Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: Struggled with social anxiety Chapter 172: Struggled with social anxiety The next morning, everyone set out for the vineyard.

Lucius had given strict instructions to the three men not to follow, desiring a private moment with Layla as they wandered among the sprawling vines.

The morning sun bathed the vineyard in a golden glow, and a light breeze carried the earthy aroma of ripening grapes.

Layla paused, her fingers brushing lightly against the lush grape clusters.

She turned slightly, glancing over her shoulder at Lucius.

“Can I try them?” she asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of mischief.

Lucius smiled, his eyes softening as he took in her excitement.

“Go ahead.

Grandma won’t mind.

Just enjoy yourself.” Without hesitation, Layla plucked a few grapes and popped two into her mouth.

Her eyes widened in delight as she savored the burst of sweetness.

“Mmm!

They’re so sweet!” she exclaimed, her smile radiant.

Before Lucius could respond, she plucked another grape and gently pressed it against his lips.

“Your turn,” she said, watching him expectantly.

Lucius leaned in slightly, accepting the grape.

As he chewed, his brows lifted in pleasant surprise.

“You’re right.

They’re perfect,” he said, his voice warm, matching her smile.

She picked another grape and popped it into her mouth, but before she could fully savor it, Lucius leaned in.

His lips brushed against hers as he bit into the grape, taking half into his mouth.

The unexpected closeness sent a shiver down her spine.

“Now, it tastes even sweeter,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

A soft smile tugged at Layla’s lips, her cheeks suddenly warming.

She closed her eyes, tilting her face up slightly, and pouted.

“You can kiss me more,” she whispered.

Lucius’s grin deepened.

He cupped the back of her neck, his fingers gentle but firm, as he leaned in and captured her lips.

The kiss was tender, unhurried, filled with affection.

They pulled back slightly, sharing shy smiles, only to lean in again, their lips meeting once more.

After pulling away, Lucius and Layla intertwined their fingers, their hands fitting together effortlessly.

They strolled through the vineyard.

After covering a good distance, they spotted the others busy at work, helping one another gather grapes.

“Grandma was looking for you,” Demitri whispered as he stepped close to Lucius.

Lucius arched a brow.

“Is it about last night?” Demitri gave a curt nod.

“Yes.” Before Lucius could respond, Roger called out, holding up a basket brimming with grapes.

“Layla, come here!

Look, I’ve got a whole basket.

Let’s eat!” Layla’s face lit up.

She released Lucius’s hand and hurried over to Roger and Aiden, her laughter ringing out as she joined them.

Lucius watched her for a moment, his lips curving into a fond smile.

“Where’s Grandma?” he asked, turning back to Demitri.

“She’s just ahead, giving instructions to the workers,” Demitri replied.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Lucius shook his head.

“No, stay here.

Keep an eye on things.” With one last glance at Layla, who was happily laughing and sharing grapes with Roger and Aiden, Lucius turned and made his way down the path.

“Demitri, have some,” Layla called, turning to offer him a grape.

But as her eyes scanned the area, she noticed Lucius was no longer there.

“Where’s Lucius?” she asked, a hint of surprise in her tone.

“He went to see Grandma,” Demitri replied, walking over to her.

“Oh,” Layla murmured, popping a grape into her mouth.

“I was quite surprised to learn he has a high school friend.

He never mentioned you.” Demitri chuckled softly.

“You should be surprised.

Lucius not telling you about me is indeed shocking.

But I think it’s his way of protecting me.” Roger and Aiden exchanged curious glances, sensing there was more to the story.

“Protect you?

How?” Layla asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Grandma did tell me once that Lucius protected your grandmother from a gangster.

Is that why he kept his distance from you?” Demitri nodded.

“Yes.

That incident put my family in danger.

Lucius believed that by keeping our friendship hidden, he could shield me from any lingering threats.

Also, he’s a mafia, so that’s understandable.” “Was Lucius the shy type in school?” Layla asked suddenly, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Aiden snorted, crossing his arms.

“Boss?

Shy?

I doubt that.” Roger nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, Boss and shy don’t go together.” Demitri, however, smiled knowingly.

“Actually, he was.

Lucius hardly made friends and struggled with social anxiety.

Being the second son of such an influential family came with a lot of unwanted attention.

It wasn’t easy for him.” Layla’s eyes widened slightly.

“Really?” Demitri continued, “His parents were often absent, and his older brother was busy with his own responsibilities.

Lucius didn’t have much support back then.

It left him feeling isolated.” Layla’s heart ached at the revelation.

She’d always seen Lucius as strong and composed, but now she realized they shared a similar loneliness-both neglected and forgotten in their own ways.

“Matteo was the one who brought the three of us together,” Demitri added with a fond smile.

“Though I was more focused on my studies and didn’t always hang out with them, we still had great times.

Matteo had a kind heart but was incredibly secretive.” Layla hummed softly, her expression growing pensive.

“Lucius is still struggling with all those things.

The loss of both his brother and friend has affected him deeply.

He is chasing for the truth and I want him to find it,” she proclaimed.

“I hope he does.

But Layla, I also want him to look for his own life.

Matteo is gone.

Whatever secrets he had they are buried forever.

It’s no use to dig them.

Lucius will never understand my words, but he can understand yours.

Matteo was involved with many mafias since his family was openly into that work.

I hope you ask Lucius to think about his own life,” Demitri advised her.

“It will hurt Lucius forever if he doesn’t find the truth.

I know it’s risky for his life too, but…

I promised myself to help him get the closure,” Layla pronounced.

“That’s the only way he will live in peace.”