Too Pretty to Be Your Backup novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Travis drove straight to the hospital, calling David as soon as he hit the road. By the time he pulled up to the entrance, David was already there, pacing anxiously.

Travis scooped Leila into his arms and hurried after David through the sliding doors, heading straight for the ER. The doors swung shut behind them.

Out in the hall, Travis stood stiffly by the emergency room, his eyes glued to the glowing sign above the door. He looked calm, almost emotionless.

Inside, it was just David and Leila. The urgency drained from David’s face as he settled into a chair beside her bed. He reached over, giving Leila’s cheek a gentle, affectionate pinch, equal parts exasperated and fond.

“Alright, you can stop pretending now.”

His words sounded like a scolding, but there was warmth in his voice.

Leila opened her eyes slowly, looking up at him with a mix of guilt and helplessness. “David, I’m sorry. I dragged you into this again.”

David just shook his head and spoke softly. “Leila, you can’t keep faking it. You know Travis doesn’t see you that way.”

Tears spilled down Leila’s cheeks, sudden and unrestrained. “Why is it Amanda and not me? What does she have that I don’t? Travis doesn’t love her. He’s only marrying her because she was lucky enough to take a knife for him. Why else?”

A year ago, Travis had been attacked. Someone came at him with a knife, and Amanda threw herself in front of him, taking the hit. She spent three months in the hospital recovering.

That was when Travis finally agreed to get engaged. For him, duty mattered more to him than love. Amanda took that knife for him. He felt like he owed her a lifetime.

Just like he felt responsible for Leila.

David let out a long sigh.

Travis owed Amanda. He owed Leila too. He was stuck, always trying to keep the balance, torn between two different promises.

David ruffled Leila’s hair. “Don’t worry. I’ll help you.”

Leila hugged his waist, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you, David. Really.”

***

David stepped out of the ER, pulling off his mask and letting out a tired breath.

“Travis, you know Leila’s condition. She can’t handle stress. She was so excited to see you today. Why did she faint? Was Amanda at the office too?”

Travis‘ frown deepened, a storm brewing in his eyes. He only just remembered: he’d left Amanda back

at the office.

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11:19

Chapter 36

He’d tried calling her, but he was still blocked.

He called Fiona, his assistant. She told him Amanda had left right after he and Leila did.

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