Layla’s eyes widened in shock the mont Alekis uttered those words.
"Matteo was the one who drew him into this life," Alekis began, his voice tinged with regret. "And I’m certain Lucius has given you countless reasons to justify his actions. But deep down, I know he’s using this as an outlet for his anger. Anger at for neglecting him as a child, while his mother remained absorbed in her own world. By the ti I realized my mistakes, it was too late to undo the damage." His shoulders slumped, and he sighed deeply before lifting his teacup again to savor the drink, the faint clinking of porcelain punctuating the silence.
"How am I supposed to accomplish that, Father?" Layla asked hesitantly, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "And... is it even possible? Why do you suddenly want him to leave the mafia? He’s been in it for so long."
Layla’s mind was torn. She had promised Lucius she wouldn’t interfere in his work, as long as he stayed safe while searching for Matteo’s killer. Yet, a part of her heart yearned to see him walk away from this dangerous life—a life that consud him more with each passing day.
Alekis’s sharp gaze softened montarily as he replied, "Lucius loves you more than anyone else, Layla. My opinions an nothing to him because he believes what he’s doing is right. But it isn’t. This isn’t justice; it’s self-destruction. Matteo was a friend from his past, but that friend is gone. He’s clinging to a ghost, and I can’t stand by and watch him ruin himself over soone who no longer exists." Alekis’s voice hardened as he took another sip of tea.
Layla understood the worry of a father. At Layla could feel the weight of Alekis’s worry. At least he was different from Lucius’s mother, who wouldn’t hesitate to disparage her own son while conveniently ignoring her own mistakes.
"I suppose you will handle this, Layla," Alekis said firmly, placing the empty teacup back onto its saucer with a soft clink.
Layla hesitated, her fingers brushing against the table as her thoughts spiraled. "Father, have you ever tried to find out how Matteo died?" she finally asked, her voice steady but curious. "Lucius believes no one cared enough to look into it. But knowing you... I think you must have investigated, didn’t you?" She studied his expression closely, aware of how much Alekis knew despite not always being physically present in their lives.
Alekis leaned back slightly, his eyes clouding over with a mix of regret and frustration. "I did," he admitted after a mont. "I hired soone to investigate the circumstances of Matteo’s death. But no matter how hard they looked, there was nothing—no leads, no evidence, nothing to explain what really happened. But I do know is because Matteo’s involvent as a mafia was the reason of his death."
Layla noticed how his voice softened, almost as if he were speaking to himself. "I thought ti would nd my son’s wounds," he murmured. "But ti doesn’t heal if the pain is constantly fed by anger and grief. I only realized too late that he was sinking deeper into sothing I should have stopped long ago."
"Maybe Lucius will stop once he discovers the truth," Layla asserted, a trace of determination gleaming in her eyes.
Alekis regarded her carefully, the weight of his words deliberately asured. "The truth may cost him more than you realize," he said gravely. "Whoever is behind Matteo’s death isn’t soone to be underestimated. This isn’t just about answers, Layla; it’s about survival. As his wife, you need to prioritize Lucius’s life above all else." His tone carried not just caution, but a flicker of disappointnt, as though he believed she might not fully grasp the danger ahead.
Layla t her father-in-law’s gaze. "I understand, Father," she replied. "But Lucius deserves closure. He’s been carrying this burden for too long—this weight of guilt for not being able to save Matteo. You don’t know, but that night haunts him in ways you can’t imagine. He gets nightmares. Those mories are like chains, binding him to a past he can’t escape."
Usually, at night, Layla would find Lucius hugging her tightly while his breath would turn erratic.
She paused for a mont, collecting her thoughts, then continued, her voice filled with quiet conviction. "If I try to force him to walk away, to abandon this search, he’ll never forgive himself. It will tornt him for the rest of his life, knowing he didn’t do everything he could to uncover the truth. Peace won’t co from avoidance. And I want him to find that peace, Father—no matter how hard the journey may be."
Alekis’s expression softened slightly, though the worry in his eyes remained. He studied Layla in silence, as if reevaluating his perception of her. Though her stance was risky, her love for Lucius was clear.
"But what about the risks, Layla?" Alekis pressed with concern. "You speak of closure and peace, but what if this pursuit puts him in greater danger? Have you considered the cost?"
Layla straightened, her voice steady and reassuring. "Trust your son, Father. He’s not reckless; he knows what he’s doing. Lucius is stronger and more resourceful than you give him credit for. He doesn’t just act out of impulse—he calculates every move. And as his wife, I will be there to support him and help him stay grounded."
Alekis blinked, montarily taken aback by the clarity and strength in her words. He hadn’t expected Layla to speak so confidently, nor did he anticipate the wisdom she displayed in balancing both logic and emotion. For a mont, he simply observed her, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile.
"You’re quite sothing, Layla," he remarked, leaning back into his chair, his posture relaxing for the first ti during their conversation. "I wasn’t expecting you to be this good with words—or this sharp."
His smile deepened as he crossed his arms. "Perhaps Lucius chose well after all." The air between them shifted, the tension giving way to a quiet understanding. For the first ti, Alekis saw in Layla not just a supportive wife but a strong-willed partner who could stand her ground and navigate the complex world Lucius had drawn them into.
"Lucius truly has a remarkable taste," Alekis said, his tone carrying a rare warmth. "The papers are ready for the fair share you’ll be receiving. I don’t want my only son’s wife to feel deprived or overlooked by her in-laws."
He leaned back in his chair, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. With a subtle gesture, he signaled to the butler standing quietly in the background. The man bowed respectfully before stepping forward, a sleek leather-bound file in hand.
"Here," Alekis said, nodding toward the file. "Take a look." His voice carried a sense of finality, as though this was not a matter open for discussion but a gift he was determined to bestow.
Layla hesitated for a mont before reaching out to take the file.
"And," he added with a small but genuine smile, "congratulations on your new position as Director."
Layla’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. She hadn’t expected this, and for a mont, she was unsure how to respond. "I am happy that you are the daughter-in-law of this family."
Reviews
All reviews (0)