Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 328

Chapter 328: Without being tied
“Father, what are you thinking?” Layla asked as she stepped into the garden spread around the mansion. She had a muffler in her hand and stood before Alekis.

“It’s cold outside. Father should keep a good check on his health,” Layla whispered and wrapped the woolen muffler around Alekis’s neck.

Alekis smiled and thanked her for being such a caring person. “I always this and will again say that the De Salvo family is lucky to have you, Layla.” A smile carved on his lips, which slowly faded.

“Father, even I’m blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family,” Layla replied. “Lucius and the others are returning today. By the afternoon, they should be here,” she informed.

“I hope Lucius has finally gotten his closure,” Alekis stated.

“He has, Father.” Layla’s warm smile was enough to tell Alekis that everything had turned well now.

“I remember the day when I asked you to stop Lucius chasing the truth. Layla, I never trusted him. That’s why I never told him the truth about Vladimir and Tsar. I was scared thinking my boy would end up falling in the abyss of darkness. In fact, no one around him trusted him. I am grateful that you understood him and could see through him.”

Alekis couldn’t tell how relieved and happy he was feeling in that moment. Lucius could finally be able to live in peace and move ahead in his life.

Evelina stood a few feet away, listening to their conversation, her fingers curling unconsciously. She was the reason for Alekis’s miseries—the source of his pain.

And no matter how much she tried, she could never truly apologize from the depths of her heart. Lucius was right.

All these years, she had done nothing but run away from the threat, leaving destruction in her wake. Others had paid the price for her cowardice.

Layla noticed her standing there, silent yet heavy with emotions. She leaned toward her father and whispered, “Father, I think Lucius’s mother wants to say something.”

Alekis turned and met Evelina’s gaze. “Why are you just standing there, Eve?” he asked in a firm tone.

His words pulled Evelina out of her thoughts. She took slow steps forward, finally stopping in front of them. Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to speak.

“I wanted to apologize to you,” she said, her voice laced with guilt. “Because of me… your son died.” The weight of those words pressed on her chest, but she didn’t look away. “I should have taken responsibility a long time ago, but instead, I chose to ignore it.” She exhaled shakily. “Alekis, I’m sorry… for destroying the small family you had.”

A heavy silence settled between them. Alekis studied her for a while. He wasn’t sure if he could forgive her—not yet, maybe not ever.

Finally, he spoke, “It’s better if you never come here again, Eve.” His sharp gaze locked onto hers. “That’s the only way you can earn my forgiveness.”

Evelina gave a slow nod. “I have no plans to return,” she admitted. “I just need to see Lucius one last time.”

Her eyes flickered to Layla, who had remained quiet throughout. A faint smile, filled with regret, touched Evelina’s lips. “Thank you… for never giving up on Lucius. As a mother, I failed to understand him. But you… you saw him for who he is.”

Before Layla could respond, Aiden’s voice interrupted them. “Sir, Boss and the others have returned.”

The weight in the air shifted instantly. Relief flickered in their eyes, and without another word, they rushed inside.

The living room was already filled with people, but Layla’s eyes found Lucius immediately. He was scanning the room, searching for her.

“Where’s Layla?”

Hearing his voice, she didn’t hesitate. She ran straight into his arms, and Lucius caught her in a tight embrace, lifting her slightly off the ground.

He was home.

Her feet touched the floor, but she didn’t step away. Instead, she slowly lifted her head from his chest, her gaze locking onto his.

“I’m back, just like I promised,” Lucius murmured with a soft smile.

Layla didn’t respond with words. Instead, she grabbed his collar, pulling him down in one swift motion, and pressed her lips to his in a deep, longing kiss.

Roger cleared his throat dramatically. “Just a reminder—we’re all still here,” he teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Lucius and Layla immediately pulled apart, their cheeks slightly flushed as laughter erupted around them.

Layla quickly scanned the room, her gaze landing on Luca, Roger, and Zayne. Relief washed over her when she saw they were unharmed.

“The police confirmed it this morning,” Luca announced. “Vladimir and Tsar Romanov are dead. Their bodies were recovered at dawn.”

A stunned silence followed with that revelation.

“Dead?” Evelina finally spoke, her voice laced with disbelief. “How?”

Lucius turned to her with a cold glance. “Why do you care?” His eyes burning with years of resentment. “You’re not needed here anymore. Take your things and leave.”

Evelina met his gaze but didn’t flinch. “I was already planning to,” she said evenly. “I’ve booked my ticket. After today, you’ll never see me again.”

Lucius’s jaw tightened. “And I have no intention of ever doing so. You better not ever come before me. I just hate you. Keep that in mind.”

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Alekis finally broke the silence. “Evelina, the driver will take you to the airport.”

“It’s fine. I’ll call an Uber,” Evelina replied.

“Don’t argue over it,” Alekis said firmly, leaving no room for debate.

He then turned his attention to the four men. “You should all get some rest. Roderick, show them to the guest rooms.”

“Yes, Grandpa,” Roderick responded, before motioning to Roger, Luca, and Zayne. “Follow me.”

Without another word, the three men left the living room.

Evelina lingered for a moment, her gaze shifting to Lucius. She wanted—needed—to embrace him one last time, but she knew it would only deepen the hatred he harbored.

Some wounds could never be healed with a simple farewell.

Swallowing her emotions, she turned on her heel and walked away with a heavy heart.

Alekis followed, wanting to ensure she wouldn’t leave with only regret.

Now, only Demitri, Aiden, Fiona, Lucius, and Layla remained in the room.

Lucius softened his tone as he turned to Fiona. “Do you want to talk?”

Fiona gave a small nod.

Sensing the moment wasn’t for them, Demitri and Aiden quietly excused themselves. Layla also left, heading to the kitchen to instruct the maids, giving Lucius and Fiona the space they needed.

“I’m sorry, Fiona,” Lucius said, his voice filled with remorse.

Fiona shook her head. “Why are you apologizing? I always knew it wasn’t you. Roderick spoke to me last night—he was filled with guilt for blaming you all these years. I hope you can forgive him,” she said with a gentle smile.

Lucius exhaled deeply. “Antoine lost his life because of my mother. That’s why I carry this guilt. He paid a price he never should have, and you were left alone because of it. I’m sorry for all the years of loneliness you had to endure.”

Fiona’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Don’t apologize, Lucius. It was never your fault,” she reassured him. “I’m just grateful the truth has finally come to light. I know Antoine would be happy today. And now, it’s time for you to stop carrying this burden and start living your life without being tied to the past.”

Lucius hummed softly, offering a small, appreciative smile. “Fiona, I also owe you an apology for something else. I couldn’t give you the warmth or respect you deserved. I turned cold toward you after Antoine’s death. It must have been frustrating, living with that all these years. I hope you, too, can move forward and find happiness. And don’t worry about Roderick—I’ll guide him and make sure he fulfills the dreams you’ve envisioned for him.”

Fiona let out a soft chuckle, wiping at her eyes. “You really are Antoine’s brother, always carrying the weight of others. But thank you, Lucius. That means more to me than you know.”

“Go to your room. Layla must be waiting for you. She had trouble sleeping while you were away,” Fiona said gently.

Lucius gave a hum before turning on his heel and ascending the grand staircase. His footsteps echoed through the quiet hall as he reached his bedroom and pushed the door open.

However, instead of finding Layla inside, he found the room was empty. His brows knitted together in slight confusion.

With a sigh, he shrugged off his overcoat, letting it slip from his shoulders before unfastening the rest of his attire.

Stripping down, he stepped into the shower, allowing the warm cascade of water to cleanse away the exhaustion and tension from his body.

~~~~~

The main story arc related to Lucius and his past has been resolved. From now, the story tone will be lighter and focus on the romantic aspect more. Thank you for all the support so far.