmth rushed to his head, his body going rigid, suddenly way too hot. His ears burned like they were on fire.

But, holding himself together, he straightened up and said, coolly, "Carry on with your game," then strode into the house without another word.

Nearby, Avianna giggled. "Mommy, you didn't catch me! You grabbed Daddy's butt instead!"

Layla let out a breath. That mischievous little giggle—was this kid doing it on purpose? Why else would she lead her straight to grab... there?

But even through the embarrassment, Layla couldn't shake the feel of it—firm, with a surprising bounce. Oh God. She lightly slapped her own cheek. Stop it. No thinking about Mr. Knight like that.

He was her husband, sure, but there was zero affection between them. She didn't plan on sticking around forever, and she definitely wasn't having his babies. Her plan was simple: make enough to pay off her debt and get out. With that resolve, she grabbed Avianna's hand. "Okay, playtime's over. Let's go wash up for dinner."

Avianna obeyed and followed her inside.

Meanwhile, Sebastian stood under the shower spray, letting the water beat down on him, but his mind kept replaying the feel of Layla's hand on his—

He cursed under his breath. What was he, some desperate teenager, getting this worked up over a single touch? Was it his age catching up to him, making him crave a woman? But no. His wife was vain and manipulative. If he gave in to this lust, he'd be the one losing. It would only make her life easier.

He steeled himself. No matter how badly he might want a woman, he wasn't going to be ruled by his dick. She'd have to come to him willingly. And even then, he'd stay in control, even if it meant paying her off.

That evening, Layla and Avianna sat in the dining room, waiting for Sebastian. As the food cooled, Layla decided to call him down, hoping to save Monica the trouble of reheating everything.

She stood at the master bedroom door and knocked. "Mr. Knight, it's time for dinner."

He'd just finished his shower and gotten dressed, but he still felt overheated, on edge. When he opened the door and saw Layla's natural, stunning face, a flash of unwanted desire hit him. He shoved it back down, face blank.

"Let's go," he said, walking past her, his abs tensing involuntarily as if bracing for another "accident."

"Walk ahead of me," he ordered, a little paranoid.

Confused, Layla did as she was told but couldn't help asking, "Mr. Knight, are you okay? Your face looks a little flushed."

His expression darkened, a flicker of embarrassment crossing his eyes. He schooled his features and replied coolly, "I'm fine. Just mind your own business."

Layla noticed Sebastian was in a mood again. She was starting to realize this older man had a pretty unpredictable temperament. Looked like she'd need to walk on eggshells around him, staying out of things that weren't her business.

Over dinner, her curiosity got the best of her, and she glanced at Sebastian. "Mr. Knight, did you pull some strings to get me that schedule at the hospital?"

If her husband hadn't had a hand in it, she couldn't wrap her head around why the hospital would give her such a sweet deal. Before, her job was brutal—constant overtime. Nobody there clocked in at nine and out by four. If Sebastian really did this, Layla figured she should say a proper thank-you.

Sebastian shot her a look, neither confirming nor denying. "I won't make you quit. If you've got free time, spend it with Avianna. The three grand I promised each month is still yours, every cent."

Layla's eyes lit up. He was like the dream husband—making sure her schedule was a breeze while paying her good money to hang out with his kid. Especially since she didn't have to lift a finger around the house. In that moment, she realized she was hitting the jackpot in this setup.

Suppressing her delight, Layla quickly said, "Thanks. I'll make sure every free minute goes to Avianna."

Sebastian didn't answer, just focused on his dinner with refined grace. All excited, Layla eagerly used the serving spoons to pile food onto his plate. "This is so good. You've gotta try it."

Sebastian, not used to this, frowned. "If you like it, eat it yourself. Don't put it on my plate." He disdainfully moved the food onto a side plate, leaving Layla feeling hella awkward.

Thankfully, Avianna swooped in to save the moment. "Mommy, gimme! I wanna try."

Layla happily obliged, putting the food on Avianna's plate. "Eat up, Avianna. It'll help you grow big and strong."

The little girl nodded eagerly, cheeks puffed, and gave her dad a reproachful look. "Daddy, Mommy's just being nice to you. You're so ungrateful."

Sebastian looked at his daughter, too tired to argue. What did she know? His young wife's intentions were as clear as day—she was just trying to earn brownie points. He was older, not clueless. His daughter wouldn't get it.

Grateful for the save, Layla quickly switched topics to Avianna. "Let's finish dinner, and then we can play hide-and-seek again, okay?"

Avianna didn't follow her train of thought. She sat there, bright eyes sparkling with innocent curiosity. "Mommy, why do other mommies and daddies hug and kiss every day, but you and Daddy don't? Don't you love each other?"

The questions caught Layla off guard for a second. She felt super awkward, glancing at the man across from her.

Sebastian's face went stone-cold as he spoke to his daughter more sharply than usual. "Stop thinking about stuff like that. Eat your dinner and then go study."

The little girl pursed her lips, giving her dad a reproachful look before looking down, pouting.

Layla was at a loss for words. After all, she and Sebastian didn't love each other. They weren't even into each other. Their time together was short—there was no chance for the kind of affection normal couples have. Layla just hoped to keep this civil until she'd saved up enough cash.

After dinner, Layla helped Avianna with her reading and writing. That night, when Avianna asked her to sleep with her, Layla got the okay from Sebastian and joined her.

The next day, Layla took Avianna to preschool before heading to work. Back at the hospital, she noticed her coworkers shooting her looks and whispering among themselves.

Unable to hold back their curiosity, one asked, "Layla, do you know someone higher up?"

If she didn't have a connection, how else could they explain her cushy schedule? Everyone else pulled eight to six, but she was the only one starting at nine and leaving at four.

Layla wasn't sure how to explain it was her practically-a-stranger husband's doing, so she just smiled, dodged the question, and headed to the patient rooms with her supplies for meds and IVs.

In Mathias Knight's room, Layla walked in to find a bunch of handsome guys in their twenties, including her ex, Ryan.

Playing dumb, she held her breath and focused on her tasks at Mathias's bedside.

The group was shocked to see her. One of them blurted, "Whoa, Ryan, ain't that your girlfriend?"

"She's a nurse here?"

"Ryan, why's she ignoring you?"

Ryan was lounging on the sofa by the window, casually dressed in a white button-down and slacks, his hair neat and clean-cut. Seeing his ex of one month was no surprise—he knew Layla worked here. But he wasn't visiting her; he was there for his injured buddy.

"They broke up," Mathias announced from his bed, raising his voice to clue everyone in. "Nurse Layla is single, and Ryan's already got a new girl. Didn't you guys know?"

The guys exchanged blank looks, turning to Ryan, clearly out of the loop. "I saw Ryan with Layla just last month. How'd they break up?"

One of them pressed, "Five years together and you're really done?"

Ryan stayed silent, eyes glued to Layla as she worked. When Mathias brought up Ryan's new relationship, Layla felt a stab in her chest. Pulling herself together, she quickly finished up and said to Mathias, "Rest up. If you need anything, just holler."

With that, she hightailed it out of there, almost running.

Ryan jumped up to follow, leaving the others dying to eavesdrop on the drama.

Layla hadn't gotten far when Ryan caught up to her. "Layla, I didn't jump into anything right away. I wasn't with her until after we broke up."

Layla couldn't figure out why Ryan bothered explaining. She'd hit him up a month ago, asking for $28,800. The second she brought it up, Ryan called it quits.

Layla accepted their differences and didn't push. Keeping her cool, she met his eyes with a smile. "We're not together anymore. Whoever you're with now is none of my business. You don't need to explain."