Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 88

Chapter 88: I’m a shy guy, Layla

“Layla, don’t lie. We never tried to harm you,” Orabela protested, taking a step forward, her voice laced with desperation. But Lucius quickly positioned himself between her and Layla, blocking her path.

“Officer Jack, do you see how the Rosenzweig family intimidates my wife?” Lucius stated firmly, casting a protective arm around Layla.

Officer Jack gave a curt nod. “Understood, Mr. De Salvo. I’ll arrange for additional officers to ensure your wife’s safety.” He exchanged a meaningful glance with Lucius.

Lucius smiled, satisfaction was evident in his expression. “Thank you. Our lawyer will handle the legal proceedings from here.” He took Layla’s hand, guiding her toward the exit of the police station.

Just before they left, Lucius paused, throwing a cold glare at Darius. “We’ll see each other at the hearing tomorrow. It’s time for all of you to pay for what you’ve done to my wife.”

Darius swallowed, a wave of unease washing over him. His mind spun with dread, but he could do nothing to stop Lucius and Layla from leaving. As soon as they were gone, he turned to his lawyer, hoping for reassurance.

The lawyer, however, shook his head. “I’m sorry, sir, but the evidence against Mrs. Seraphina is substantial. There’s strong proof linking her to the attempted assassination of your second daughter. I’m afraid our chances don’t look good.”

Orabela’s face fell as she absorbed this blow. The carefully balanced life she had all this time was on the verge of collapsing. She clenched her jaw, casting a glare at the door Layla had just exited. ‘Why can’t Layla ever let me live in peace?’

~~~~

Layla stared through the window, wide-eyed at the swarm of reporters pressing against the glass, microphones, and cameras aimed toward her, hungry for a statement.

This was all new—a reality she’d only ever seen from afar. Her hands shook until Lucius took one in his own, steadying her.

“It’s going to be alright,” Lucius reassured her in a low, steady voice. “Your mother will answer for what she did. Every single one of them will pay.”

Layla’s lip trembled, and she blinked back tears. “I still can’t believe she’d go this far,” she whispered. “I knew she never wanted me because Mom never got my name from my Dad… But hiring someone to kill me?” Her voice broke, and a few silent tears traced down her cheeks.

Roger, seated in the front, turned with a concerned look, as did the driver.

Lucius gently placed his hand on Layla’s cheek, guiding her closer until her head rested against his chest. She sank into him, her tears flowing freely now, dampening the fabric of his shirt.

“Drive away,” Lucius ordered quietly.

The car moved forward, the reporters falling behind, but Layla’s heart still felt heavy.

“Layla, you need to be strong to fight this battle. Let the tears fall today. But just for today,” he asserted as he cupped her cheeks, making her look into his eyes.

Layla sniffled as she stopped weeping. With the pad of her fingers, she wiped her tears. “You are right. I need to be strong. I won’t let them take advantage of me,” she pronounced with determination.

“I know. You’ll fight with them and turn out victorious,” Lucius said, smiling at her.

“Hmm. Can we go for a walk?” Layla asked.

“Now?”

“Hmm.”

“Drive to the central lake,” Lucius told his driver, who changed the direction now.

Reaching their destination, Lucius exited first and opened the door on Layla’s side. Taking her hand, he pulled her out of the car and closed the door.

Layla took a deep breath in, feeling the fresh breeze, hitting her face.

Hooking her arm with Lucius, she began walking along the cobblestone pavement constructed far from the lake, under the shadows of the oak trees.

“Doesn’t it feel like a date?” Layla suddenly asked, a playful glint in her eyes. “Walking with your partner, arm in arm, talking like this,” she murmured.

“Yeah, it does,” Lucius replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Although, I’ve never actually been on a date.”

“Don’t lie,” Layla said, raising an eyebrow at him.

Lucius arched his brows in mock surprise. “And why do you think I’m lying?”

“Because you’re hot and handsome! Women must be lining up to date you,” Layla replied, matter-of-factly.

He laughed, a memory surfacing. “Matteo would try to set me up, but I used to send Roger in my place.”

“How could you do that?” Layla gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“I told you, dating wasn’t my thing,” Lucius shrugged. “But… my interest sparked when I met you.”

“Yet you never asked me out,” she complained, pouting a little.

“You were only 18. I thought you’d refuse right away,” he admitted. “But I tried my best to get noticed. Also,” he added with a smirk, “I’m a shy guy, Layla.”

She burst out laughing. “Don’t joke. You’re one shameless man.”

“Maybe now,” he teased. “But back then? I was falling in love with you from the moment we met, and it caught me off guard. Without you, I barely slept. Wherever you went, I was there too.”

Layla let go of his arm and walked a few steps ahead, pretending to be lost in thought. “If only you’d asked me out back then,” she mused. “Imagine—walking through college with everyone jealous of my amazing boyfriend.”

Lucius watched her, a fond look in his eyes. “I was just waiting for the right moment… the moment I could make you mine. Well, you can make everyone jealous even now.” He wrapped his arm around her and rested his chin on her shoulder.

“I do think many are jealous of the fact that you are my husband. I’ve heard the gossip in the office, in social media too,” Layla stated.

“Are you proud of having me as your husband?” he asked.

“Yes. And I’m happy that you waited for me and sent a marriage proposal for me,” Layla said with a smile, feeling the slow flutters of her heart.