Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 462

Chapter 462: The Final Chapter

Ten Years Later:

“And the first prize goes to Antonio De Salvo,” the announcer declared, his voice echoing through the grand auditorium. A wave of applause erupted, filling the room with cheers, as Antonio made his way to the stage to receive the medal for Musical Excellence from the school’s headmaster.

“Thank you, Sir,” Antonio said, a bright, humble smile lighting up his face.

“You should say a few words to everyone here,” the headmaster whispered kindly.

Antonio being a shy boy hesitated a little, but with a deep breath, he stepped up to the podium. He adjusted his glasses and glanced at the microphone as it was lowered to his height.

In the audience, Layla’s eyes were fixed on him. They were radiating pride and love.

“I… I don’t even know where to begin,” he said, pausing briefly. “I wouldn’t be standing here today without my amazing parents, who have always given me the best guidance and support. My uncles, aunts, grandparents… every single one of them has believed in me, encouraged me, and loved me unconditionally. This award isn’t just for me, it’s for all of them, for letting me dream, for letting me follow what I love, and for always being my strength.”

“He’s just like you,” Lucius whispered into Layla’s ear.

“But his eyes… they’re just like yours,” Layla replied softly, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Yeah… he looks absolutely adorable,” Lucius murmured, glancing to the side where the students were seated. “I wonder what his sister is up to.”

Their daughter, Lucia, was as a mischievous one. If Lucius was summoned the most in the school, then it was because of Lucia. But what made her different was that she was a genius girl and good at studies.

“And thank you, my wonderful sister, Lucia, for helping me with my homework,” Antonio added with a grin, causing a laughter to pass through the audience.

Lucia smiled proudly from her seat, her eyes shining as the applause faded.

Antonio stepped down from the stage and returned to sit with his classmates, who clapped him on the back and whispered their congratulations.

When the ceremony ended, the crowd slowly spilled out of the hall, voices buzzing with excitement.

A little later, Lucia slipped into her brother’s classroom, clutching a stack of notebooks against her chest.

Antonio, already gathering his things, looked up in surprise.

“What’s this?” he asked. “I need to go find Mom and Dad.”

Lucia thrust the notebooks toward him with a grin.

“Just sign them,” she insisted. “My friends all want your autograph, Brother.”

Antonio blinked, then chuckled softly, shaking his head as he took the first notebook.

“Can’t you tell them I don’t like it? And how many friends have you even made?” Antonio asked, folding the last notebook closed.

“Don’t know,” Lucia replied, flashing a bright smile. “I’m so lovable everyone wants to be my friend.”

Antonio handed the stack back to her. “This is the last time I sign anything. And I don’t want to hear any complaints from the boys in your class. You actually bully them. If Mom finds out, you’ll be grounded for sure. And I swear, I won’t help you and nor Dad will.”

Lucia pouted for a second, then giggled. “You’re impossible,” she said, but she tucked the notebooks under her arm, triumphant all the same. “I don’t bully them. They are the one who teases me and my friends.”

“I get it. Now, go. I’ve got to leave too,” Antonio said firmly, grabbing his trophy.

Lucia gave him a playful wave before skipping out of his classroom, her laughter echoing faintly down the hall.

Antonio hurried through the school grounds and out toward the gate, where the family car waited. The moment he saw the familiar figure standing there, his face lit up.

“Dad!” Antonio called, running into his father’s arms. He hugged him tightly, and Lucien, beaming with pride, patted his back and almost lifted him off the ground.

“I’m so proud of you, my boy!” Lucien exclaimed, his voice full of warmth.

Layla smiled warmly at the sight of her husband and son.

“Mom!” Antonio exclaimed.

As soon as his feet touched the ground again, he threw his arms around her.

“Thank you for making time to come here. I know you had important meetings today.”

“Don’t say that, Antonio,” Layla replied gently, smoothing his hair. “For you and Lucia, I will always have time.” She paused, her tone shifting slightly. “But I have something to ask you, and you’ll answer truthfully, alright?”

Antonio blinked, glancing at his father, who looked just as caught off guard.

“Is Lucia giving the boys in her class a hard time?” Layla asked, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

“Layla, we should—” Lucius began, but she cut him off.

“Stay quiet, Lucius. You’ve spoiled your daughter so much she thinks she can lie to me,” Layla said firmly. Then she turned back to Antonio, her gaze steady. “Now, tell Mama, what’s your sister really been up to these days?”

“Well, Mom… she’s just a girl,” Antonio said carefully. “I don’t think it’s of much importance. I’ll make sure she doesn’t do it anymore. I promise.”

“No, you won’t,” Layla countered, her voice firm but calm. “You’ll tell me exactly what she’s been doing.”

Before Antonio could respond, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Lucia appeared at the gate with the headmaster walking just behind her. She had her schoolbag slung over her shoulders, and in her hands she carried Antonio’s bag as well. Without saying a word, she quietly slipped to her father’s side, her eyes lowered in a show of innocence.

Lucien glanced at Layla nervously, tightening his arm protectively around their daughter, while Layla’s sharp gaze shifted from Antonio to Lucia, clearly piecing the truth together.

“Mr. Lombardi, thank you for telling me about my daughter’s mischiefs. If it weren’t for you, I would still be in the dark,” Layla said firmly.

Lucius, sensing the storm brewing, quickly took the bags from Lucia’s hands and placed them in the backseat. “We should go home now, dear,” he suggested softly. “Let’s discuss everything there.” He turned to his daughter with a gentle smile. “Get in, princess.”

Lucia obeyed without a word, slipping into the backseat.

“You too, Antonio,” Layla said, her tone gentler for her son.

Lucius made sure both children were seated comfortably, then closed the door behind them.

Pietro Lombardi, the headmaster, adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat. “Mrs. De Salvo, your daughter has a very sharp mind. But… sometimes she tells the other children she plans to become a mafia queen. At her age, such talk can cause… Misunderstandings. I thought you should know.”

Layla lowered her gaze, her expression heavy with embarrassment. “I’m truly sorry. I will reprimand her and ensure she learns the proper discipline.”

“I have no doubt you will,” Pietro said with a polite smile. “Your daughter is clever, she just needs the right guidance. As for Antonio, I have no complaints at all. He is a model student, the kind every school wishes for. His music has brought great honor to this institution.”

From the car, two pairs of eyes peeked through the window.

“That headmaster is really evil,” Lucia muttered under her breath. “He complained about me to Mom.”

Antonio sighed, shaking his head. “Mom would’ve found out sooner or later. You really think you can fool her? Even Dad’s going to get scolded this time.”

Lucia puffed her cheeks and slumped against the seat, while Antonio clutched his trophy close.

After the headmaster disappeared back through the gates, Layla and Lucius climbed into the car.

“Layla, you know—” Lucia began.

“Stay quiet, Lucia!” Layla reprimanded him as she pulled the seatbelt across her chest.

“I think she was just joking with the kids,” Lucius offered cautiously.

“Really, Lucius?” Layla snapped, fixing him with a glare. “Don’t say a word if you’re only going to defend her.”

Both children pressed their lips together, silent under their mother’s stern tone.

“I’m not defending her,” Lucius clarified. Then he turned in his seat to face the back. “Lucia, why did you tell the kids you wanted to be a mafia queen? Who even taught you that word?”

“I read it in a book,” Lucia admitted, her small voice trembling. “But the boys in my class… They were laughing at us, making fun of me and my friends. That’s why I said it to scare them. Mom, I swear I’m telling the truth!” She lifted her fingers to her neck.

“I don’t think she’s lying,” Lucius said gently, glancing at Layla.

“Lucia,” Layla asked, her tone softening, “what’s your dream? You’re eight years old, what do you want for your future?”

“Oh… I—I want to be like you, Mom,” Lucia replied.

Layla’s expression softened, though her words carried weight. “But Mom doesn’t threaten people with such words,” she reminded her. “Listen, sweetheart, I don’t want to compare you with Antonio. I know you’re different in your own way. And that’s wonderful. It’s okay to have fun being kids, but using wrong words to scare others is wrong. That’s not what a De Salvo should do. Even if those boys laughed at you and your friends, you should stand tall and defend yourself like a lady.”

Lucia lowered her gaze, guilt clouding her features. “I’m sorry, Mom.”

“Your mother even had to apologize to the headmaster,” Lucius added. “It’s not good to make her feel small in front of others.”

“I understand, Dad,” Lucia whispered. “I’m sorry. I’ll never do it again. I promise.”

Antonio shifted beside her, eager to help. “Mom, Lucia might be naughty in school,” he admitted, “but she’s really kind to her friends. She helps everyone, just like you do.” He looked at his mother with pleading eyes.

“Forgive her,” Lucius urged softly.

“Yes, Mom, please,” Antonio added. “Lucia didn’t mean it in a bad way.”

Layla finally looked at her daughter, who still sat with her head bowed. After a pause, her voice softened. “I trust you this time, Lucia. Come here, give me a hug.”

Lucia’s face brightened with relief. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms tightly around her mother’s neck. Layla smiled, patting her daughter’s back before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Antonio leaned in too, pressing his shoulder against them, and Layla drew him into the embrace as well.

Then Lucius leaned over, his arm circling all three of them, pulling the family together into a warm, unbreakable knot of love.

THE END

~~~~~

Thank you for reading the story until the very end. Your precious votes, gifts and comments always made me happy, making me feel that the story got the love as it deserved. If you want to read my more stories, you can click on my profile.

My recent ongoing werewolf story– “Rejected and Pregnant: Claimed By The Dark Alpha Prince.”

As for Luca, I have started a story with a different setting in the contemporary world. The link is attached below.

Here’s the new story: