Jared
They say love and hate dance together on one line.
My feelings for Layla don’t dance on the line; they destroy it.
It’s been seven years since she disappeared.
And now she’s back, but things have changed—I’ve changed.
I’m no longer the Jared she remembers, the boy who wanted to protect her.
I’m very much my father’s son, and I take what I want, and what I want is Layla.
But this time, I’m keeping her forever.
Layla
Seven years—that’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen him.
After painstakingly putting myself back together, I’m finally ready to start a life without his memory chasing my every step.
Imagine my surprise when my new beginning leads me straight back to him.
Only he’s not the boy I remember.
He’s angry.
Damaged.
Hiding secrets that want to destroy him.
He hates me. He wants me.
I’m not sure I’ll survive the man he has become. His demons threaten to destroy us both.
Broken People Duet: Deceive Me is created by Vi Carter, an eGlobal Creative Publishing signed author.

Broken People Duet (1): Deceive Me

I’d like to say we walked off into the sunset like I’ve seen in so many movies, but that’s not what happened. We continued to grow and heal together. People say time is a great healer, and it is. But no wound ever fully heals. I think you just learn to live with your demons. They have a special corner in your head. A corner they stick to most of the time.                                 


The court case against Bert arrives, and I take the stand, telling the world what I endured at the hands of Bert and Ronnie. It’s hard. It’s emotional. But I have Jared, Carl, Evelyn, and even Ashley to support me, which means so much. Rex and Jared’s mother joined us too.


I’ve never been prouder than when Jared walks up the aisle to take the stand; I’ve also never been so terrified. 


Chapter 98: Layla