Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 78

Chapter 78: The time I wasted

As Layla was about to enter the kitchen, she was abruptly blocked by Orabela. “Did you hear? Roderick loves me! See, the ring is back on my finger!” Orabela declared proudly, flashing the ring as if it were a trophy.

“You deserve a trash like Roderick,” Layla shot back, her voice dripping with disdain. She feigned surprise, placing a hand over her mouth. “Oops! But you are also trash,” she added, a smirk dancing on her lips.

“What!?” Orabela grimaced, her anger boiling beneath the surface as she clenched her fists.

“It seems you begged Roderick to get engaged to you because no decent man would take you as his fiancée,” Layla mocked, brushing past her.

But Orabela was quicker; she grabbed Layla’s arm tightly, halting her mid-stride. “You think you can just walk away after that?” she hissed, her eyes blazing with fury.

Layla turned to face her, unflinching. “I can walk away from any trash talk,” she replied coolly, attempting to shake Orabela’s grip.

Orabela’s expression twisted into a mixture of fury and desperation. “You’re just jealous because I’m getting what you could never have.”

“Hardly,” Layla retorted, pulling her arm free. “The only thing I’m jealous of is the time I wasted caring about someone like him.”

“Admit it: you’re just jealous because I’ll be the chairman’s wife,” Orabela sneered, her voice dripping with malice. “Do you see your worth now? Oh! And Lucius’s worth is nothing in his own father’s eyes. I heard he’s the reason his older brother died. Who knows? Maybe he killed him,” she added, chuckling bitterly as she brushed past Layla.

“Stop!” Layla’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.

Orabela turned on her heel, ready to respond. “What do you want to—” But her words were abruptly cut off as Layla slapped her hard across the face.

“I swear, if you try to defame Lucius like that, I won’t stay quiet,” Layla said, her gaze fierce and unwavering. “I’ve been lenient with you and Roderick all this time. Don’t make me expose your dirtiness.”

“You—” Orabela started to retort, but this time, her voice was interrupted by Lucius, who had arrived just in time to witness the confrontation.

“Try saying anything bad to her, and you’ll be exposed in front of my dad,” Lucius challenged, stepping protectively in front of Layla. Orabela glared at them, fury etched on her face. For once, she wanted to talk back to Layla, but the presence of Lucius made her hesitate.

Lucius took Layla’s hand firmly, squeezing it reassuringly. “Come on,” he said, guiding her away from Orabela, who stood there, seething with jealousy and rage.

~~~

“Aren’t we supposed to have dinner with your family?” Layla asked, glancing up at Lucius as they made their way to the living room.

“No. We don’t need to stay among them,” he replied, his tone firm. Layla noticed Alekis watching them, a hint of disappointment in his eyes at their decision. She offered him a slight bow of her head before walking out with Lucius.

Once they were settled inside the car, she turned to him, concern lacing her voice. “Is everything fine?”

“They would have made you feel low,” Lucius said, starting the engine and pulling out of the driveway. “I can’t bear your insult,” he added, his grip tightening on the wheel.

“You don’t have to be angry about it. They are like this,” Layla murmured, hoping to ease his frustration. The car fell into a tense silence as Lucius focused on the road. She felt a wave of relief that he hadn’t heard Orabela’s hurtful comments about him.

The drive home was swift, and soon they were in their bedroom. Layla collapsed onto the bed, stretching her arms out and letting out a soft sigh. “I feel tired,” she whispered. “Aren’t you?” She watched as Lucius removed his watch, his movements deliberate.

“I am also tired,” he replied, but his demeanor remained pensive. “I’ll freshen up first.”

Layla’s gaze fell to his hand, and impulsively, she held out her pinky finger, a playful spark igniting in her eyes. “Should I give you a head wash?”

Lucius paused, his gaze shifting as he considered her offer. “I-I just want you to feel relaxed,” she asserted, her cheeks warming with a hint of shyness.

“But you’re tired,” he reminded her gently, concern flickering across his face.

In an instant, Layla sat up straight, shaking her head vigorously. “No, I’m fine!” she insisted, her determination shining through. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, ready to help him. “I really want to do this for you.”

“Sure,” Lucius agreed.

Layla smiled softly, gathering her hair into a neat bun as he made his way to the washroom. When she entered, she noticed Lucius had already removed his t-shirt and was seated on the floor, his back against the bathtub, eyes half-closed with his head resting on the edge.

“You’re going to get soaked,” he remarked, tilting his head slightly to glance at her.

“I’ll take a shower afterward,” she responded with a quiet chuckle, though her real intention was to help him relax, hoping he’d finally open up and share some of the weight he carried on his shoulders.

“Alright, get on with it then,” Lucius muttered, his voice a bit softer now.

Layla stepped forward, gently pulling the faucet handle. Cold water gushed out, the sound filling the room as it splashed over Lucius’ head.

He closed his eyes, his neck still resting against the bathtub, while she carefully let the water stream through his hair.

She could feel his gaze on her, but remained focused on the task. Taking the shampoo on her palm, she rubbed her hands together before moving them to his damp hair. Lucius opened his eyes and watched her serene face.

“Why didn’t you ask me if I killed my brother?” Lucius’s question caught her off guard and she lowered her gaze to meet his.

“Because I don’t believe her or anyone who tries to make such a harsh comment,” Layla replied with sincerity.

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