During training practice, Layla had suddenly stopped everything. "Betty."

Her voice had been unusually serious. "We need to talk."

Betty immediately agreed. The two of them sat together on a nearby bench.

For several moments, neither spoke. Layla simply stared at the sky. Finally, she broke the silence. "Betty."

Her voice was soft. "Will there ever come a day when you can completely break free from your wealthy family?"

Betty looked at her in surprise, but Layla continued staring upward. "I don’t need riches, Betty."

Her voice carried unusual sincerity. "I don’t need you to be rich so that you can support us."

A faint smile appeared on her face. "We’re both capable people."

She finally turned toward Betty. "And you know that too, right?"

The moment those words left Layla’s mouth, Betty’s eyes immediately became moist.

A painful silence settled between them.

Betty slowly lifted her head and stared at the sky. Her voice trembled slightly. "But I can’t."

She clenched her fists tightly. The veins on the back of her hands became visible. "I want revenge."

A deep hatred flashed through her eyes. "I want revenge against those bastards. My father, stepmother, and stepsister."

Each word carried years of pain and resentment. "I want them to suffer. I want them to lose everything."

Her eyes reddened. "I want to see them go bankrupt."

For a brief moment, her expression became frightening. The hatred burning inside her heart was almost tangible.

Then she turned toward Layla. The moment her gaze landed on the woman she loved, the hatred softened slightly.

"Trust me when I say this."

Her voice became gentler. "I love you."

A faint smile appeared on her face. "And I love you enough that I’ve even considered giving up my revenge."

She paused before asking quietly, "But tell me honestly."

Her eyes searched Layla’s face. "If you were in my position, would you really be able to let go?"

Layla’s heart trembled. The question struck directly at her emotions.

She lowered her gaze. After a long silence, she inhaled deeply. "I understand."

Her voice was barely above a whisper. "I understand, Betty."

Hearing those words, Betty closed her eyes. "Layla. I love you. Maybe after I complete my revenge, I’ll love you even more."

A bitter smile appeared on her lips. "But right now..."

She shook her head. "Please don’t ask me to choose. However, I can promise you one thing."

Her voice became firm. "If there is ever a woman I will truly love for the rest of my life..."

She looked directly into Layla’s eyes. "It will be you."

The moment those words were spoken, Layla completely broke down. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.

It was tragic. Betty refused to abandon her revenge. At the same time, Betty’s family would never agree to their relationship.

Even under the most optimistic circumstances, they would likely have to wait years before openly being together.

The road ahead was filled with obstacles. Yet despite all of that, neither of them wanted to let go.

Betty’s own eyes turned red. Soon, she could no longer hold back her emotions. She wrapped her arms around Layla and pulled her into a tight embrace.

Layla immediately hugged her back. Several minutes passed before she finally spoke again.

Her voice was soft and trembling. "But what if one day..."

She hesitated. "What if one day you really have to choose?"

The moment she asked that question, Betty’s eyes sharpened.

Without the slightest hesitation, she tightened her embrace. "You."

Her answer came instantly. There was not even a fraction of uncertainty. "I would choose you."

Her voice was filled with conviction.

During the period when Layla had been avoiding her and treating her coldly, Betty had realized many things.

She had realized how deeply she loved Layla. She had realized that a single glance from her could brighten her entire day.

She had realized that being ignored by her could hurt more than any insult.

Most importantly, she had realized that losing Layla would hurt far more than she had ever imagined.

Therefore, her answer came naturally. She would choose Layla. Always.

Hearing that answer, Layla finally relaxed.

At that moment, she finally understood why Lana had spoken with such certainty.

Lana had been right. Looking at Betty, Layla’s eyes softened. Eventually, Betty released her embrace.

Layla wiped away the tears on her face and smiled faintly.

"Alright. I’ll trust you this once."

Betty’s eyes immediately brightened as happiness flickered across her face. Slowly, she leaned closer.

Layla’s heartbeat accelerated. The distance between them shrank.

Soon, their lips met. The sunset illuminated the two figures as if blessing their fragile promise.

After listening to the entire story, Lana sat quietly in her chair. Then she suddenly chuckled. "Wow."

She shook her head. "I didn’t know so much had happened."

A teasing smile appeared on her face. "Remember to invite me to your wedding."

Layla laughed. "Of course."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "How could I ever forget our dear Lana?"

The two chatted for a while longer. Eventually, Lana stood up to leave.

Before she departed, Layla handed her a carefully folded letter.

The contents were simple. It was a declaration of loyalty. From this day onward, Layla intended to stand firmly on Lana’s side.

Lana accepted it without much reaction and soon left.

The sky had already begun darkening.

Streetlights gradually illuminated the roads as Lana walked through the city.

However, after walking for some time, her expression slowly became grim. Her mystic senses had picked up something unusual.

Someone was following her. No. Several people were following her. Without hesitation, Lana changed direction and entered a narrow alleyway.

As she stepped deeper inside, several thugs emerged from nearby corners.

Their expressions immediately brightened when they saw her. One of them grinned. "Wow. What a beauty."

Another licked his lips. "Looks like we’ve gotten lucky tonight."

Lana rolled her eyes as she completely ignored them. Instead, she stared directly at an empty section of the alley.

"Come out."