Chapter 44: Hard to focus

Chapter 44: Hard to focus Lucius returned from the restroom and immediately noticed Layla’s uneasy expression. "Everything okay?" he asked, his brow furrowing in concern. Layla glanced at him and sighed. "Roderick’s mother called your phone, and I answered. I think Roderick told her about our past." Lucius’s face hardened. "Did Fiona say something to you? Tell me, and I’ll—" Layla raised a hand, gently cutting him off. "No, she didn’t get the chance. Roderick took the phone from her before anything else was said. But it doesn’t matter anymore. Even if he told her about us, it’s in the past. He needs to deal with it on his own now." Her voice was calm, but her gaze was steady and determined, signaling that she had moved on from whatever entanglements remained with Roderick. "That’s good to hear," Lucius replied, watching as Layla took a sip of her drink. "However, on my end, I’m going to find out what happened with Roderick and his mother." Layla set her glass down, her expression shifting slightly. "Lucius, let’s not concern ourselves with what’s happening over there. We’re here to enjoy ourselves, so let’s focus on that," she said, her smile returning as she tried to lighten the mood. "Oh, let’s go to the ocean! I’ve always wanted to build a sandcastle. But just so you know, I won’t be going into the water," she asserted, a playful glint in her eyes. "Sure," Lucius agreed, his spirits lifting at her enthusiasm. He finished the fruit drink he had ordered, the vibrant flavors lingering on his palate as he prepared to follow her lead. As they made their way toward the ocean, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, grateful for this moment of carefree fun with Layla, away from the complications that seemed to swirl around them. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow on the sand, promising a perfect afternoon by the sea. They stood apart from the other beachgoers, who were all clad in their vibrant beachwear, while Layla and Lucius remained in their casual attire. "It looks so lovely from here," Layla said, tilting her head to catch Lucius’s eye. She noticed his gaze was fixed on her, and she added, "Just like your eyes." "Are you in love with my eyes?" he replied, arching an eyebrow in playful skepticism. "Probably," Layla answered with a teasing smile as she pulled her hand away from his. "Let’s go over there." She pointed to a stretch of empty sand to her right and began walking ahead, her movements light and carefree. Lucius followed her at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sight of her animated spirit. When Layla settled onto the warm sand, she eagerly began constructing her castle. Her hair danced in the gentle ocean breeze, flowing freely as she concentrated on her task. A smile brightened her face, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy. This was something she had wanted to do for a long time. Lucius watched her, feeling a warmth in his chest at the sight of her happiness. Lucius decided to join in on the fun, looking around for something to assist Layla with her sandcastle. Spotting a nearby family with children, he approached them and politely requested a small bucket. They readily agreed, handing it over with warm smiles. "Thank you!" he called out as he returned to Layla, bucket in hand. "Layla! Here, use this," Lucius said, placing the bucket in front of her before reaching up to tie her hair into a bun, securing her flowing locks away from her face. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you for your help," she smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. Lucius sat beside her, observing as she diligently shaped the castle with care and precision. "Do you want to make it with me?" Layla asked, her lips forming a playful pout. "I might just end up breaking it," Lucius replied, chuckling softly. "I’m not exactly skilled at this." "Then I’ll teach you," Layla declared, taking his hands in hers and guiding them over the sand. As she instructed him on the technique, she didn’t notice that his attention was more on her than on the castle they were constructing. After a few moments, Layla tilted her head, catching a glimpse of a different look in his eyes. "Did you hear what I just said?" she asked, arching an eyebrow playfully. "I’m sorry," Lucius said with a light chuckle. "It’s hard to focus when my beautiful wife is doing this to me." Her heart fluttered at the compliment, and she let go of his hands, a warm smile spreading across her face. "You should focus on what I told you," she murmured, her tone teasing but her gaze warm, encouraging him to engage fully in their sandy endeavor. Lucius placed his hand over Layla’s, his lips brushing against her cheek, sending a shiver of warmth through her. "Wh-what are you doing? We are outside," Layla murmured, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected intimacy as his fingers intertwined with hers. The gentle brush of his lips made her heart race. "Everyone is busy with themselves," he whispered, his voice low and inviting. "Look at me." Layla turned her head promptly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Hmm?" Before she could say more, he leaned in and kissed her lips, catching her completely off guard. She instinctively pulled away, her heart pounding. "Lucius, we... Let’s focus on the castle first," she suggested, a mix of surprise and fluster evident in her tone. "Sure," he replied, a playful smile dancing on his lips as he glanced at the half-completed castle. Just then, the two kids from the family approached them, their eyes wide with excitement. "Big Sister, we want to make the castle with you!" the young boy exclaimed in enthusiasm. "Oh, really? Sure, come here!" Layla welcomed them, her face lighting up with delight as she crouched down to their level. As the children joined in, Lucius felt a twinge of jealousy, noticing how Layla’s attention shifted entirely to the kids. They laughed and chatted, their giggles filling the air, and he couldn’t help but feel left out. Despite his initial disinterest, he found himself getting involved, helping to mold the sand and shape the castle alongside them. Layla hadn’t experienced anything like this for so many years, and in that moment, surrounded by laughter and creativity, she truly felt blessed and cherished.