Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 447

Chapter 447: Come back to you

Lucius and Layla stepped into the house as soon as the news of Lucius’s mother passing broke out.

“Dad!” Lucius called, striding quickly toward him.

Alekis, seated on the couch with sorrow etched deep into his face, rose slowly. His expression crumbled the moment he saw his son. Lucius closed the distance, and father and son embraced tightly, grief binding them together.

Fiona moved gently to Layla’s side, slipping an arm around her to steady her as they stepped forward.

“Lucius, your mother…” Alekis’s voice broke. The words failed him, caught in his throat. His eyes shimmered with tears, the weight of loss making it impossible to continue.

When at last he pulled away, he steadied himself with effort. “You must fly to England immediately. I’ll come with you.”

Lucius shook his head firmly. “No, Dad. You’re still recovering from surgery. You can’t put yourself through the strain.” He glanced at Layla, concern softening his voice. “And I can’t take you either, love. This isn’t the kind of stress you should endure right now. Please, stay here.”

“Uncle, I’ll come with you,” Roderick interjected, stepping forward. His voice was steady, but his eyes carried their own grief. “She was my grandmother too.”

Lucius gave a firm nod. “I have to step out for some important work. I’ll be leaving Layla in your care, Dad.”

Alekis frowned, his brows knitting together. “Where do you need to go at a time like this? Your mother’s rites will be performed soon.” His voice carried both grief and disapproval.

“I know,” Lucius replied steadily. “But I need my passport first, it isn’t here.” His tone left no room for argument.

Turning to Layla, he softened. “Come. I’ll take you to the room.”

He crossed the space between them, gently taking her hand in his. Without another word, Lucius led her upstairs, their joined steps quiet against the hush of the grieving household.

Once inside the room, Layla turned to him, her voice trembling with the questions she had been holding back. “Lucius… how are you standing so strong? And—and why didn’t you tell the others about Tsar? He’s coming for us.”

Lucius closed the door behind them, his shoulders heavy under the weight of both grief and rage. “Layla, I have to stand strong. If I break now, everything will fall apart.” He dragged in a weary breath, his hand raking through his hair. “I can’t even cry. I don’t know if I’ve forgotten how, or if anger has stolen it from me.”

Her eyes softened with concern, but before she could speak. “As for Tsar, I’ll make the arrangements to keep you all safe, your family included. That bastard didn’t hesitate to kill my mother. This time, I’ll take him down with my own hands.” His voice was low, but it vibrated with a fury that left no doubt of his intent.

Layla grasped his arm, her eyes glistening with fear. “No, Lucius. You can’t dirty your hands with this. Please, don’t let your grief drag you into revenge. Tell the police. Involve Zayne. Let him help you. That’s the only way to protect everyone without losing yourself in the process.”

“Layla, I’ll do everything that needs to be done,” Lucius said. “But do you really believe Tsar will ever face the punishment I want for him? He dared to threaten you.” His eyes darkened, the grief of loss fusing with fury. “This isn’t about right and wrong anymore. If I have to walk the path of evil to keep you safe, to keep all of you safe, then I will. Just… trust me.”

Layla hummed softly in response, but the unease in her chest didn’t ease. No matter how strong his words sounded, the fear clung to her. She lowered her gaze, her fingers knitting together. “You should hurry and fetch your passport. I’d offer to come with you… but I already know you won’t take me.”

“The atmosphere there will only burden you,” Lucius said softly, his hand tightening gently around hers. “It will weigh on your heart, and the baby will feel it too. Otherwise… if I need someone most right now, it’s you.”

Layla’s lips trembled as she nodded. She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his torso, her tears finally spilling free. “I’m sorry, Lucius,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m so sorry you have to go through all of this. I wish I could take the pain away.”

Lucius drew back just enough to look at her, his hands rising to cradle her face. “No, love. You’re not the one who should apologize. And you’re not supposed to cry.” His thumbs brushed tenderly beneath her eyes, chasing away her tears. “Please… don’t.”

Her sobs still shook her shoulders, but she let him guide her to the bed. Sitting her down, Lucius poured a glass of water and held it out. “Drink,” he urged gently.

Layla hesitated, then lifted it to her lips, taking a few reluctant sips before lowering it. Lucius set the glass aside and returned to her side. His hand slipped into her hair, combing through the strands with a soothing touch.

“I promise everything will be fine,” Lucius murmured. “I’ll come back to you after I’ve set things right. So, wait for me. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone… but if I am to kill Tsar, this is the only way. I trust you to handle everything in my absence. Just, don’t leave this house. Layla, promise me you won’t.”

“I promise,” Layla said.

Relief softened his expression, and Lucius leaned down to press a tender kiss to the center of her forehead. His lips lingered there, as if anchoring himself to her before letting go.

“I have to leave now,” he said, pulling back just enough to look at her one last time. His hand rested on her belly. “Take care of yourself… and of the little one you’re carrying.”

Layla hummed and watched him leave the room. “Please… God… Keep my husband safe,” she murmured while joining her both hands.