Kiandre's p.o.v

Destiny- something with decisive or far-reaching consequences that inevitably happens to somebody. What if the universe is slowing guiding us to our destinies? Because I'm hoping seeing her here, having our paths crossed once more is a sign or at least it should be.

Beauty emanates from her in a subtle yet breathtaking way. I've practiced a hundred times what I'd say to Layton if I saw her again yet right now I'm dumbfounded.

Maybe I should start with a simple "Hi, how do you do?" - Wait that's too formal

"Bellissma" - Am I even allowed to call her that?

Come on brain you need to come up with an answer here I definitely can't listen to my heart on this one.

End of p.o.v

"You okay amor, that's your third glass of champagne in the past hour." Rick concernedly asks Layton

"Yes I'm just a little anxious, first impression's and all."

"Let's step outside for a minute and get some fresh air, I could do with some as well."

Layton smiles faintly and just as the two begin to make off Rick's phone rings.

"It's work amor, go ahead, I'll take this first then join you."

The cool breeze of the night lingered against Layton's skin, causing it to erupt in goosebumps. She took a deep breath in trying to calm her racing heart but to no avail.

"Can I offer the lady my coat?" A husky yet smooth like silk voice whispered slightly from behind.

Layton did not need to turn around to know who the voice belonged to, even after a few years familiarity was the underlying tone.

"No thank you, I'm doing just fine without it." Her back still faced to Kiandre

"Please look at me Bellissma, even if it's just for a second, I need to see those honey eyes."

"Why so you can see all the pain you have caused in them." She turns around and stares at him.

Kiandre looks to the ground in shame, he did not prepare for Layton to have such a distain reaction towards him.

Just then Rick reappears and immediately pulls Layton onto him, she nuzzles her head into the nook of his neck as her hand rests against the scruff of his beard.

Rick glares at Kiandre, displeasure on his face then focuses his attention on Layton once more.

"Are you okay mi amor?"

Kiandre notices the diamond ring on Layton's finger, the moonlight exuberating its glisten.

"Now you propose after having a baby with her."

"Baby? What are you talking about Kiandre?"

"I saw Rick in the park a while ago happily playing with a baby, then...."

"Rose's baby" Layton interrupts him

"What? Rose had a baby? I thought..."

"No you didn't think, you jumped to conclusions. What are you even doing here?"

"Well the company I work at is represented by Michael & Son's and we were invited here, I presume you're interning for them."

"Keen observation skills." Layton grits through her teeth.

Kiandre's heart would have been broken if he believed the malice in Layton's voice but he could see in her eyes that there was something there, he hoped for something better but knew not to push his luck.

"I wish you two nothing but happiness in life, treasure her Rick and don't make the same mistakes I did." Kiandre says as he looks longingly at Layton then walks off.

"Can we go home now please? I've had enough surprises for one night."

"I couldn't agree more."

Back at Layton and Rick's apartment

"I need to get out of this dress." Layton moans

"Is that an attempt at seduction or?" Rick lets out a small laugh, trying to ease the tension lingering between them.

"Check the messages on the answering machine hermoso while I slip into something more breathable."

And so Rick does as instructed, he presses play while grabbing a snack from the kitchen.

"Mr. De la Rosa, this is Charlie, Dr. Parker's secretary. We tried to reach you on your cell per usual but unfortunately couldn't. I've called to inform you that we have an available space for your next chemotherapy treatment earlier than your scheduled appointment. Do call the hospital ASAP to conform your booking."

Rick instantly dropped what he was doing and ran to the machine, trying to erase the message whilst hoping Layton didn't hear a thing. Unfortunately when he looked up, there stood Layton despondency across her face.

Ears ringing and eyes teary, Layton spoke up "What the hell was that? Rick"

"Amor, I wanted to tell you, I just couldn't find the right time."

"There never was going to be a right time for something like this. How long?"

"Layton." Rick tries to reach out for her but she backs away.

"How long have you known?"

"Four months."

"Oh God, four months, how could I have been so blind? How could I have missed all the signs? You shouldn't have went through this alone. I'm your partner dammit but you treat me like a child."

"Don't blame yourself. I couldn't bare bringing that cloud of doom over our relationship, I wanted to- no I needed to see you happy. You're the reason I'm fighting, you're the reason for my existence."

Layton devastated, grabbed her bag and darted towards the door. Rick ran and managed to stop her.

"Amor please, let's talk about this."

"You were harboring this life changing secret when you proposed to me Rick, this was based on a lie, and I need some time." She kissed his cheek before turning foot and walking out the door.

Rick couldn't think any further than the pain he was experiencing- the face Layton made when she said those last words would haunt his dreams and waking life.

An hour later, Layton found herself at Camden's bar two whiskeys down. The champagne from earlier moved her buzz along quickly and she had been ignoring all phone calls and text messages.

She was angry and hurt, ideally needing a punching bag or someone to blame.

She reached for her phone and dialed Kiandre's number which was stored under an alias, it had been years and she didn't know if he even still had that number but that didn't stop Layton from ringing it up.

"Hello?"

"Kiandre?"

"Layton? Is that you?"

"You still have the same number."

"I didn't want to change it, in case you ever did need me."

His words reminded Layton of how he was a good person that just got the raw end of the deal, she fell silent for a moment.

"You still there Bellissma? I mean Layton."

"Can you meet me at Camden's bar?"

"I'll be there in 5 minutes."

A few minutes later Kiandre arrives and without delay spots Layton. He makes his way over to her, removes his jacket and drapes it over her bare shoulders.

He had noticed her blood shot eyes that could be owing to the liquor or crying and this had him concerned.

"What's wrong?" he asked whilst placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It's all your fault you know, everything started with you and was supposed to end that way to." Layton slurred her words.

Kiandre waved the bartender over and asked him for a glass of water, hoping this would sober her up a bit.

Her words played in his mind, there was nothing more he wanted than to be her happy ending but she was with Rick- but if things were so great why did she call him? Or was it a drunken mistake, one that she would come to regret in the morning?