"How are you feeling?" Lucius asked, his voice soft with concern.
Layla pulled back slightly, eting his gaze. "A little headache," she admitted with a sheepish smile. "I can’t believe my drunken habits are getting so strange."
"That’s why I always tell you not to have more than one glass," he gently reminded her, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Layla huffed lightly, playfully rolling her eyes. "Well, it’s the weekend today. We can still have fun. How about we go out together?" She knew sothing was troubling him, but she sensed that pushing him to talk wouldn’t help. Instead, she offered him an escape—a chance to unwind, even if just for a day.
"Where would Mrs. De Salvo like to take ?" Lucius responded with a playful smile, his tone lighter.
"Hmm... we could have a picnic or maybe visit the zoo. What do you think?" she asked, giving him two options with a hopeful look in her eyes.
Lucius chuckled softly. "A picnic sounds nice."
Layla’s face lit up with excitent. "Perfect! I’ll start getting things ready." She clapped her hands together in enthusiasm, already thinking about what to pack, before bouncing out of the bed.
"I’ll help you," Lucius offered, trying to sit up and join her.
But Layla was quick to stop him, gently pushing him back down onto the mattress. "Why don’t you rest a bit longer?" she suggested, her hands firm on his chest. Before she could pull away, Lucius grasped her wrist, pulling her closer until she hovered over him.
"I’ve had enough rest," he murmured, his voice softening as he caressed her hair, his fingers gently tangling in the strands. He leaned in, drawing her closer, his breath warm against her cheek as he closed the gap between them.
Layla giggled, quickly placing her hand over her mouth. "Wait! I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. No kiss!" she teased, her words muffled by her hand.
Lucius grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusent. "Alright, alright," he relented, loosening his grip and letting her go. "I’ll let you off... for now."
Layla laughed, playfully swatting his arm before heading toward the bathroom, leaving Lucius watching her with a smile that, for a mont, made him forget about the last night.
~~~~
Lucius inspected the three baskets Layla had ticulously prepared for their picnic, noting the variety of foods she had lovingly packed. Each basket seed to overflow with delicious choices, a reflection of her excitent for the day.
"You should get ready," Lucius said, placing his hands gently on her shoulders and guiding her out of the kitchen. His touch was firm yet tender, as if coaxing her to take a break.
"But I still need to finish—" Layla began, but Lucius interrupted her softly.
"Shhh," he hushed her, his lips curving into a gentle smile. "Go to the room and get ready. I’ll have the maids finish up the rest."
With a playful nudge, he steered her toward the hallway. Reluctantly, Layla gave in, flashing him a smile before heading off to their bedroom.
As soon as she was out of sight, Lucius turned to the waiting maids. "Take care of the rest of the preparations," he instructed. The maids quickly moved to complete the task, leaving him free for a mont.
Just as Lucius was about to check on their progress, a maid approached, her expression serious. "Sir, Aiden has arrived."
Lucius paused, the na alone enough to shift his mood. His jaw tightened slightly before he gave a curt nod. "Tell him I’ll be there shortly."
Making his way to the living room, Lucius found Aiden waiting, his usual composed expression in place.
Without exchanging pleasantries, Lucius said, "Follow ." Aiden nodded, and the two n walked together toward the garden, where privacy awaited them.
"Did you find out?" Lucius asked.
Aiden gave a sharp nod. "Yes, Boss. The sa man ca again today. I’ve caught him and locked him in the cell. I haven’t started the interrogation yet, but if you give the word, I will."
Lucius paused, his thoughts weighing on the matter. "I’ll handle it this evening," he finally said. "Thank you for your hard work, Aiden."
Aiden smiled in return. "Anything for my boss."
Lucius smiled back, though the edge in his expression softened only slightly. "Is Boss going sowhere?" Aiden asked, noticing Lucius’s more relaxed deanor and the casual attire.
"Yes. I’m going on a picnic with my wife," Lucius replied, his tone lighter as he ntioned Layla.
"That’s wonderful!" Aiden said with a slow smile, genuinely pleased. "I’m happy for you, Boss." His cheerful response was t with Lucius giving him a light tap on the arm.
"Am I a kid for you to cheer like that?" Lucius teased.
Aiden chuckled. "Well, everyone has a kid inside them, don’t they? Besides, Boss, you seem to be enjoying your life finally. I’m really glad to see it."
Lucius’s expression softened further, and for a mont. "Thanks, Aiden," he said.
"I heard from Roger about Miss Mancini’s return," Aiden said, his brow furrowed in concern.
Lucius exhaled. "Ignore her unless there’s sothing urgent. She’s like a spoiled child who throws a tantrum when things don’t go her way."
Aiden hesitated, then voiced what had been troubling him. "But, Boss... she has feelings for you. What if Miss Sylvia tries to stir trouble between you and Madam Layla? Maybe it’s ti to stop looking after her. She’s almost thirty now. Why does Boss have to take care of her?"
Lucius clenched his jaw, a flicker of frustration passing over his face. "I wish I could," he muttered. After a mont, he added, "You should go. I’ll head out soon."
Aiden nodded, bowing slightly before walking away. Lucius stood there for a mont, letting out a deep sigh.
When he stepped inside the living room, all thoughts of Sylvia faded as his gaze fell upon Layla. She stood there, radiant in a white knee-length dress adorned with black polka dots, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. The sight of her took his breath away, and for a mont, he forgot everything else.
His heart began to race as if it might leap out of his chest, thumping against his chest just at the sight of her. Layla smiled, oblivious to the storm brewing inside him, and Lucius couldn’t help but feel srized, as if nothing else mattered except her.
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