Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 211

Chapter 211: The right choice Chapter 211: The right choice “Father, I brought the fruits for you,” Layla said, holding out a bowl of fresh fruit as she entered the room.

She saw Alekis standing in front of a shelf, his attention fixed on something.

“Layla, come here,” Alekis called, motioning her over.

She walked to him and noticed several framed photographs arranged neatly on the shelf.

Her eyes were drawn to a particular photo of a young boy.

“Is that Lucius?” she asked, pointing to the frame.

“Yes,” Alekis replied, a faint smile appearing on his face.

He picked up the frame and handed it to her.

“That was taken the year he started going to school.

Back then, he smiled a lot, always full of life,” he murmured, his tone tinged with nostalgia.

“Now, though…

most of the time, I feel like he forces that smile.” “Not all the time, Father,” Layla said softly, her voice filled with certainty.

“Lucius does smile from the heart too.

He enjoys moments when he’s truly at ease.” Alekis sighed lightly.

“Maybe, but around me, it feels…

different.

I feel he hides his real smile,” he admitted, his voice carrying a hint of sadness.

“That’s not true, Father,” Layla countered, her gaze drifting to another photo.

It showed two boys-one older, one younger.

“Is that Brother Antoine?” she asked, carefully picking up the frame.

“Lucius looks so young here,” she murmured, tracing her fingers over the glass.

“Yes,” Alekis nodded.

“There was a twelve-year age gap between them.

Antoine was protective of Lucius, always looking out for him.” Layla placed the frame back on the shelf thoughtfully.

“Where is Lucius now?

Is he in his room?” Alekis asked, breaking the momentary silence.

“No,” Layla replied, shaking her head.

“He went out with Roger.” Alekis gave a small nod.

“He must be under stress after talking to his mother.

She was quite harsh on him today,” Alekis remarked with concern.

Layla sighed.

“Hmm.

I wonder why she does that.

Lucius is 34 now, and playing with his emotions like this isn’t fair,” she muttered, her frustration evident.

She hesitated before continuing, “Did you always know that-” but her words faltered, leaving the question incomplete.

Alekis gave a small nod, understanding her unspoken thoughts.

“Of course, I knew,” he said gently.

“Lucius is a remarkable son.

He hardly ever complains about anything, no matter how much he endures.” Layla watched him closely as he spoke, noticing the weight of his words.

“I won’t hold him back anymore,” Alekis affirmed firmly.

“He never used to share what was on his mind, always keeping it to himself.

But this morning, when he finally opened up, I realized how much he’s been carrying.

I need to be his support now.

He deserves that much.” Layla smiled faintly.

“You are a great father.

Lucius is blessed to have you,” she stated with a smile.

“I just hope Roderick starts understanding his uncle soon,” Alekis said, his voice carrying the weight of a long-held wish.

“There was a time when those two got along so well,” he added, a hint of sorrow in his tone.

He sighed deeply.

“I’m sorry for what Roderick did to you.

As his grandfather, I should have been more mindful of his upbringing.

I failed to guide him properly.” “Father, don’t declare Roderick the next chairman,” Layla said gently but firmly.

“I know it’s a harsh request, but he needs to learn the right lessons first.” She paused for a brief moment.

“Instead, you should consider your second son.

And I’m not saying this just because Lucius is my husband.

I genuinely believe Roderick has a lot to learn before he’s ready for such responsibility.

Or, if not Lucius, then you should continue as the chairman.

Roderick has been handed everything on a silver platter his entire life.

He’s not ready to take on the company, especially when he refuses to learn from his uncle.

You wouldn’t want the company to suffer because of his inexperience.” Alekis listened intently, his expression contemplative as he weighed her words.

“You’ve given me much to think about, Layla,” he said softly, appreciating her honesty.

“I will consider this carefully.” “That will be great, Father,” Layla said with a small smile.

Alekis turned to her, his expression thoughtful.

“How’s your family to you?” he asked suddenly, catching her off guard.

“Ahh, they…” Layla hesitated, clearly flustered by the unexpected question.

“It’s complicated, Father,” she murmured, lowering her gaze.

Alekis nodded slowly, understanding the meaning behind her words.

“Humans can be annoying and even cruel at times,” he said.

“It’s not easy to forgive, even when you want to.” “Yes,” Layla agreed softly, her voice carrying a hint of emotion.

“When you asked me to call you Father the first time Lucius introduced us, I felt so happy.

I never had such a warm, fatherly relationship with my own.

Thank you for not judging me,” she said with a small smile, her eyes glistening slightly.

Alekis looked at her, his expression softening.

“I did judge you in the beginning,” he admitted.

“I wanted Lucius to marry someone closer to his age.

I thought a young woman might not truly understand him or his world.

When he suddenly announced he got married, it took me by surprise.

But I was happy that, after all this time, he decided to settle down,” Alekis said, his heartwarming smile revealing his sincerity.

He walked over to the desk, picking up a fork to eat the fruits Layla had brought.

“And I can see now that he made the right choice,” he added before taking a bite.

~~~~ “Boss, why are we at the bar?” Roger asked with a worried look, glancing at Lucius as he parked the car.

“Aren’t we supposed to go to your home?

Layla and your father must be waiting for you.

And you’re not fully healed.

You can’t take alcohol,” he added.

Lucius’s expression darkened as he opened the car door.

“Stay quiet and stay in the car,” he ordered curtly.

Roger shook his head, his worry mounting.

“No, I’m not leaving-” “Stay here, Roger!” Lucius almost yelled at him.

“Don’t make me repeat myself!”