CHAPTER 439: OUT OF OUR LIVES

The next morning, Lucius and Roderick went for a run together, just like old times. After a few steady miles, they slowed down and stopped near a bench shaded by tall trees. Both men sank onto it, catching their breath.

Lucius unscrewed his water bottle and raised it to his lips, tilting his head back for a long drink before sealing the cap again.

"Uncle," Roderick said, glancing over at him with a nostalgic smile, "do you remember the last time we ran together like this?"

Lucius gave a short chuckle. "You were still in school back then," he replied, setting the bottle beside him. "We used to go out almost every morning. It became our little routine."

Roderick’s smile faltered slightly, softening with memory. "Yeah. And Dad used to join us on weekends... I remember thinking he was always so busy. Always working. I don’t think I ever really appreciated the time we did have together." His voice lowered, and unshed tears glimmered at the corners of his eyes.

Lucius turned toward his nephew, surprised by the sudden shift in tone. "Do you miss your father?" he asked quietly.

Roderick nodded. "Last night, I did. I kept thinking... he’d be so proud to see his son getting married."

Lucius’s gaze softened. "I’m sorry, Rick."

Roderick looked at him then, guilt flickering behind his eyes. "I didn’t mean to bring up pain by mentioning him. I just... needed to say it."

Lucius placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It’s all right. Talking about him doesn’t hurt, it keeps him alive in us. I always felt Antoine was always watching us. He is always by our side."

"Hmm." Roderick smiled softly. "Thank you for taking care of me all these years. I know I used to get upset when you tried to protect me... but now I realize you were only guiding me toward the right path. I’m genuinely happy and content with where I am."

Lucius gave a small nod, his expression thoughtful. "That’s all that matters in the end. Your peace and your growth."

There was a brief silence before Roderick spoke again, his tone shifting slightly. "By the way, Uncle... do you think I should invite Grandma to the wedding?"

Lucius’s gaze sharpened. "You were never really close to my mother."

"I wasn’t," Roderick admitted. "But I thought maybe... you’d want her there."

Lucius shook his head, his jaw tightening. "No. Whatever bond I had with her, I broke it that night, and I have no intention of mending it. It’s better if she stays out of our lives, Rick."

"I get it," Roderick murmured, nodding slowly.

Lucius exhaled, his gaze distant for a moment before he said, "Layla told me something last night... Orabela still has feelings for you."

Roderick’s eyes darkened. "She always finds a way to start something. Layla shouldn’t have even talked to her," he scoffed.

"You should end it, properly," Lucius said, his tone calm but firm.

"I already did," Roderick replied tersely, clearly growing irritated.

Lucius met his nephew’s gaze evenly. "You know you two-timed Layla back then. You never truly apologized, Rick. You got engaged to her, then broke it off. Yes, she had her share of mistakes, but you can’t pretend you handled it right either."

Roderick’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue.

"I know just hearing her name irritates you," Lucius continued, "but you need to be certain she closes her heart to you, too. Leaving her like this isn’t fair to her. I hope you consider my advice."

Roderick fell silent, absorbing the weight of his uncle’s words. "Sure, I’ll talk to her for the last time," he affirmed.

~~~~~

Aiden gently ran his fingers through Coco’s soft fur, the kitten nestling closer to him with a contented sigh.

"How long are you going to sit there cuddling Coco?" Sylvia called out from behind the kitchen counter, her tone laced with mock annoyance. "Come on, have breakfast before it gets cold."

With a soft chuckle, Aiden rose to his feet and walked over to the sink. He washed his hands under the stream of cool water, glancing toward Sylvia as she busied herself setting the table, placing plates and mugs.

"The pasta is delicious," Aiden said, savoring another bite with a pleased smile.

"Then have some more," Sylvia replied, her eyes twinkling as she watched him. She glanced at Coco, who had started munching happily from the bowl placed on the floor.

Once they finished eating, Aiden stood up and carried the plates to the sink. He turned on the tap, ready to wash the dishes.

"I’ll do it," Sylvia said quickly, moving to stop him. "You’ll be late for work."

"I’ll be on time. Don’t worry," Aiden murmured with a soft grin, already rolling up his sleeves.

"Layla should scold you sometimes," Sylvia muttered playfully, bringing her coffee mug to the sink. She pulled out the rubber gloves from Aiden’s hands.

Aiden smirked as he dried his hands with a towel. "Layla’s a nice boss."

Sylvia arched a brow. "Then I suppose someone has to keep you grounded."

"Are you volunteering?" Aiden asked with a teasing grin.

She gave a mock sigh. "Seems like I don’t have much of a choice."

"Then, I’ll get going first," Aiden said, picking up his bag. As he reached for his phone, he added casually, "By the way, I’ve booked a restaurant for a candlelight dinner tonight."

He tapped on the screen, then looked up. "Just sent you the address. Meet me there at 7 p.m."

Before Sylvia could respond, Aiden leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips.

Then he pulled back with a smile that lingered in his eyes. "I’ll see you in the evening," he turned, and headed toward the door while holding his office bag.

Sylvia locked the door from inside and went back to the kitchen. She washed the utensils while speaking with Coco, "Aiden wants to marry me. No one ever gave me such a commitment. Should I give him my answer tonight?"

"Meow!"

Coco softly mewled, giving a positive response.