CHAPTER 415: TO A MUSICAL

Roderick’s heart sank as the weight of the truth about Alekis’s diagnosis finally hit him.

"I’ve been such a fool, Uncle," he whispered with guilt. "Now I understand why Grandpa kept pushing me to get married... why he barely ate some days. I live in this house, and yet I didn’t notice a thing. I feel so useless. I can’t bear the thought of something happening to him."

A troubled expression clouded Roderick’s face. He lowered his gaze, his voice breaking slightly. "After Dad passed away, Grandpa was the one who stepped up. He became everything to me that time. He was my guide and my support. Losing him... I just can’t even think about it."

Lucius placed a firm but comforting hand on his nephew’s shoulder. "Don’t think like that, Rick. We have to stay hopeful. Dad is strong, he’ll pull through. Layla and I have decided to move back into the house. Being close to him is what he needs right now."

He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "The surgery is scheduled for next week. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll get through it together. For his sake, we need to stay strong, especially when we’re around him."

Roderick gave a slow nod and raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Mom never said a word about any of this. She’s been carrying this burden all alone, without letting it show."

"Your mother has always been like that," Lucius said softly. "She keeps her pain hidden, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. That’s why she needs you now, more than ever. Take care of her, Rick."

Roderick looked up at his uncle, nodding his head in agreement. "Uncle, Layla also doesn’t need any kind of stress at this time," he began.

"I know. But she’s stronger than we all think," Lucius said.

"Yeah. That’s true," Roderick agreed.

Layla cleared her throat and they both turned to look at her. "If you two are done talking, then help me decide where should we take father tomorrow?"

Fiona stopped next to her and looked at her son with a concerned expression. She understood Roderick’s love for his grandfather.

"Shouldn’t we let him rest?" Roderick asked.

"No. I think we should take him outside and have fun with him. He must be more stressed knowing his surgery is near," Layla said with a thoughtful expression.

"To a musical," both Lucius and Roderick replied at the same time.

"Then, it’s decided. You will take Father to musical tomorrow. Sister Fiona and I will prepare a delicious lunch for him," she stated.

"That sounds nice. But we need to check if there are any musicals happening these days," Lucius said and took out his phone. He searched for the musicals happening in Rome and found a few.

"There are some," Lucius said. "I’ll buy the tickets for three. You two don’t want to come?"

"No. You two should go with Father," Fiona said this time. "It’s better for three men to engage with each other," she asserted.

"Hmm."

"Layla, the room is ready. You should take some rest. Lucius, take her to the room," Fiona suggested.

"Come, Darling," Lucius said affectionately and held her hand.

After they left their sights, Roderick said, "Mom, why didn’t you tell me? How were you managing to keep this truth with yourself?"

"Father was reluctant. I decided to keep quiet for his sake," Fiona replied. "But I think I made a mistake. But with medications, nothing happened," she said in a low voice.

"Mom, please don’t hide things like this from me. I know I’ve been an immature, irresponsible son all this time, but I’m not that type of person anymore," he pronounced. With that, he hugged his mother.

"I can see the good change in you," Fiona said, patting his back. "Go to your room. I’ll call you when lunch be ready," she asserted.

~~~~~

Demitri stepped out of the sleek black car, holding a small bag that contained a box of rich, delicately wrapped chocolates. He approached the door, and pressed the doorbell.

Moments later, the door swung open, revealing Nora standing in the doorway. He quickly embraced her in a warm hug. "I’m back from the work," he said and touched her forehead. "Hmm. The temperature has gotten down."

"Yes, I’m feeling much better now. Come in," Nora said, stepping aside and gesturing for him to enter.

Demitri smiled softly, his hand gently resting around her shoulder as he stepped inside. "I brought this for you," he whispered, handing her the bag. "You like chocolates, don’t you?" His voice was low and warm, his eyes meeting hers with a hint of affection as he passed her the small gift box.

"Thank you," Nora whispered, a soft smile touching her lips as she took the chocolates. "I’ll brew some green tea," she suggested.

Demitri shook his head. "I’ll do it," he insisted. "Your cramps were really bad, and you even had a fever. It worried me." He gently guided her toward the bedroom, his hand still resting on her shoulder. "Just lie down and enjoy the chocolate."

Nora sighed, feeling a sense of warmth from his care. "I feel much better than yesterday. You worry too much," she reassured him as he helped her sit on the edge of the bed.

Demitri looked at her with a tender smile. "Just rest," he said softly. "I’ll be back soon." With a final, lingering glance, he left the room to prepare the tea, leaving her to relax in the comfort of his attention.

As Demitri folded his sleeves, he took out the phone and placed it on the counter top.

"Lucius and Layla were not in the office today," he murmured as he placed the kettle on the stove. He dialed Lucius’s number and let the ring go. However, the call was not answered.

"I hope everything is fine," he murmured and closed the phone’s screen before focusing on the tea. Preparing two cups, he set them on a tray and took them to Nora’s room.