Chapter 131: Lucius deserves closure
Layla’s eyes widened in shock the moment Alekis uttered those words.
"Matteo was the one who drew him into this life," Alekis began, his voice tinged with regret. "And I’m certain Lucius has given you countless reasons to justify his actions. But deep down, I know he’s using this as an outlet for his anger. Anger at me for neglecting him as a child, while his mother remained absorbed in her own world. By the time I realized my mistakes, it was too late to undo the damage." His shoulders slumped, and he sighed deeply before lifting his teacup again to savor the drink, the faint clinking of porcelain punctuating the silence.
"How am I supposed to accomplish that, Father?" Layla asked hesitantly, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "And... is it even possible? Why do you suddenly want him to leave the mafia? He’s been in it for so long."
Layla’s mind was torn. She had promised Lucius she wouldn’t interfere in his work, as long as he stayed safe while searching for Matteo’s killer. Yet, a part of her heart yearned to see him walk away from this dangerous life—a life that consumed him more with each passing day.
Alekis’s sharp gaze softened momentarily as he replied, "Lucius loves you more than anyone else, Layla. My opinions mean nothing to him because he believes what he’s doing is right. But it isn’t. This isn’t justice; it’s self-destruction. Matteo was a friend from his past, but that friend is gone. He’s clinging to a ghost, and I can’t stand by and watch him ruin himself over someone who no longer exists." Alekis’s voice hardened as he took another sip of tea.
Layla understood the worry of a father. At Layla could feel the weight of Alekis’s worry. At least he was different from Lucius’s mother, who wouldn’t hesitate to disparage her own son while conveniently ignoring her own mistakes.
"I suppose you will handle this, Layla," Alekis said firmly, placing the empty teacup back onto its saucer with a soft clink.
Layla hesitated, her fingers brushing against the table as her thoughts spiraled. "Father, have you ever tried to find out how Matteo died?" she finally asked, her voice steady but curious. "Lucius believes no one cared enough to look into it. But knowing you... I think you must have investigated, didn’t you?" She studied his expression closely, aware of how much Alekis knew despite not always being physically present in their lives.
Alekis leaned back slightly, his eyes clouding over with a mix of regret and frustration. "I did," he admitted after a moment. "I hired someone to investigate the circumstances of Matteo’s death. But no matter how hard they looked, there was nothing—no leads, no evidence, nothing to explain what really happened. But I do know is because Matteo’s involvement as a mafia was the reason of his death."