Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Fully loaded Chapter 143: Fully loaded “Roger?

Hi!

I didn’t expect to see you here at my book café,” Ruby said, surprised as she approached him.

Roger gave a small nod, his usual calm demeanor intact.

“Yeah, I just needed a quiet place to relax,” he replied.

“Relax here?” Ruby asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

“You don’t mind, do you?” Roger asked, glancing around the cozy café.

“I was thinking of staying for about an hour to read something.

Madam Layla recommended this place, so I decided to check it out.” He paused briefly before adding, “You’re not planning to close up just yet, are you?” His gaze shifted to the clock on the wall.

Ruby hesitated, her lips pressing together apologetically.

“Actually, I was just about to close, Roger.

I’m really sorry, but I already have plans with a friend tonight.

Maybe you could come back tomorrow?” Roger blinked in surprise but nodded understandingly.

“Ah, I see.

My apologies for holding you up,” he said, stepping back slightly.

Then, almost as an afterthought, he murmured, “I thought Madam Layla was your only friend.” Ruby chuckled softly, folding her arms.

“No, there are a few others,” she replied, amused by his assumption.

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, “I didn’t know you were into reading books.

It’s just… unusual for someone like you.” Realizing how her words might sound, she quickly backtracked, her cheeks flushing.

“Oh, I didn’t mean that in a bad way!

I’m so sorry if it came off wrong.” Roger gave her a faint smile, his expression soft but unreadable.

“I don’t mind,” he said calmly before turning to leave.

Just as he pivoted toward the door, Ruby called after him.

“Roger, wait.” He paused, glancing over his shoulder.

“Is Layla doing well?

I heard some strange rumors about her recently.

I haven’t been able to get in touch with her; she’s probably busy,” Ruby said, her tone laced with concern.

Roger’s eyes softened briefly.

“Yeah, Madam is doing well,” he reassured her.

“You should visit her personally someday.

She’d probably appreciate it.” “You’re right,” Ruby agreed, nodding thoughtfully.

“I’ll try to make time soon.” Roger gave a curt nod.

“Good.

Well, I won’t take any more of your time.” With that, he stepped out of the shop, his movements composed and deliberate.

As he exited, Roger slid into his sleek black car parked just outside.

Starting the engine, he drove off down the street, maintaining a slow pace.

He didn’t want Ruby to think he was lingering or chasing her.

A few blocks away, he turned onto a quiet side street and parked, his gaze fixed on the route leading from the café.

Resting his arm casually on the steering wheel, Roger murmured to himself, “I wonder if she’ll meet David again today.” His eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips as he watched for any sign of Ruby.

~~~~ Miriam hesitated as she looked at Layla’s number, her thumb trembling before finally pressing the dial button.

She closed her eyes and whispered a silent prayer, hoping against hope that her daughter would pick up this time.

But as the call rang on unanswered, her heart sank.

A tear slipped from her eye, but she quickly wiped it away, unwilling to let her emotions get the better of her.

With a heavy sigh, Miriam stood up to leave the room, her steps slow and uncertain.

Just as she reached the door, her phone buzzed to life.

She froze, her breath catching as she saw Layla’s name flashing on the screen.

Her hands shook as she hurriedly answered the call and brought the phone to her ear.

“Layla!

Thank you for calling me back,” Miriam said, her voice breaking slightly.

“How are you doing?” “I’m doing well,” Layla replied, her tone calm but distant.

“My husband keeps me happy.

He loves me and makes me feel alive, cheerful.” Miriam’s grip on the phone tightened, her heart aching at the polite detachment in her daughter’s voice.

“That’s good to hear,” she managed to say, trying to suppress the lump in her throat.

“I’ll come to see you tomorrow evening,” Layla continued, her words measured.

“And please make sure to call Orabela too.

You raised her like your own daughter, after all.” Miriam’s composure broke.

“I’m sorry, Layla,” she whispered, her tears falling freely now, cascading like an unstoppable stream.

Her voice cracked under the weight of emotions she could no longer hold back.

Layla remained silent for a moment before speaking again, her voice firm but not unkind.

“Please have your dinner and get some rest, Miriam.

Goodnight.” And with that, the call ended.

Layla wiped the tears from the pads of her fingers and put down the phone on the bedside table.

“Why do I feel upset suddenly?

I thought my real mother doesn’t affect me,” she murmured.

Lucius embraced her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

“Because you are soft-hearted, Layla.

You are ready to embrace anyone with your kind heart.

That’s why you can’t act heartless to your family,” he stated.

“Hmm.

Maybe you are right.” Tilting her head, she asked, “Aren’t we going to sleep?” “I’ve an important work outside, Wife.

So, you have to sleep alone without me.

I make sure to return before midnight,” Lucius asserted.

“What?” Layla held his hand and turned to look at him.

“Where are you going?” “I’ve some work outside,” Lucius gave a vague response.

“What kind of work?” Layla questioned.

“It’s a meeting with an old client,” Lucius lied.

He felt telling Layla the truth might worry her out.

“Why this client want to see you at this hour?” Layla inquired.

“My clients usually meet me at night,” Lucius said, smiling.

“Alright.

You can go then,” Layla allowed him to go.

“I will after you go to sleep,” Lucius said and brought her to the bed.

“I will put you to sleep.” With that, he lay Layla on bed and tucked her inside the warm duvet.

“I’m not a baby,” Layla said.

“You are my babe,” Lucius remarked, making her laugh.

“Close your eyes,” he urged.

Caressing Layla’s hair tenderly, he succeeded in putting her to sleep before leaving the room.

As he reached the living room, he took the black gloves from Aiden and glanced at Sarah.

“Keep an eye on Layla,” he instructed.

“Yes, Master,” Sarah bowed and went upstairs.

Lucius took the gun and checked if it was fully loaded.

“Let’s go,” he said.