Chapter 62: More eager, passionate kiss
Layla splashed cold water onto her face, letting it cascade down as she steadied herself against the sink. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn’t shake the turmoil stirring inside her.
Why did she feel this way about Miriam? She was part of the same treacherous family. Was it because Miriam had the decency to admit that Orabela’s actions were wrong? Layla’s thoughts lingered on Miriam’s sudden collapse after learning of Orabela’s deeds, a detail that unsettled her deeply.
Stepping out of the washroom, Layla was met with Lucius’s steady gaze. He had clearly been waiting for her.
Without a word, he retrieved a small towel from the cupboard and approached her. Gently, he dabbed the cloth over her damp face, his touch tender yet purposeful.
"You don’t seem well," he said quietly, his eyes searching hers. "Is it because Orabela’s mother fainted after hearing what Orabela did?"
Layla hesitated, her voice soft as she replied, "She never acted like that before. I always believed none of them had a conscience. But now... it seems I was wrong."
Lucius tilted her chin upward, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "Don’t dwell on it," he said, his voice firm but comforting. "This is your victory, Layla. For the first time, you’ve managed to stand against Orabela and win." His words soothed her.
"Yes, I’m glad I did it," Layla admitted, a hint of satisfaction lacing her words. But then, her eyes narrowed in curiosity. "But how did you manage to get such strong evidence? Were you spying on your nephew?" Her tone shifted, and she paused, piecing together her thoughts. "You must have known about their affair for a while now," she added, her voice laced with an accusatory edge. "Why didn’t you tell me sooner?"
Lucius sighed, his gaze steady but filled with regret. "It would have been devastating for you," he explained gently, his fingers brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I kept the evidence hidden, waiting for the right moment, just in case it became useful. I never wanted to burden you with it unless I had no choice."
Layla blinked, absorbing his words, but her thoughts still raced. Before she could respond, Lucius’s expression darkened slightly, his brow furrowing. "But why didn’t you tell me Roderick was harassing you with different numbers?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Layla lowered her head, her fingers fidgeting as she answered, "I didn’t want to trouble you with it. I know you’ve been handling a lot already."