Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: For our honeymoon

“Why are you still awake?” Lucius asked, stepping into the bedroom, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. His eyes flickered with amusement. “Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting for me like a devoted wife.”

Layla glanced up from her spot, her lips curving into a soft, almost secretive smile. “I couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d wait for you. I have a lot to talk about,” she replied, her tone gentle, though there was something in her expression that caught his attention. She then slowly got down from the bed.

Lucius shrugged off his blazer, tossing it onto the nearby chair as he loosened his tie. “Did you have dinner?” he asked, his gaze briefly lingering on her.

Layla shook her head, the smile never quite leaving her face. “Freshen up and meet me downstairs,” she said as she moved past him, but before she could leave, his hand shot out, gently gripping her wrist.

With a quick tug, he pulled her close, his towering figure casting a shadow over her. “Why don’t you help me with this shirt?” he murmured, his voice taking on a lower, more intimate tone.

Layla raised an eyebrow, her lips quivering in amusement. “You have your own hands, don’t you?”

He leaned in slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. “But I’m tired,” he said, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Sighing, Layla brought her hands to his collar, her fingers brushing against his skin as she deftly loosened his tie before moving to unbutton his shirt.

She slid the shirt down his shoulders, her fingers briefly brushing against his skin, and her gaze involuntarily flicked to the intricate dragon tattoo etched across his chest.

A sharp intake of breath followed, and Layla quickly shook her head, handing the shirt back to him. “I’ll be waiting for you at the dinner table,” she muttered, turning to leave.

“Layla,” Lucius called out, amusement lacing his tone. Before she could take another step, he gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his arm already snaking around her waist. He pulled her close, their bodies now pressed together, the warmth of his touch impossible to ignore.

“You did an amazing job today,” he murmured, his fingers lifting her chin so their eyes met. “You acted like my wife.”

Layla blinked in surprise. “You heard? Did Roger tell you? I thought you were busy with work.”

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Lucius’ mouth. “Matters concerning my wife always find their way to me,” he replied, his voice smooth, but his gaze was sharp.

She shifted uncomfortably in his embrace, the closeness making her pulse quicken. “I’m starving. Let me go,” Layla urged, trying to free herself.

To her surprise, Lucius released her without protest, the heat of his grip disappearing as quickly as it came. She shot him a quick glance, her heartbeat still racing, and hurried out of the room, not daring to look back.

Layla didn’t have to wait long for Lucius. In less than ten minutes, he joined her at the dinner table. They quietly began eating, and as Layla took her first bite, memories from her past flooded her mind.

Back at her family’s house, she always ate alone, after everyone else had finished. The isolation had left an imprint on her, which was why sharing meals with Lucius meant more than just food. It reminded her she wasn’t alone anymore.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed her gaze lingering on him until his voice pulled her back.

“What’s with that look?” Lucius asked, a teasing lilt in his tone.

“Huh?” Layla blinked, startled. She quickly became self-conscious, realizing she must have been staring for too long.

Lucius smirked, cutting into his steak. “It seems you’ve been admiring me silently. I’d love to hear what you think of me, in your own words.”

“I wasn’t admiring you,” Layla muttered, lowering her head as her cheeks flushed. She focused on finishing her meal, hoping to avoid his knowing gaze.

“Hmm, have you thought about where we should go for our honeymoon?” Lucius asked casually, picking up his glass of water and taking a sip.

“I haven’t,” Layla admitted, her mind flashing back to the fun she and Ruby had earlier that evening, completely forgetting about the honeymoon.

“Well, tell me now,” Lucius said, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “I need to make arrangements too, wife.”

Layla’s grip on her fork tightened slightly. “I thought we still had time for that,” she said, trying to gauge his mood.

Lucius chuckled, cutting another bite of his steak. “I realized I’m always working, so I should take some time off—for myself and for you. We’re too distracted here. Your family, my father, and all these ridiculous matters disturb our peace. Don’t you think so?”

Layla’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Does he know his father was here?’ she wondered, her thoughts racing. She forced herself to respond, “Umm… yes.”

“Tell me your dream destination, and we’ll go there for the honeymoon,” Lucius asked again, his gaze never leaving hers.

“What about Norway?” she suggested after a brief pause.

“Perfect! Norway it is,” Lucius said, nodding with approval.

Layla hesitated. “It’s not necessary to go with my choice. If you prefer somewhere else, I’m okay with that too.”

“But Norway is a beautiful country. I like your choice,” Lucius replied smoothly, his tone reassuring. “We’ll leave the day after tomorrow, after the wedding reception,” he announced as though the decision had already been made.

“This soon?” Layla’s voice wavered slightly.

“Yes. The earlier, the better. I can’t wait to be alone with you,” he said, a grin spreading across his face.

A shiver ran down Layla’s spine at his words, and she quickly averted her gaze, focusing on her plate. Lucius, amused by her reaction, continued eating, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he watched her.

“Layla, I wanted to apologize on behalf of my father,” Lucius said, his tone shifting, the lightness in his voice replaced with something more serious. “He shouldn’t have come here and reprimanded you like that.”

Layla froze, her eyes widening. ‘So, he does know,’ she thought, her grip tightening around her fork.

Lucius smirked, clearly noticing her reaction. “But I have to say,” he continued, his gaze softening slightly, “I like that you gave the old man a befitting reply.”

Layla blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in conversation. She hadn’t expected him to bring up his father, let alone approve of her standing up for herself. Unsure of how to respond, she simply nodded. “It wasn’t easy, but… I didn’t want him to overstep.”

Lucius leaned back in his chair, studying her with a glint of approval in his eyes. “There’s nothing wrong with overstepping. Don’t ever let anyone, even my father, treat you like you’re less. You’re my wife, after all.”

Layla’s heart fluttered at his words. She offered him a small smile, grateful for his support. “What did you do at my house?” Layla asked, her voice low but filled with curiosity. “I asked Roger, but he wouldn’t tell me. I told you I could handle them myself.”

Lucius paused, setting down his fork and knife before dabbing the napkin against his lips with deliberate slowness. He rose from his seat, walking over to her side. His presence loomed behind her as he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, the warmth of his touch sending a subtle shiver down her spine.

“Of course, I know you can handle them,” Lucius said. “But they made you cry, Layla. As your husband, how could I ignore your tears? Only I know how hard it was to control myself and not punish them more… severely.”

Layla felt a lump form in her throat at his words.

“I’ll wait for you in the room,” he added, his tone softening as he slowly released her shoulders. With that, he turned and left the dining room, leaving Layla alone with her thoughts on why he cared for her so much.