Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 124

Chapter 124: A deep ache Chapter 124: A deep ache Lucius returned to his hotel room, stepping out onto the balcony as he held a lighter in his hand.

The cool night breeze brushed against his face, soothing him from the outside, yet inside, a storm churned.

Leaning against the railing, he studied the lighter-the last remnant he had of Matteo.

“What did you keep from me, Matteo?” he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

“You never mentioned it… not even while taking your last breath.” A deep ache gripped his heart, one he couldn’t voice.

Every time he thought of Matteo, it left him feeling hollow, weighed down, and dizzy all at once.

“Boss, it’s time to leave.

Everything’s prepared,” Roger’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, grounding him.

Lucius inhaled deeply, steadying himself.

Roger’s gaze held a quiet understanding-he knew his boss was once again lost in memories of the past.

“Let’s go,” Lucius replied, stepping away from the balcony.

He retrieved his phone and slipped into his long coat before leaving the room with Roger.

They boarded the flight to Italy, and by nine o’clock, Lucius arrived home.

“Master!” The head maid greeted him warmly, a smile brightening her face as she bowed.

“I’ll let Madam Layla know you’ve returned.” She hurried off toward the garden, where Layla was taking a quiet stroll among the flowers, unaware that Lucius had come home.

“Madam, Master Lucius is back!” The head maid said loudly, halting Layla in her steps.

“Madam, Master Lucius is back!” the head maid announced, stopping Layla mid-step.

“What?

So soon?” she gasped, her eyes widening in surprise.

Without another word, she hurried toward the bedroom.

When she entered, she saw Lucius’s overcoat draped over the edge of the bed.

He was seated on a chair, looking weary, as though he’d finally found a moment of quiet.

With soft steps, Layla walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

“I didn’t expect you to return within a day!” she said warmly.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he tilted his head back to look at her before rising to his feet.

“I didn’t expect it, either,” he replied.

“But the witness was surprisingly willing to talk.

It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.” Layla’s gaze softened as she studied his face, sensing the weight he carried.

“You must be hungry.

I’ll bring dinner up for you,” Layla said softly, her hand slipping away from his arm as she stepped back.

Just then, Lucius gently caught her wrist, drawing her into his arms.

“Stay like this, just for a minute,” he murmured, eyes closed, his hold on her steady and unyielding.

Layla felt his tension, sensing something troubling beneath his calm exterior.

She wrapped her arms around him, her hand moving tenderly along his back, silently wondering what he had discovered from the witness.

After exactly a minute, Lucius slowly let her go.

“Now, you can go,” he said with a slight smile.

She nodded.

“Wash your face and hands first,” she reminded him gently before leaving the room.

Lucius went to the washroom to freshen up, and by the time he returned, Layla was back with a tray in her hands.

As she set the dishes on the table, he reached out to help her, but she gently stopped him.

“Don’t worry about it.

Just sit and relax,” she insisted with a warm smile, guiding him to his seat.

“Even I planned to take my supper late.

I’m just glad you’re back.

Safely,” Layla said, handing him a plate and settling beside him.

“How was your day?

I hope everything went fine,” Lucius asked, picking up his fork.

Layla took a breath, choosing her words carefully.

“You already arranged my meeting with Seraphina.

I was surprised when I found out… But then, before I even arrived, I saw my father there.

He and Seraphina were arguing.

I overheard everything, Lucius-it was all part of her plan.

She wanted revenge on my mother because she couldn’t marry my father.

I understand her anger, suffered a betrayal, but her actions weren’t justified.” Layla paused, steadying herself.

“I ended up slapping her, and I don’t regret it.

I’ve suffered the most because of her schemes.” Lucius listened with an approving smile.

“You did well.

Seraphina deserved that.

Sometimes, people need a reality check,” he affirmed.

“That’s not all.

Orabela came to see me, asking me to convince my parents not to throw her out.

Honestly, Lucius, I’m exhausted with all of them.

They raised Orabela like their own daughter, and now that the truth is out, they suddenly want me back, showering me with the love they once denied me.

They’re ready to push her aside just as easily.” Layla’s tone grew quieter.

“I don’t pity Orabela.

She needs to understand the consequences of her actions.

But everyone in that house-every one of them let this happen.” Lucius placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, sensing the quiet conflict in her.

Even if Layla wouldn’t admit it, she had a soft heart, one that ached when justice wasn’t served, even if the one wronged was her enemy.

“Let’s not talk about them.

They’re all so annoying,” Layla said, her tone dismissive.

“How’s the food?

It looks delicious,” she added softly, lifting the fork with a perfectly cooked steak toward Lucius’s mouth.

Lucius opened his mouth and took a bite, savoring the flavors.

“It is delicious,” he replied with a genuine smile.

Suddenly, Layla looked up and asked, “By the way, did you buy me something from Spain?” Lucius hesitated for a moment before responding, “Ah, I’m so sorry, Layla.

I completely forgot.” Layla pouted slightly.

“I told you to get me something,” she remarked, a hint of teasing in her voice.

“But I’ll forgive you.” Lucius raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“You’ll forgive me so easily?

Why?” She smiled warmly, her eyes meeting his.

“Because I love you.” Lucius felt a surge of affection as he watched her smile.

Despite the ongoing tension, he realised her one smile and admission of her feelings would fill with him such a warmth, which he always yearned for.