Chapter 68: To live your life fully
"Ruby, I haven’t forgotten you," Layla said, her voice soft with regret. "So much has happened, and I couldn’t reach out sooner. But I promise, I’ll come see you soon." She hung up the call and glanced at the clock—it was already lunchtime. In a rush, she headed to the office, only to find Lucius reclining in his chair, seemingly at ease.
Her steps faltered as she noticed how peaceful he looked. ’Is he asleep?’ she wondered, hesitant to disturb him. As Layla moved closer, she busied herself by tidying his cluttered desk, trying to make as little noise as possible.
The soft rustle of papers, however, stirred Lucius from his slumber. He blinked awake, but instead of speaking, he simply watched her, his eyes tracing the delicate lines of her figure with a quiet admiration.
When Layla finally turned around, startled to see him awake, she stammered, "When did you—"
"Just a moment ago," Lucius interrupted smoothly, his voice still laced with the remnants of sleep. He reached for her wrist, his grip gentle but firm, and before she could react, he pulled her onto his lap. His fingers grazed lightly across her temple, tucking away a loose strand of hair. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the thudding of her heart.
His expression darkened, the tender moment giving way to something fiercer. "They’ve caused you enough grief," he said, his jaw tightening. "I’ve offered you the chance to let me handle them—my way. Why do you insist on carrying this burden alone?" His voice grew softer but more intense, as if every word was a vow. "I want to lay a path of roses at your feet, free of thorns. Just say the word, Princess, and I’ll make sure they never trouble you again."
"Will that ever make them regret what they’ve done to me? The damage they’ve caused in my life?" Layla asked, her voice laced with bitterness. "I want them to feel the weight of their actions, to burn in guilt for the rest of their lives."
Lucius hummed thoughtfully, releasing his hold on her. "Perhaps," he said, standing up and offering her a hand to steady herself. "But for now, let’s focus on lunch." He turned to his desk, pulling open a drawer to retrieve his phone, while Layla headed toward her own workspace.