Chapter 20: Pathetic excuses
When Alekis first asked Layla to call him "father," a small part of her was unexpectedly pleased. Her own father had never treated her like his daughter, but perhaps her father-in-law would. However, she quickly realized how wrong she was.
"I am not a liar," Layla snapped, her voice sharp and resolute. "I have no idea what your son has done. Why don’t you call him and ask for the truth before you come here accusing me?" She was done tolerating baseless accusations and wasn’t going to stay silent anymore. "Since there’s nothing more to discuss, Sir, I believe it’s best for you to leave."
With that, Layla stood from her seat, gave him a curt bow, and turned on her heel, walking away with fury simmering beneath her composed exterior.
She walked briskly, not realizing where she was going until she found herself in a part of the mansion she had never explored before. She paused, catching her breath, then continued down the long, unfamiliar corridor until she reached its end, where an old, ornate door stood waiting in the dim light.
Placing her hand on the door, Layla paused when she noticed a fingerprint scanner embedded in the handle, realizing she couldn’t simply push it open. Her curiosity was interrupted by a deep, masculine voice behind her.
"Madam, do you wish to enter?" the voice inquired. Startled, she turned around to find a tall man standing there.
"Umm... no. I was just curious," Layla replied, slightly flustered. "What’s your name?" she asked, trying to regain composure.
"It’s Aiden, Madam. I’m your personal bodyguard, appointed by the Boss," he replied with a soft, reassuring smile.
"Hmm. Aiden, can you tell me more about Lucius? I barely know anything about him beyond what I’ve seen on social media or heard through gossip," she suggested, thinking this might be a good opportunity to learn more about her enigmatic husband from someone close to him.