NOVEL WEB Chapter 3: My Wife
The next morning, Layla woke up with a nightmare, where Orabela was laughing at her pathetic state of being dumped by Roderick. She brought her hands to her face when she felt the coldness from the wedding band around her fourth finger.
Staring at it, Layla said, "I got married." However, to her surprise she was alone in the bed. Sitting up, she recalled the last night where Lucius kissed her and she equally reciprocated to it until he stopped suddenly and left.
Layla sat up and wandered her eyes around. There was no trace of Lucius in the room, which in a way relieved her. Getting down the bed, she dragged herself to the washroom while holding the gown.
She freshened up quickly and after having a shower, Layla came out wearing a bathrobe. She held the gown in her arms. There was a floral knee-length dress lying on the bed.
"Did he put it here?" Layla mumbled and rested her wedding gown on the bed before picking up the dress. "The fabric is so smooth." Her fingers trailed it and she soon changed into it before heading out.
Upon reaching the living room, Layla found it was empty too. There was no sign of her husband around.
"Your luggage is here, Madam," a voice reached her ears and she turned around. "I am Jasper Clement, the house butler. Here is your phone too and please hurry to the breakfast table. You need to leave soon," he informed her.
"Leave soon where?" Layla asked, taking her phone from him.
"To the family gathering. You'll see Master Lucius there," the butler responded. "Please follow me. The maids will set the closet in the room," he opined.
Layla nodded at him and followed him to the dining hall. Sitting on the chair, she was presented with a delicious meal set, but she was unable to touch many of the items. Layla wasn't a picky eater and used to eat little. So, in just a small portion, her stomach was full.
Drinking the water from the glass, she dabbed the napkin on her mouth before checking her phone, which beeped suddenly. The message was from her friend.
"You got married to Lucius De Salvo? Are you in your right mind? Meet me at the book cafe."
The message was from her best friend, Ruby.
"You need to leave, Madam," the butler humbly told her. "It's already late," he said.
Layla nodded at him and left the chair before heading out of the mansion. She entered the car and the driver started the engine.
~~~~~
"You married the illegitimate daughter of the Rosenzweig Family? Have you lost your mind?" Alekis De Salvo, Lucius' father, questioned him. Seeing the nonchalant attitude of his son made him angrier.
"You asked me to marry, so I married," Lucius calmly answered. "You kept reminding me of my age. Now, I am married, Dad should fulfill his promise," he sternly said.
"Let your wife come here first," Alekis said.
Lucius relaxed on the sofa chair and took out his phone. He checked it and then tucked it inside.
"Lucius, it's been a long time," a feminine voice landed on his ears, but he didn't let his gaze waver. "Good morning, Father," greeted Fiona, Lucius's late brother's wife and his sister-in-law.
"Lucius got married yesterday," Alekis replied.
"What?" Fiona gasped in shock. "With whom?" she asked, looking at Lucius, whose gaze was elsewhere.
"Layla!" Lucius's eyes lit up to see his wife as he left his seat and walked to her.
The way Lucius smiled at Layla made her heart flutter. She recalled how no one ever smiled at her, or called her name with such happiness. Her every morning used to start with abuse and accusations on her.
Layla's breath hitched when Lucius' arm rested on her lower back and drew her close. "This is my wife, Layla De Salvo," she introduced her.
Layla was prompted to greet Lucius's father and then, the lady whom she didn't recognize.
"What's your family origin?" asked Fiona, who for some reason was fuming in anger.
"Why are you interested in my wife, Fiona? Just focus on your business and son," said Lucius, thus preventing Layla from answering that question.
"Layla is the daughter of the Rosenzweig Family," Alekis answered and asked them to take a seat.
Both Lucius and Layla sat on the sofa chairs while Fiona just glared at Layla.
"At this rate, your eyes may bleed," Lucius told Fiona, who finally got to look at him.
Layla was feeling weird among them. They looked so intimidating, not one but all of them. But if there was someone whose presence was more commanding, then it was Lucius. Also, he was an exact carbon copy of his father, except for those blue eyes.
"Mom, Grandpa! I've something to share with you!"
Layla froze at her place upon hearing a recognisable voice. It was none other than that of her ex-boyfriend, Roderick.
But what was he doing here?
Roderick's feet halted to see Layla there and he recalled how Orabella told him that Layla got married to some old man. Because he wasn't interested, he didn't even ask the name. So, it was his uncle to whom she wedded.
On the other hand, Layla's heart burned with a fire of revenge. Her initial plan was to flee from Lucius, but now she wouldn't.
Because she would use Lucius to take revenge from her ex and half-sister, who played with her feelings.
"Roderick, meet my wife, Layla Lucius De Salvo, the daughter of the Rosenzweig Family. Show the proper respect to your aunt by bowing to her," Lucius pronounced. It wasn't a request, but was an order.
"How old are you, Layla? She looks so young to me. How can you even ask Roderick to bow before her?" Fiona intervened.
"I am 22," Layla replied.
"My son is 24. I don't think all this is needed," Fiona said.
"Really?" Lucius chuckled and he left his seat. Alekis pressed the fingers on his forehead, knowing what his son would do now.
Lucius stood before Roderick and the next second, he placed his hand on his nape, making him how. "Show respect to my wife, my dear nephew!" Lucius pronounced with a smirk.