Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 399

Chapter 399: He’s my everything
Lucius shut the door of Zayne’s room quietly before making his way back to the living room. Tonight had been heavy with drinks, and deep conversations with all of his friends. He couldn’t help but worry about Zayne, who was still coping with June’s betrayal.

As he crossed the room, his gaze landed on Roger, still seated in the armchair, a glass of alcohol clutched in his hand.

“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Lucius asked, stopping beside the couch.

Roger lifted his gaze, his eyes slightly hazy from the alcohol. “Boss,” he murmured, pausing as if searching for words. “I’m just… not sleepy yet.”

Lucius sank onto the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. “What’s on your mind now?”

Roger exhaled heavily, his fingers tightening around the glass. “I feel so damn unlucky,” he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.

Lucius studied him for a moment before responding. “You’re not unlucky in love, Roger. Sylvia never truly wanted to be with you. That’s just how it was. Feelings have to go both ways. She wasn’t willing to understand you.”

Roger shook his head. “I’m not talking about Sylvia,” he muttered, his voice lower now, almost vulnerable. “I had real feelings for Varya. I didn’t expect anything from her, but I hoped, just a little that she’d see me. That she’d give me a chance. I never wanted to force anything, but I carried that tiny hope with me.”

Lucius observed him closely. Roger was drunk, and in this state, he let his guard down, something he would never do when sober. When clear-headed, he was the kind of man who brushed off his worries with an easy smile, burying his burdens beneath nonchalance. But now in his drunk state, he was an open book.

Lucius watched Roger for a moment. However, before he could speak, Roger stood up. “I think I should go to bed to stop this blabbering,” he murmured and placed the glass on the table. “Good night, Boss.” He gave a salute to Lucius before walking to his usual guest room.

Lucius walked behind Roger, making sure he would go to the room only. Once he was inside the door, Lucius turned around and went upstairs to the bedroom.

He picked up his phone and typed a message before going to bed. He missed Layla’s presence, but the exhaustion took over him and he fell asleep.

~~~~

“Ruby, why didn’t you tell me anything?” Layla asked with a shocking expression. “You’ve been suffering for months. I can’t believe your parents forced you into something you didn’t even want.”

Ruby let out a weary sigh. “Layla, you had your own battles to fight. I didn’t want to burden you with mine,” she admitted. “My parents have always been controlling, especially my mother. She wanted me to become this so-called ‘ideal lady,’ but I never understood what that even meant. And she kept pushing me to marry David.” Her voice quivered as tears appeared in her eyes.

“I’m sorry for lying to you in the past, hiding my identity and pretending like I have such a great family,” Ruby whispered.

“Hey, don’t say that. You did that because you wanted to live freely, on your own terms,” Layla told her, squeezing her hand in understanding.

“Thanks,” Ruby said with a small smile.

Layla’s expression softened. “Was that the reason why you started dating him?” she inquired. “Last time, you told me it was because your parents wanted it.”

“Yes,” Ruby said with a small smile, “And I think it was a good decision. David understood me and gave me the space to do what I wanted. I’m still running the book cafe. I only just reopened it two weeks ago.”

“That’s great to hear,” Layla responded with a warm smile. “I must say, we really got lucky in love when it comes to our men.”

Ruby nodded in agreement. “I couldn’t agree more.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing. “By the way, tell Lucius I’m sorry on David’s behalf. And you, too, please forgive David. He said some harsh things to him. I know Lucius isn’t like that. If he were, you’d have walked away from him a long time ago.”

Layla waved her hand dismissively. “It’s fine, Ruby. You don’t need to apologize to me. Lucius isn’t upset about it. He and David have some old rivalry going on, so I think it’s just rooted in that.” She didn’t want her best friend to feel bad or responsible.

“Still,” Ruby sighed, her expression filled with concern. “Is everything alright now? You mentioned Lucius was searching for the truth. Did he find out who killed his brother and best friend?”

“Yes,” Layla said, her brows furrowing together. “He found out last month. It was… honestly, it was really stressful. These two people were his biggest supporters. I’ve told you before how his mother left him, right? She never even once visited him after that deadly accident.”

Ruby nodded as she remembered those memories that Layla shared with her.

Layla then continued. “It turns out that Lucius’s real father was a dangerous mafia boss from Russia. He had a brother, too, those were the men who killed Lucius’s brother and best friend. The accident that almost took Lucius’s life ten years ago? That was all part of his father’s plan.”

Ruby’s eyes widened as she absorbed the truth.

Layla took a deep breath. “That was the chief reason Lucius chose the mafia’s path. At first, I thought he was making a terrible decision, but as time passed, I began to understand why he did it. It wasn’t just about power, it was about revenge and his own inner peace.”

Ruby’s heart ached for him. “That’s just so… heartbreaking, Layla. I’m so glad you’re with him. He has only you, the one person who can give him the love and comfort he needs. I think when your own mother doesn’t value you, life just becomes impossible.”

Layla gave Ruby a soft smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “He’s strong, but he needs someone who can show him that he’s not alone. I’m just glad I can be that person for him. But he is not alone anymore. His friends and his family are with him. Even Roderick has forgiven him.”

“That jerk!” Ruby scowled when she heard the name.

Layla couldn’t help but laugh at Ruby’s reaction.

“Layla, you should have strangled him!” Ruby continued, her voice filled with anger. “That jerk cheated on you with Orabela. Every time I think about it, my head aches, and my blood boils. By the way, he’s with a new woman now. If I knew who she was, I’d warn her. She’s just wasting her time with Roderick.”

Ruby’s hatred for Roderick ran deep, deeper than Layla’s because he was the one who had broken her best friend’s heart.

“Yes, he’s dating Ivy,” Layla replied casually, as if she had already accepted it.

“What!? You know?” Ruby’s eyes widened in shock, unable to hide her surprise.

“Yeah. They were set up by Father and Ivy’s parents,” Layla replied, her tone almost indifferent. “Roderick’s trying to improve himself. I heard from Lucius that he’s been seeking advice from him. He even admitted to Lucius that he doesn’t deserve any woman after what he did to me.”

Ruby’s eyes widened. “So, he finally regrets letting go of you. I guess that’s because you showed him his damn place. He’s no longer the chairman.” She chuckled, clearly enjoying the thought. “I’m so proud of you, Layla. You got the best kind of revenge. You became the company’s top executive, and now Roderick has to watch as you show your worth.” Ruby’s voice was filled with pride as she smirked.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t have achieved any of this without Lucius’s help,” Layla gave credit to her husband behind her success. “He’s the one who made me believe in myself. Back when I was an intern, I was ridiculed by everyone. I lost everything because of Orabela’s scheming. But Lucius my potential and pushed me forward. I owe all of my success to him. If it weren’t for Lucius, I don’t think I would have made it this far.” Her heart fluttered just thinking about him, warmth spreading through her chest.

Ruby pulled Layla into a tight hug, gently patting her back. “That’s because you have such a good heart, Layla. You deserve a husband as supportive as Lucius. And don’t forget, you were always ambitious. You never stopped fighting for yourself.” She pulled away, looking at Layla with a proud smile.

Layla nodded, her eyes shining. “I think so too. And now, with this baby on the way, I feel like my bond with Lucius has grown even stronger. He’s more than just the perfect husband, he’s my everything. I love him so much, Ruby. He’s like my soul now. I never imagined love could feel this deep and this real. And this feeling… it’s just ethereal.” A soft smile graced her lips, pure happiness radiating from her.