Chapter 124: A deep ache
Lucius returned to his hotel room, stepping out onto the balcony as he held a lighter in his hand. The cool night breeze brushed against his face, soothing him from the outside, yet inside, a storm churned. Leaning against the railing, he studied the lighter—the last remnant he had of Matteo.
"What did you keep from me, Matteo?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "You never mentioned it... not even while taking your last breath." A deep ache gripped his heart, one he couldn’t voice. Every time he thought of Matteo, it left him feeling hollow, weighed down, and dizzy all at once.
"Boss, it’s time to leave. Everything’s prepared," Roger’s voice pulled him from his thoughts, grounding him. Lucius inhaled deeply, steadying himself. Roger’s gaze held a quiet understanding—he knew his boss was once again lost in memories of the past.
"Let’s go," Lucius replied, stepping away from the balcony. He retrieved his phone and slipped into his long coat before leaving the room with Roger. They boarded the flight to Italy, and by nine o’clock, Lucius arrived home.
"Master!" The head maid greeted him warmly, a smile brightening her face as she bowed. "I’ll let Madam Layla know you’ve returned." She hurried off toward the garden, where Layla was taking a quiet stroll among the flowers, unaware that Lucius had come home.
"Madam, Master Lucius is back!" The head maid said loudly, halting Layla in her steps.
"Madam, Master Lucius is back!" the head maid announced, stopping Layla mid-step.
"What? So soon?" she gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. Without another word, she hurried toward the bedroom.
When she entered, she saw Lucius’s overcoat draped over the edge of the bed. He was seated on a chair, looking weary, as though he’d finally found a moment of quiet.