Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 361

Chapter 361: Strong in your own way
Luca stepped out of his jeep, tucking his hands into the pockets of his coat as the chilly night air brushed against his skin. Without a second thought, he pushed open the bar’s door and stepped inside.

For the past few days, he had indulged in nothing but leisure—long drives that stretched for hours, bicycle rides through empty streets, and runs while exploring the city around him.

Leaning against the counter, his gaze drifting across the dimly lit room. That was when he spotted Sylvia Mancini. He remembered that face well.

Luca’s sharp eyes traced the way she tipped back yet another glass, the sixth by his count. Her cheeks were flushed, and her movements were sluggish, her fingers barely steady as she reached for more.

He had severed all ties with the Mancini family long ago. Sylvia, oblivious to who he was, had no idea of their connection. Yet, despite the distance he had kept, unsettled him. It was a brotherly concern he had toward her.

‘Was she always like this? A drunkard?’

If Matteo were still alive, he would have been devastated to see his sister in such a state.

Luca exhaled slowly, not touching the glass, which the bartender had just set. He wasn’t here to interfere. He had walked away from that life. Still, he couldn’t shake the thought that the girl sitting a few seats away from him had already lost too much. And now, she was drowning herself in something that would only take more from her.

‘Seems like she does nothing except drink. Men and women these days don’t realize how badly excessive drinking can ruin them.’

Luca had been debating whether to approach Sylvia when he noticed a man making his way toward her. His sharp gaze followed the stranger’s movements, watching as he placed a hand on Sylvia’s shoulder.

Sylvia’s reaction was immediate. She shot the man a glare and yanked his hand off her with force. “Keep your filthy hand away from me,” she spat. “If you think you can ask me to sleep with you, then you’re dead wrong.”

The man let out a low chuckle, amused by her defiance. But before he could retaliate with an insult, his eyes locked onto someone standing behind Sylvia.

The amusement on the man’s face disappeared instantly. With a quiet scoff, he turned on his heel and walked away, clearly unwilling to risk whatever chaos might come from a confrontation.

Sylvia exhaled sharply, shaking her head before reaching for her glass again. Just as she was about to take another sip, Luca’s hand shot out, snatching the drink away from her.

She snapped her head in his direction, clearly irritated about who stopped her suddenly. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she demanded.

“Easy, girl,” Luca said, settling into the seat across from her. Before Sylvia could react, he flicked the center of her forehead with his finger.

She winced, a sharp glare forming in her eyes, but before she could snap at him, he spoke first. “Is this how you grew up?” He arched a brow, his tone laced with mild disapproval.

“What?” Sylvia frowned, rubbing the spot where he had flicked her. “Do I know you?”

“No,” Luca admitted, leaning back slightly. “But your brother did.”

Sylvia let out a short, humorless chuckle. “If this is your way of flirting, then get lost,” she said sharply.

Luca smirked but remained unfazed. “I’m your distant cousin, Luca D’Agostino,” he finally revealed. “And I have to ask—how can you drink this much in one night?” His gaze flickered toward the empty glasses on the counter.

Sylvia narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “I had no such cousin. Don’t try to fool me.”

“Why would I fool you?” Luca asked, genuinely puzzled by her skepticism.

“Because everyone connected to my brother has only ever fooled me,” she replied bitterly.

Luca exhaled, shaking his head. “That’s… upsetting to hear.” His expression turned more serious as he studied her. “Are you still drowning in the pain of losing your entire family?” he asked bluntly.

Sylvia’s body stiffened, her fingers curling into fists. “How do you know—” She stopped, truly taking in his presence now. A distant cousin? Why had she never heard of him?

Her eyes darkened with suspicion. “Why did you show yourself after so many years? I’ve never heard about of you before.”

“I mentioned that I’m a distant cousin. Our families might have crossed paths before you were even born,” Luca asserted. His voice remained calm, unwavering. “I was at Matteo’s funeral,” he added after a pause.

Sylvia blinked, her expression briefly faltering before she scoffed. “Oh. If that’s all you have to say, then you can leave.” Her tone was dismissive, laced with exhaustion.

Luca ignored her and asked, “What do you do?”

“Why do you care?” Sylvia shot back, reaching for her glass, but Luca swiftly moved it out of her grasp.

“Sylvia, don’t do this to yourself,” he said. “Alcohol will only numb the pain for a while—it won’t help you fight. And life? It’ll keep throwing lemons at you whether you like it or not.”

He placed the glass back on the table, within reach, yet he made no move to let her have it.

Sylvia’s grip tightened around the glass, her knuckles turning white. “Who are you to lecture me?” she snapped, her voice rising. “Have you lost more than me? Do you have the right to act like my brother?”

The words stung even as she said them. Matteo used to lecture her the same way, with the same damn tone, as if she were still a little girl who needed saving.

But Matteo was gone.

And she didn’t need anyone’s protection anymore.

“Well, I am your cousin brother, who is older than you. Of course, I have every right to lecture you. About the loss, you can’t even stand at the place where I am today,” Luca pronounced with a smile. “Don’t act like you are ten-year old girl, who needs pampering, Sylvia. You are strong in your own way. Just don’t drink too much,” he stated with a soft tone.