Chapter 461: Feeling of Contentment
"Zayne, so much has happened... and I couldn’t even keep my promise to you," Lucius admitted with a guilt in his voice.
"The circumstances change the plan sometimes," Zayne replied calmly. Then his gaze shifted toward Layla, his lips tugging into a faint smile. "Besides, Layla’s baby is on the way. Boss, you couldn’t have returned at a better time."
Lucius’s eyes softened as they rested on her. "And yet, I’ve made her suffer with me," he murmured, regret threading his words.
Layla shook her head firmly, a gentle strength in her eyes. "Not at all. Don’t say I suffered with you. What we went through... it’s simply part of life’s journey," she said, her hand instinctively brushing over her belly as if to remind him of the hope their struggles had created.
"That’s also true," Lucius admitted with a small nod.
"I may not return to Rome for at least a year," Zayne said. "I’ve been pushing for a transfer, but they insist I stay there for the full term."
"It’s fine," Lucius assured him. "But once that year is over and you come back to Rome, you’re living with us. I won’t take no for an answer. By the way, did you know there are three weddings tomorrow? My friends really threw a surprise at me," he added with a chuckle, the smile reaching his eyes.
"Yes, Boss. I already received their invitation," Zayne confirmed. "I even took leave just so I wouldn’t miss the occasion."
Lucius leaned back, studying him curiously. "Tell me, Zayne... are you seeing someone these days?"
Just then, a maid quietly entered, placing a glass of water on the table before Zayne.
"No, I’m not," Zayne replied firmly. "I’ve no such intentions, Boss. Honestly, I think living single is much better, for now, at least. Maybe in the future, I’ll have someone."
"Yeah, enjoy your single life while you can," Layla chimed in with a small smile. "Now drink the water."
Obediently, Zayne lifted the glass, took a few sips, then set it gently back on the table. "Boss," he said after a pause, his tone more serious, "this time, it’s really over, right?"
"Yes," Lucius answered without hesitation. "Completely."
Layla rose gracefully from her seat. Lucius immediately looked up at her. "Where are you going?" he asked.
"To Sister Fiona’s room," Layla explained. "I’ve something important to discuss with her. You two can continue. Don’t worry, I’ll walk myself."
But Lucius’s eyes lingered on her until she disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn his attention back to Zayne.
"Boss, it’s a relief," Zayne said sincerely. "You’ve finally closed the door on the past. Now, no more troubles will come into your lives. You fought so hard for this kind of peace. I still remember... last time, when your mother passed away, I couldn’t even talk to you much. But I knew, you suffered in silence."
"Yes, I did," Lucius admitted, his voice low and heavy. "It was... difficult. The last time she came, we fought. Then three people died protecting me. My mind was scattered, torn between grief and survival. And all I could think of was how many more enemies might come, how many more lives would be lost because of me... because of Tsar and Vladimir."
Zayne’s brows furrowed. "Roger told me you were... cleaning the mafias."
Lucius gave a faint, bitter smile. "Yeah, something like that. My blood family left a trail of slaughter, and I’ve been exposed as the only heir left. I couldn’t allow that legacy to hang over us anymore. I had to end it, once and for all." His tone grew heavier, the weight of his past pressing down on each word. "My mother’s death... it blindsided me. Her family, they’re good people. They all loved her, cherished her. And in the end, I learned she loved me too... more than I ever realized. But our past made it impossible to mend what was broken between us."
He drew in a sharp breath, forcing strength into his voice. "She always wanted me to walk away from this world of blood. And I finally did. I’ve achieved what she begged of me... even if she isn’t here to see it."
"Boss, you did the right thing. You always wanted to uncover the truth about your brother and your friend, nothing more. You never acted like the mafias do. I’m sure your mother is at peace now," Zayne said firmly.
"I hope she is," Lucius replied, his voice breaking finally. "I vowed I would kill the man who killed her. It was unbearable to watch her go like that. No matter how much I shouted at her or stayed angry, I never wanted her to... Die." His eyes flooded with tears, but they didn’t fall.
"Boss, you did a wonderful job," Zayne said sincerely. "Your anger back then was justified. You had lost too much, and the truth was unbearable. But what matters now is the present. Your mother’s blessings will always be with you."
"You’re right," Lucius murmured, his expression softening. "That’s the hope I hold onto. Honestly, without Layla, none of this would have been possible. And Luca, he was exceptionally helpful to me. Even though I’ve lost my precious mother, my friend, and my brother... I’ve also gained so much. And for that, I’m thankful, for you, and for everyone who has stood by me all these years."
Zayne smiled. "Boss, you were also kind to all of us. I never imagined myself to be in such a stable life. Thanks to you, I am living a life of my dreams. You’ve done so much for all of us. Now, only happiness will find its way to you and Layla."
"Yes, Zayne. I pray the same for not only for me and Layla, but all of you."
A warm smile graced his lips as his heart fluttered with a feeling of contentment.
~~~~
Hello Dear Readers,
I’ve created a new story for Luca De Augustino in a different world, but contemporary setting. I hope you read that story. It’s direct link is attached below.