As evening fell, Layla and Lucius set off with Alekis for the fair as planned.
"It’s the famous Festival of Jujubes," Layla announced, reading the vibrant banner draped at the entrance to the bustling market.
"Let’s see what it’s all about, then," Lucius said with curiosity as they stepped inside. The air buzzed with excitent, and stalls lined the streets, each brimming with jujube-thed items—jams, pies, candies, broth, and even liquor.
"Everything here revolves around jujubes," Lucius murmured, his eyes scanning the colorful array.
Layla glanced at him, arching a brow. "Don’t you know why this festival is so special?"
"This is my first ti attending it. How would I know?" he muttered defensively.
"You never liked reading, did you?" Layla teased, her tone lightly scolding.
"I hated studies," Lucius admitted with a shrug, earning a soft chuckle from Alekis, who found their playful banter endearing.
"Still, it’s common knowledge why this festival is so popular," Layla added, shaking her head.
"I bet even Roger and Aiden wouldn’t know," Lucius retorted with a smirk. "Since you’re the knowledgeable one here, why don’t you enlighten ? What’s so special about jujubes?"
Layla sighed, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "It’s said that, in ancient tis, jujubes were a rare delicacy brought from distant lands. They beca a symbol of prosperity and community for the locals, which is why they hold such significance even today."
Lucius nodded thoughtfully. "Hm, interesting," Lucius mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Then, how about we try the jujube liquor first?" he suggested to Layla and Alekis.
They approached a nearby stall, where Lucius promptly ordered three shots of the fad jujube liquor. He took a sip, grimacing slightly at the unfamiliar taste. "Not my favorite," he admitted, setting the glass down.
Layla, on the other hand, took a sip and smiled. "I like it. It’s sweet, with just the right kick."
As they lingered, a lively group of musicians and dancers suddenly appeared, filling the air with infectious rhythm. The crowd erupted in cheers, many eagerly joining the revelry. Layla’s eyes sparkled with excitent as she grabbed Alekis’s hand and tugged him into the crowd.
"Co on!" she called out, her laughter ringing like music itself.
Lucius stood rooted, watching in awe as Layla twirled gracefully, her movents were carefree. Her laughter was infectious as she encouraged Alekis to dance with her, both of them caught up in the vibrant energy of the mont.
She was radiant, her joy lighting up the night like a beacon. To Lucius, she looked like a free-spirited bird soaring in her elent, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His astonishnt lted into a soft smile as he continued to watch her truly srized in her beauty.
In the midst of the lively crowd, Layla suddenly stumbled after being bumped by soone. Before she could fall, Lucius was there, his hands steady as they caught her just in ti.
"You alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he helped her regain her balance.
Layla straightened, brushing off the mont with a warm smile. "I’m fine, thanks to you."
Nearby, Alekis watched the exchange with a delighted expression. The sight of Lucius and Layla together, sharing such a warm connection, ward his heart. Quietly, he slipped his phone from his pocket and snapped a picture of them, wanting to preserve this mont—a mory of happiness and togetherness that felt so rare when Lucius never truly enjoyed such simple monts of his life.
"Dad, what are you staring at?" he asked, raising a brow.
"Ahh, nothing," Alekis said with a soft chuckle. "But why don’t the two of you take a picture together? I’m sure there’s a photographer around here sowhere." He glanced around the area as if searching.
"That’s a wonderful idea," Layla chid in, her eyes lighting up. "But let’s make it a picture of all three of us. Monts like this are too precious to leave anyone out."
Lucius nodded in agreent, reaching for his father’s hand. "Alright, let’s find a spot for it. Co on, Dad."
Layla smiled and grabbed Alekis’s other arm as they weaved their way out of the bustling crowd. After a few minutes of searching, they spotted a photographer busily snapping pictures of kids and families nearby.
As soon as their turn ca, Lucius approached the photographer. "We’d like a few nice shots, please. Make them morable," he said with a polite smile.
The photographer nodded enthusiastically and gestured for them to pose. Alekis stood proudly at the center, his posture straight and his face beaming with joy. Lucius stood to his right, while Layla took her place on the left, her hand gently resting on Alekis’s arm.
The photographer adjusted his lens and began clicking their photos. The result was a series of beautiful images.
"Perfect," Lucius remarked as he reviewed the shots on the photographer’s cara. Layla, too, leaned over to peek, her smile widening.
"These will be mories to treasure," Alekis said softly, as he glanced at his son and daughter-in-law.
"Of course, Dad," Lucius replied with a warm smile. He handed the paynt to the photographer, accepting the envelope of freshly printed photos.
Layla and Alekis walked ahead, chatting happily, knowing Lucius would catch up shortly. But as Lucius moved to follow, his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling his attention.
He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, noticing a ssage from an unknown number with a picture.
Lucius’s brow furrowed deeply as he read the ssage. Before he could process it fully, his phone buzzed again, this ti with an incoming call.
He promptly answered, pressing the phone to his ear.
A low, nacing voice crackled through the line. "If you want to save Demitri, co to this location by midnight. Alone. Don’t play gas with —I don’t like them."
The line went dead before Lucius could respond.
Layla turned to check on him. "Lucius, what are you–" she paused, noticing a troubled look on his face.
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