Chapter 443: I’m not this, Lucius
Layla was in the middle of packing for their upcoming trip when a knock sounded at the door. She rose to her feet and went to open it.
Lucius stood on the other side. She greeted him with a warm smile and stepped aside to let him in.
His gaze quickly drifted to the half-packed bag resting at the edge of the bed. A small smile curved his lips as he realized what she was doing.
"I thought I’d get a head start on packing," Layla said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "It’s been a while since we went anywhere with our friends."
Her voice held an excitement, which Lucius didn’t wish to ruin. He chose to tell her about Tsar later since he felt he should let her enjoy the moment. Cancelling the trip he couldn’t do, so it was best to keep the security high and tight.
"Why are you quiet? Is everything okay? Don’t tell me you’re stressing over work. I did hear from Rick that you’ve taken a few projects, which are demanding more of your attention," Layla remarked, returning to the bed to pack the remaining stuff.
"Yeah, everything is fine," Lucius answered. "You almost packed everything," he added.
"Yep. I packed my best summer dresses. You should check yours. If you need anything more, tell me," Layla suggested.
"We are leaving after a day, so let’s do the rest packing tomorrow." He carried the cabin bags to the other side of the room one above the other while Layla asked him to be careful.
Looking at her phone, she called her mother. After a few rings, the call connected.
"Mom, good evening!" Layla greeted her.
"Oh, Layla! Good evening. How are you doing? And Lucius? Also, when are you coming home?" Miriam asked with anticipation.
"Umm... Mom, I am going on a trip with my husband and our friends. I will come later," Layla said with a slight hesitation in her voice.
"Oh." Miriam was feeling a bit low, but she didn’t say anything. "Do enjoy your trip. But Layla, you need to be careful too. Don’t put too much stress on your body," she advised.
Lucius returned to the room and heard her speaking with her mother.
"Yes, Mom. Lucius is there to take care of me. You don’t need to feel worried," Layla said. "And Mom, I know you want to take care for me. Don’t worry. I’ll come to the house after this trip and will spend a few days there."
"Sure, Layla." Miriam didn’t say more words.
"I know Mom, you look forward for my arrival into the house. I think I’m not a good daughter anymore, who cares for her parents. I’ve become selfish. And I don’t hate admitting that. I never wished to be like this. But..." She sighed, taking a pause.
"You’ve changed for good. I don’t hate you for this. I don’t have any complaints either," Miriam affirmed. "I can only patiently wait for your love to be seen one day. Though I feel a part of it, but I do want it entirely. I’ll keep waiting, Layla. I know you’ll forgive me with your whole heart one day."
Layla’s heart clenched at those words. She heard the call ended with a beep.
Lucius noticed the subtle heaviness in her expression.
"Lucius, I think I’m a bad daughter. My mom is repenting for everything every single day," she said. "All this time I was quite confused about my decision whether to go there or not. But talking to her, I felt she’s suffering. I wasn’t like this. I never felt good giving pain to the others. I’m not this, Lucius."
He stepped closer to her and cupped her face. "Of course, you aren’t. If you want to give chance to them, go forward. I won’t stop you. After all, I’ve left decision on you a long time ago regarding your family too. Just don’t let your worth be low. And I know you’re at a point, where no one want to disrespect you anymore."
Layla nodded her head. "Hmm. So, after this trip, I’ll be visiting my parents and stay with them for a while."
"As you feel is right. I’ll freshen up. Then, we will have dinner together," Lucius stated.
"Sure."
~~~~
Miriam gently placed the phone on the table, her fingers lingering for a moment as she tried to steady herself. The soft heels clicking against the marble floor broke the silence, drawing her attention.
She lifted her gaze to see Orabela entering from outside, a shopping bag in hand.
"Mom, I picked up some fruits on the way, your favorite pineapple," Orabela said with a small, hopeful smile. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I overheard your conversation with Layla. I’m sure she’ll come home soon. And... I’m sorry for—"
"Don’t," Miriam interrupted gently but firmly. "This isn’t your fault. Your father, your mother, and I, we all failed in different ways. My daughter was right there in front of me, and I still couldn’t see her. I didn’t recognize her for who she truly was."
She drew in a long breath, blinking rapidly to hold back the tears that threatened to spill. She knew if she let them fall, she might not be able to stop.
At the far end of the hallway, Darius had paused, silently listening to the conversation.
"You should go to your room," Miriam said softly, her voice regaining composure. "Dinner will be ready soon."
Orabela nodded but didn’t move immediately. She took a hesitant step forward, then turned back to her mother.
"You know... you have a big heart," she said in her soft tone. "Anyone else in your place might not have been so forgiving, or so open to embracing the truth. If it weren’t for you, I don’t think I’d have had the strength to keep trying... to become better."
Miriam’s expression softened, her eyes shining faintly, though she kept her composure.
"I’ll head upstairs, then. See you at the dinner table," Orabela said and walked away, her footsteps fading gently down the hall.