When Worlds Collide

s on saving her sister's life. Maggie's brain tumor had been a devastating blow, and the medical bills were pilling up. Maggie was her only family, and the thought of los

was a small price to pay for the

Harp

of her thoughts, but Layla didn't respo

s Ha

om hers, and Layla's gaze snapped back into focus. She blinked rapidly, her eyes refocusing on the doctor's concerned expression, her mind scrambling to shift fro

se from her seat, her voice laced

, do

er heart racing

siste

s if fearing the answer. The doctor's expressi

ally,

s voice gent

rn for the worse. She has only one week left. At best, if we don

e air like a dire prophecy, l

d to scrape together a meager $50,000, a far cry from the $100,000 needed to cover the cost of Maggie's life-saving surgery

nd racing with the bleak possibilities that lay ahe

back into the chair, her mind reelin

am I t

rld crashing down around her. The sound of her phone ringing pierced the air, br

el

er voice barely

l, where

ice was a stark contra

e got a party at the house, and one

p again, but she forc

l be there

grief, at least for now, and find a

6

to ease as she gazed out at the winding mountain road ahead. The scenic route to the O'Neil mansion was a welcome distraction from her tumultuous thoughts, the picturesque landscape unfolding like a canvas of rolling hills, dense

ttany at the center of the party, her radiant smile and infectious laughter drawing people in. Layla weaved through the throng of guests, her approach unnoticed by Brit

made

c. Layla's response was measured, her words spoken di

e have a wor

nd gestured for Layla to follow her, leading her throu

, the door clicking shut behind them,

et you a

d in concern. Layla shook her head

I'm o

acking. Brittany's expression soft

what's

ayla took a deep breath, the

my sister...she's dying, an

Unnoticed, Tatum stood outside the door, his ears perked up, listening inten

nto Layla's, her voice f

much do y

s arm. Layla's eyes welled up again

take it out from my

ing with skepticism. He had always thought his sister was selfish and mani

any's words. Was this a newfound empathy or just another ploy to get what she wanted? He c

ou poor

r voice dripping w

ome wit

Brittany sprang onto a table, her eyes gleaming with mischief, and pulled