Chapter 456: My biggest supporter
In the evening, Lucius and Layla arrived at her parents’ home. To her surprise, both her parents and her sister were waiting at the entryway to welcome her.
While Lucius moved toward the trunk to retrieve their bags, Layla rushed forward, embracing her parents. Miriam stroked her daughter’s hair tenderly before pressing a soft kiss against the center of her forehead, her eyes glistening with relief.
A servant hurried to carry the luggage inside, and Lucius walked over to join them.
Darius opened his arms wide and pulled his son-in-law into a firm embrace. "May God give you strength," he murmured. He gave Lucius a reassuring pat on the back before stepping away. "Come, let’s go inside."
"I’m sorry," Lucius said, glancing at Layla, "but I have to leave for a while."
"Where do you have to go?" Miriam asked, her concern etched clearly on her face. "You already look so tired. Haven’t you been getting proper rest?"
Before Lucius could respond, Layla stepped in, her tone gentle yet firm. "Mom, Lucius needs to meet some friends. He won’t be staying here for the next few days." She gave Lucius a subtle, understanding look, sparing him from further questions. "I’ll explain everything to you inside."
Turning to her sister, Layla added softly, "Orabela, please take our parents inside. I’ll come in after speaking with Lucius."
Without hesitation, Orabela guided their parents indoors, leaving Layla and Lucius alone behind.
Lucius pulled her into his arms without a word, holding her tightly as if letting go might break something inside him. His eyes drifted shut, his chin resting lightly on her hair. "I’ll call you every day," he murmured. "And I know you can take care of yourself. Just a few days... then I’ll be back by your side."
Layla hummed softly, her hand moving in soothing strokes across his back. "I trust you," she whispered. Then, slowly pulling away, her fingers slid to her wedding band.
Lucius’s brows furrowed as she slipped it off. "Layla... what are you doing?"
She placed the ring in his palm. "I want you to take this. If ever you feel my absence, let it remind you that I’m always with you, no matter the distance." She then curled his fingers around it. "Return safely, Lucius. And when you do... put this back on my finger. I’ll be waiting."
Lucius’s hand instinctively moved to the back of her head, pulling her close. He kissed her fiercely, pouring all the emotions he’d been holding into that single, searing moment, while clutching her ring tightly in his palm. Seconds later, they reluctantly pulled apart, their eyes locking in a silent, unspoken vow. His hand lingered on her lower belly, gently caressing it.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice low and tender.
"I love you too," Layla replied, her fingers slowly releasing his. She took a small step back, a warm smile encouraging him. "Go... and finish what you need to. For us."
Lucius nodded, taking a few measured steps back before turning. He didn’t look over his shoulder; he knew that one glance would make leaving impossible. For the sake of their future, he had to go.
Once seated in the car, he stole a quick glance at Layla, who waved at him from the doorway. He returned the gesture before driving off.
Watching him disappear into the distance, Layla exhaled slowly, steadying herself. She took a deep breath and turned toward the house, walking inside.
~~~~~
"Boss is here," Roger announced, his voice carrying across the room.
Everyone immediately straightened, their eyes locking onto Lucius as he strode toward them. Zayne rose from his seat, followed quickly by Aiden and Demitri.
Demitri was the first to reach him, throwing his arms around Lucius in a sudden, hearty hug. One by one, the others followed suit.
Roger approached last, enveloping Lucius in a tight embrace that seemed almost impossible to break.
"Move back," Lucius said, laughing softly, trying to free himself from Roger’s grip.
"Boss... just one more minute!" Roger protested, holding on stubbornly. Lucius firmly pressed his hands on Roger’s shoulders and pushed him back.
"Boss is shy when it comes to expressing his love for me," Roger joked, nudging Lucius lightly in an attempt to lighten the mood.
"You love to tease me, don’t you?" Lucius chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, let’s take a seat," he added, gesturing toward the couch.
Once everyone settled, Lucius leaned forward, his expression darkening slightly. "Tsar and Vladimir... they’ve done a lot of wrong in this life," he began. "Sometimes I can’t help but feel the weight of Vladimir’s blood in my veins. All the harm he caused to countless families... I can’t ignore it. I need to make sure those families are cared for properly. That’s why I’ll be off the radar for a while."
He paused, eyes distant as he wrestled with memories. "My mother... she left unexpectedly. I never even got the chance to tell her what I buried in my heart for all these years. I regret so many things, every choice I made toward her, every word that left unsaid."
"So, you want to help those families. It’s going to take a lot of time. What about Layla? Don’t you think she is lonely at this time?" Demitri inquired.
"It’s not only about helping such families. I want to ensure that all of you will be safe. My child when they come to this world, I don’t want them to face anything from the world I belonged once. Yes, I have to eliminate all such mafias who could be a threat to my family. Eliminate doesn’t mean I will kill them, but I’ve something else in my mind. As for Layla, she’s my biggest supporter in everything. I know I should be with her. But I can’t. I will stay restless thinking what next may come to us," Lucius explained what had been in his mind since the day he returned from ending Tsar.