Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 460

Chapter 460: Meet in person

The next morning, Lucius woke early, as was his habit, and went out for a run. In a long while, his mind felt clear, free from the restless thoughts that once plagued him. By the time he returned to the mansion, the sun had already begun to gild the rooftops with light.

Through the gates, he spotted his father strolling leisurely in the garden beside Roderick. The sight drew an unbidden smile to Lucius’s face. Slinging the small towel around his neck, he jogged over, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“Good morning, Dad,” he called, his voice bright. Then, turning to his nephew, he added warmly, “Morning, Rick.”

“Morning!” Alekis greeted back, his face breaking into a smile.

“Good morning, Uncle,” Roderick said with a playful pout. “You went for a run without me.”

Lucius chuckled, shaking his head. “I didn’t know you were awake. Besides—” his tone shifted into something more businesslike, “we have a lot to do today. From checking the arrangements to rehearsing for my friends’ wedding, it’s going to be a busy one.”

“They were quick in putting everything together,” Alekis observed thoughtfully, glancing at the blossoming garden. He turned his attention to his grandson. “Rick, did you invite the guests last night?”

“Yes, Grandpa,” Roderick answered promptly. His youthful confidence wavered just a little as he continued, “Since it was a last-minute call, I can’t be certain if everyone will make it. Still, I’m hoping for a full gathering.”

“You should get ready, Uncle. I suppose your friends will be waiting for us in the banquet hall,” Roderick said with cheerful certainty.

“You’re right. I’ll see you both later at breakfast,” Lucius replied, giving them a wave before jogging back inside the mansion.

When he entered his chamber, the bed was already empty. A faint sound of running water drifted from the washroom, telling him Layla had risen before him and was bathing. He smiled faintly at her punctual habits before turning toward the table, where his phone rested.

Picking it up, he scrolled through his contacts until Roger’s number caught his eye. Within moments, the line connected.

“Boss! Are you here already? It’s too early,” Roger’s excited voice rang out.

“Not yet,” Lucius answered, glancing toward the bathroom door. “I’m still at home. I’ll come by at sharp nine. By the way, have you heard from Zayne? Do you know where he is?”

“Zayne’s been posted to another state,” Roger replied matter-of-factly. “Didn’t he tell you?”

“No,” Lucius said, his tone dipping into quiet disappointment. “I’ll ask him directly. For now, just carry on with what you were doing.” He ended the call, staring at the darkened screen for a moment.

Last night, he had sent Zayne a message. It still lay unanswered. Yet when he checked again, the indicator showed that Zayne had seen it. The silence gnawed at him.

With a sigh, Lucius sank into the chair by the table, letting his gaze drift across the room. His thoughts shifted, unbidden, to the preparations ahead. Layla’s baby shower was supposed to be arranged soon as well.

Straightening, he pulled up his contacts once more, this time searching for the event manager’s number. If nothing else, he could begin planning that today.

After scrolling through his contacts, Lucius finally settled on a name he trusted, Cara Trevisan, one of the finest event managers he knew. Without hesitation, he dialed her number.

The line rang a few times before connecting.

“Hello?” came a crisp voice on the other end.

“Am I speaking to Miss Trevisan?” Lucius asked politely.

“Yes,” she replied, her tone brightening. There was a pause, followed by a soft laugh. “And I recognize this voice too… Lucius De Salvo, isn’t it?” Cara leaned back onto the counter chair in her office, fingers curled around a steaming mug of coffee.

Lucius’s lips curved faintly. “Yes, it’s me. I called because I’d like to organize a baby shower for my wife.” His tone carried a joy as he spoke the words.

“Well, first things first, congratulations,” Cara said warmly. “Tell me, how far along is she?”

“My wife is in her eighth month,” Lucius replied, his voice softening at the thought.

“That’s wonderful,” Cara said warmly. “As for the themes of the baby shower, we’ll need to meet in person. I suppose you’ll want everything to be perfect. You can tell me what day and time you’re free, and I’ll set the schedule accordingly.”

“Sure. How about the day after tomorrow?” Lucius replied without hesitation. “I’ll come by your office at eleven in the morning.”

“Perfect!” Cara answered, her tone carrying a smile. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“Thank you,” Lucius said, and with that he ended the call.

He lowered the phone onto the table, but before his thoughts could wander further, the soft creak of the washroom door drew his attention. Layla stepped out, wrapped in a white bathrobe, her damp hair tumbling freely down her back in dark, shining strands. Droplets still clung to her skin, catching the morning light.

“Lucius,” she greeted with a radiant smile.

Lucius closed the distance between them at once, the affection in his eyes softening his features. “I’ll freshen up now,” he murmured, brushing his thumb tenderly across her cheek, “then we’ll talk… or cuddle, if that’s what you’d like.”

Layla’s smile lingered as he pressed the brief touch, and with that, he turned toward the washroom.

Nearly an hour later, Lucius emerged, dressed and refreshed, ready to begin the day. But the room was empty, Layla was nowhere in sight. A quick glance around told him she must have gone to the living room.

Straightening his cuffs, he made his way to the hall. As he entered the spacious room, he froze for a fraction of a second.

“Boss!” Zayne called out, rising to his feet.

“Oh God, Zayne!” Lucius closed the distance between them and hugged him tightly.

“I missed you a lot,” Zayne said. “And sorry for not replying. I wanted to surprise you,” he asserted.