"Hmm. That explains it," Ruby said with a faint smile. "Layla, I’m really sorry again for not telling you anything. A lot was going on, and I didn’t want to burden you when your problems seed bigger than mine."
"Please stop apologizing," Layla replied warmly. "Just promise you’ll tell whenever you’re in trouble. By the way, do you have a new number now?"
"Yes. Wait, let call you," Ruby said, pulling out her phone from her clutch.
Layla’s eyes widened in surprise as Ruby dialed. "You rember my number?"
"Of course," Ruby replied with a small laugh, giving her friend a missed call. She hesitated before adding, "I might be getting engaged soon. I’ll let you know when it happens."
"Of course, keep updated," Layla said, saving Ruby’s number in her phone.
Ruby glanced toward Lucius and David, both sitting at their table with watchful expressions. "We should leave. Our n are waiting," she said with a slight nod toward them.
"Right," Layla agreed.
The two stood and hugged each other tightly. "I’ll head out first," Ruby said before leaving with David, who walked protectively beside her.
Layla made her way to Lucius, who rose as she approached. His sharp eyes softened slightly, recognizing that his wife was at ease now. Whatever had been troubling her seed to have resolved.
Without a word, Layla slipped her hand into his, and together, they headed toward the café’s exit. But just as they reached outside the door, a bullet sped past them, narrowly missing its target and slamming into the glass door, which splintered into shards.
"Get down!" Lucius commanded, pulling Layla to the floor as another shot rang out. He shielded her with his body, pushing her back inside just as the second bullet passed through his arm.
"Lucius!" Layla scread, her eyes wide with fear as she saw blood seeping from his sleeve.
Aiden, rushed to their side after drawing his gun. "Stay low," he ordered as he positioned himself to cover Lucius and Layla. He helped Lucius inside, ensuring he had a protective shield.
Lucius winced but managed to keep his composure, his gaze scanning the area for the shooter. "I’m fine," he muttered though the sight of Layla’s panicked expression told him she didn’t believe him.
"You’re injured," Layla’s exclaid as her voice quivere. She gently held Lucius’s arm, her fingers trembling at the sight of his blood.
"It’s nothing," Lucius said through gritted teeth, though the pain was evident in his tightened jaw.
Layla shook her head, her eyes brimming with worry. "How can you say that? Aiden, we need to go to the hospital," she murmured as she held Lucius close, whose eyes were closing.
By that ti, the police sirens started ringing in the entire region and even Lucius lost his consciousness.
~~~
Lucius was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance as he lay unconscious on the stretcher. Layla sat by his side, gripping his hand tightly.
As the ambulance screeched to a halt, the paradics swiftly moved him out, guiding the stretcher into the ergency room. Layla followed him closely.
When they reached the operation theater, a nurse gently but firmly stopped her. "Please stay here, ma’am. We’ll do everything we can," the nurse assured her before the doors shut.
"Layla," Aiden whispered gently, "you should sit. Boss will be fine."
But Layla shook her head firmly, refusing to move. Her hands trembled as she nervously bit her nails, her entire body trembling with fear she tried to suppress.
Suddenly, Alekis’s echoed through the hallway. "What happened to Lucius?"
Layla turned around, her tear-streaked face full of anguish. Her lips quivered as she struggled to speak. "He... he got hit by a bullet," she finally managed to say.
Fiona hurried to Layla’s side, wrapping a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"It’s okay," Fiona murmured softly, trying to console her. "Lucius is strong. He’ll pull through this."
Layla nodded weakly, though her tears continued to flow. "He protected ... he didn’t deserve this," she whispered.
Aleksis glanced at Aiden, his eyes hard with unspoken questions. "Who did this?" he asked coldly, his voice laced with barely-contained fury.
"We’re working on it, Sir," Aiden replied grimly.
Aleksis held his head and rested a hand on his chest. Aiden quickly guided him to a nearby chair.
"Is the injury severe?" Aleksis asked. "Who’s the head doctor-in-charge? I want every detail imdiately."
"Yes, sir. I’ve already spoken to the team. They’ll update us as soon as there’s any news," Aiden replied.
Layla wiped her tears with the back of her hand, trying to steady her breathing. The sight of Aleksis’s distress added to her own turmoil.
Monts later, the hospital’s director approached them. He bowed slightly before addressing Aleksis. "Mr. De Salvo, we have assembled our best dical team for your son. Rest assured, he is in expert hands," the director stated.
Aleksis fixed the director with a piercing gaze. "Nothing should happen to my son," he said.
"Nothing will happen," the director assured, clasping his hands together. "We are doing everything possible to ensure his safety."
Aleksis nodded slightly. The Director excused himself, leaving the hallway quiet except for the faint sound of Layla’s muffled sobs. Aleksis turned to her with a concerned glance.
"Do you see now why I asked you to convince Lucius to step away from the work he’s involved in?" he said, his voice stern but not unkind. "His life is in danger now."
"I’m sorry, Father," Layla replied, her voice trembling. "I never thought sothing like this would happen." Tears stread down her face as her emotions overwheld her.
Aleksis sighed deeply, realizing she was already blaming herself. It wasn’t her fault, and he knew that. Rising from his chair, he walked over to her, pulling her into a fatherly embrace. His arms were strong and comforting as he gently caressed her back.
"I don’t want anything to happen to Lucius," Layla whispered, her voice barely audible as she pressed her hands over her tear-filled eyes.
Aleksis held her a little tighter, his tone softening. "I am sure he will be fine. Lucius is strong, and the best doctors are working on him. You need to stay strong for him, Layla."
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