Chapter 27: Outshone every star

Chapter 27: Outshone every star "Why didn’t you tell me that Lucius got married?" Evelina demanded, her voice laced with frustration as she faced Alekis. "I didn’t think you cared about Lucius," Alekis replied coolly, placing his half-burned cigar in the ashtray. "Weren’t you too busy with your second family? When Lucius needed his mother, you were nowhere to be found." He leaned back in the armchair, his posture relaxed, but his eyes were sharp, scrutinizing her every move. Before Evelina could respond, Nico, Alekis’s trusted aide, entered the room and bowed respectfully. "My Lord, I received a message from Master Lucius’s secretary. He is not interested in meeting any visitors and has a prior engagement for this evening’s reception." "Did you hear that, Eve?" Alekis said, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "This is who Lucius has become. He doesn’t take orders from anyone. He does as he pleases. You should go back instead of imposing yourself at this reception." Evelina’s eyes narrowed. "I’m not going anywhere. I intend to see what kind of woman Layla is with my own eyes," she declared firmly, turning her gaze to Nico. "You still serve your master well, Nico. Is the guest room prepared?" Nico, caught off guard by her directness, stammered. "Y-yes, Madam. The guest room is ready." Evelina rose from her seat, keeping a cold demeanor. "Alekis, I had hoped you would keep Lucius out of your sordid family history. You’ve disappointed me in more ways than I can count," she said, her words biting. Without waiting for a response, she swept out of the room, her presence lingering like a storm that had just passed, leaving Alekis staring after her, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. Fiona, who had been lingering anxiously outside the study, burst in after a quick knock. "Father, is she planning to stay here for long?" There was a tremor of fear in her voice. "No," Alekis responded curtly, his expression stern. "Evelina is only here for the reception. Where is Roderick? Didn’t I tell you to make sure he stays home? Don’t make me angry, Fiona." His brows furrowed, his displeasure evident in his tone. "Father, Roderick returned this morning," Fiona explained, her fingers nervously twisting together. "After what Lucius did, he was upset that his grandfather didn’t take any action." Alekis’s eyes darkened as he looked up. "One of the servants informed me that Roderick dragged Layla with him despite her protests. Don’t you think it’s time you taught your son some respect?" His voice was sharp, cutting through the room like a blade. "I won’t tolerate anyone disrespecting Lucius’s wife, not even my grandson. Roderick may be dear to me, but that doesn’t give him the right to behave inappropriately." Fiona bowed her head, shame and regret written across her face. "I’m sorry, Father. I’ll speak to him. It won’t happen again." "See that it doesn’t," Alekis said, his tone unforgiving. "And tell him to come to me immediately. I won’t let this incident go unaddressed." He waved his hand, dismissing her. Fiona nodded quickly, her face pale. "Yes, Father. I’ll make sure he understands." She bowed once more and hurried out of the study, the door closing softly behind her as she headed to Roderick’s room. ~~~~~ Layla slipped into the dress she had carefully chosen, the light pink fabric flowing gracefully around her form. The tulle A-line gown was elegant with delicate, handcrafted roses adorning the left side of the bodice, each petal meticulously shaped from the same soft fabric. As she smoothed her hands over the gentle folds of the skirt, she felt a mixture of excitement and unease for the upcoming wedding reception. She moved to the vanity, where her reflection showed a vision of soft curls cascading down her back. A golden rose pin secured her hair at the nape. Layla’s fingers hovered over a diamond pendant lying on the table, the stones catching the light and throwing tiny sparkles across the room. With a deep breath, she lifted the necklace and clasped it around her neck. She touched it, taking in the beauty of herself. Despite being part of a wealthy family, such luxuries had always been out of her reach. She had grown accustomed to wearing only what Orabela, her stepmother, had discarded—dresses that no longer suited the tastes of the family’s favored daughter. Marriage to Lucius had transformed Layla’s life in an instant, pulling her from the shadows and thrusting her into the spotlight of a world she had never truly belonged to. Just as she was lost in thought, the grand doors to the room swung open, and Lucius stepped in. He was dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo, the fabric tailored to perfection, accentuating his broad shoulders and lean frame. His hair was meticulously combed to the right, though a few rebellious strands fell over the left side of his forehead, softening his otherwise commanding appearance. Layla’s breath caught as she watched him through the reflection in the mirror, his mere presence radiating an undeniable aura of strength and elegance that was ready to draw every eye in the reception. Lucius, too, found himself momentarily speechless. Layla stood before him, a vision in her delicate gown, her beauty striking him with an almost physical force. She looked stunning every day, but tonight she seemed almost ethereal, a sight that words couldn’t capture. With slow strides, Lucius crossed the room, his eyes never leaving hers. The helpers present in the room silently left, closing the door behind them. He came to a stop just behind her, close enough that she could feel his hot breath fanning her nape. Their eyes locked in the mirror. Lucius reached out, his fingers hovering above her arms. He slowly trailed them up, causing her to shiver while his gaze traveled over her reflection, taking in every detail as if committing this moment to memory. "You look... gorgeous, Layla," he murmured. Layla’s cheeks flushed, the compliment sending a flutter through her heart. "You’re not so bad yourself," she managed to reply softly, a teasing smile playing on her lips. Lucius’s mouth curved into a gentle smile, his eyes softening with an emotion that made her pulse quicken. "Tonight, you’ve outshone every star in the sky, Layla," he said, his tone intimate, meant only for her. He finally let his hand rest lightly on her shoulder, the touch as gentle as a whisper. "And you look like the real heiress of the Rosenzweig Family." "Do you think so? What if someone calls—" her words ceased in her mouth as Lucius’ lips found her earlobe, pressing a soft kiss on her. "That’s going to be the last day for that person on this earth," Lucius said, he lowered her lips and kissed a particular, sensitive spot on her neck while keeping his gaze on hers. "You are the star tonight, whom no one can ignore," he stated confidently. ~~~~~ I’m a little sick. My head aching and eyes are in pain because of the cold. I may not be able to update tomorrow, so please be patient.