Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 93

Chapter 93: Obsessing over my wife

“I made the cupcakes,” Layla announced, removing her apron and setting it on the counter. Lucius, just woken from a nap and informed by a maid, strolled into the kitchen. He walked over, picked up a cupcake, and took a bite.

“Mmm… That’s delicious,” he murmured, licking his lips as he finished it.

“I’ll share some with Roger and Aiden, too,” Layla said with a smile.

“Wait, why them? I thought these were just for us,” Lucius replied, stepping in front of her to keep her from handing over the cupcakes.

“Sharing spreads love,” Layla replied with a chuckle. “In a friendly way, of course.”

“Then share them with me,” Lucius insisted, his tone playful. “Roger and Aiden can buy their own cupcakes if they want some.”

“Don’t be so childish,” she teased.

“They’re not even here. I sent them home earlier,” he added, though secretly, he wanted to keep the cupcakes all to himself. He picked up another and held it to Layla’s lips. She took a small bite.

“Eat more,” he encouraged. “You made them, after all.”

Just then, the maid at the kitchen entrance cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Master, your father is here,” she announced. Layla and Lucius exchanged glances before Layla took the half-eaten cupcake from his hand, gently smoothing his hair with her fingers as she stood on her toes.

“What are you doing?” Lucius asked.

“Your hair’s messy from your nap,” she replied with a smile. When she finished, she urged him to go meet his father while she prepared a fresh glass of water for her father-in-law. She suspected he’d be irritated after seeing all the recent news.

Entering the living room, Layla greeted Alekis warmly and handed him the glass of water. Sitting beside Lucius, she set the tray of cupcakes on the table.

“Why did Dad come unannounced?” Lucius questioned.

“Why did you participate in the bid?” Alekis inquired, leaning forward as he set the glass on the table.

“Because I was interested in it for a long time,” Lucius replied.

“Roderick had been looking forward to it for a long time. As his uncle, you should let him have such opportunities,” Alekis stated. Though Lucius understood what his father meant.

“Then he should’ve put up more money to win the bid,” Lucius stated firmly.

“It’s his father’s dream project,” Alekis reminded him. “So, give the land to your nephew. He deserves it more than anyone,” he added.

“Send Roderick to my office. I’ll talk to him. Dad doesn’t need to pamper and spoil his grandson too much,” Lucius asserted.

“That’s good to hear,” Alekis replied, a small smile forming on his lips.

“Would Father like some tea?” Layla finally asked.

“Sure. I’ll be here for a while; there are many things I want to discuss,” Alekis replied in a warm tone. “Please, make me a cup,” he added. Layla nodded and went to the kitchen, leaving the father and son alone in the living room.

Once she was out of earshot, Alekis turned to Lucius with a serious expression. “Why didn’t you ever tell me that Layla and Roderick used to date?” His question caught Lucius off guard. “Roderick admitted to me earlier that he made a mistake. But before he could make things right, you married Layla. Care to explain what’s going on?”

“Did Roderick neglect to mention what ‘mistake’ he made?” Lucius responded, his tone sharpening. “To me, it wasn’t just a mistake—it was a betrayal.”

“I’m aware,” Alekis replied, his voice calm. “Orabela is the reason Roderick cheated on Layla. He was also afraid that we might not accept Layla, given her background. But what I don’t understand is how you came to know her.”

“I’d rather not discuss that,” Lucius said curtly. “But I’ll say this: it’s time Roderick grows up. You’ve spoiled him too much. He’s engaged to Orabela now, yet he can’t stop obsessing over my wife. He should focus on what he has—before he loses it as well.” His words carried a veiled threat that Alekis clearly understood.

A silence lingered between them, and then Layla returned to the living room with a warm smile. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting, Father. I hope you enjoy the tea. Earlier, I had made some cookies with dried fruits; they pair nicely with tea,” she said, setting the tray on the table. She poured the hot tea into a cup, placing the cookies on a small plate beside it.

Alekis smiled as he sipped the tea, savoring the flavor, and took a bite of the cookie. The rich taste pleased him, and he nodded approvingly, noticing Layla’s happiness at his enjoyment.

“That was a wonderful evening snack,” Alekis complimented with a satisfied smile.

“I’m glad Father liked it,” Layla replied, her face lighting up.

Lucius watched, slightly amused, as he realized how easily Layla found joy in such small gestures.

“You’ll have to send more of these cookies my way,” Alekis added.

“I’ll be sure to, Father,” Layla promised with a smile. Her own father never praised her for such things ever. She was happy that at least Lucius’s father wasn’t like that. He was a warm person. She could tell this.

“I heard about your mother’s plan to harm you. I hesitated to bring it up, as I didn’t want to upset you, but as the daughter-in-law of the De Salvo family, I felt it was necessary,” Alekis said, shifting the conversation to a more serious tone.

“She’s serving her prison term now,” Layla replied, lowering her gaze. “I’m sorry if my matter with my mother has caused any stain on the family’s name,” she apologized.

“You have nothing to apologize for. None of this is your fault,” Lucius interjected, irritation evident in his voice.

“Lucius is right,” Alekis agreed firmly. “You’ve done nothing wrong, and there’s no need for apologies. In fact, I’d like to allocate some shares of the De Salvo Group to you. You’ll receive the paperwork tomorrow.”

“Th-that really isn’t necessary, Father,” Layla stammered, her tone hesitant as she attempted a humble refusal.

“You are my only son’s wife. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t offer you something of value,” Alekis clarified.

Layla glanced down, remembering when Alekis had once advised her to avoid bringing negative attention to the family. “Does Father not care what others say about me?” she asked softly.

“Your current role is that of the De Salvo family’s daughter-in-law. That’s all that matters,” Alekis affirmed.

“That’s very generous of Dad,” Lucius remarked, wondering a man like Alekis De Salvo allocating shares to Layla so easily. He knitted his brows together as he was suspicious of his father.