CHAPTER 432: A MOTHER CAN TRULY WISH

Layla carefully placed the bed table in front of Alekis, who immediately protested with a gentle frown.

"You shouldn’t trouble yourself because of me, Layla," he said softly.

"Father, it’s no trouble at all," Layla replied, offering a warm smile. "Please, let me take care of you."

She turned to the maid standing nearby, who was holding a tray. Layla took it from her and set it down on the table, lifting the lid to reveal a steaming bowl of porridge.

"I made this for you," she said, stirring it gently before lifting a spoonful and blowing on it to cool it down.

Alekis watched her with a mix of affection and concern. "You haven’t been going to the office lately. Is it because of my illness?"

Layla nodded slightly, then brought the spoon close to his lips. He opened his mouth and accepted the porridge, chewing slowly.

"Yes, Father," she admitted. "But I’ve been working from home, so everything is under control. Don’t worry, Father. I won’t let the company suffer. I’ll start going to the office again from tomorrow."

Alekis gave her a small nod, his eyes glinting with pride and gratitude as she continued feeding him with quiet care.

Once Alekis finished his meal, Layla handed him the prescribed medicine, which he swallowed with a sip of water.

"You need to take care of yourself too," Alekis said gently, observing her closely. "Why don’t you go home for a few days? I’m sure your mother would love to pamper you a bit during this time."

Layla’s expression shifted, her eyes lowering as silence settled over her. Alekis noticed the change instantly.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Father," she began, "you already know what my life was like before marrying Lucius. That place... never felt like home. I don’t want to go back there. I feel safer and happier here."

Alekis gave a slow nod, understanding flickering in his eyes. After a moment, he reached out and gently placed his hand over hers.

"I understand, Layla," he said kindly. "But they’re still your parents. You forgave them once... maybe it’s time to let them try again. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, we end up regretting the things we didn’t do when we had the chance."

Layla looked at him as she understood the meaning behind those words.

"I will think about it, Father," Layla said.

"Sure. If you don’t wish to go, then that’s fine too. After all, your happiness matters the most," Alekis stated, smiling a little.

Layla hummed softly to herself as she picked up the tray and carried it back to the kitchen. After setting the utensils in the sink, she turned to rinse them, only to spot Fiona entering through the back door, brushing wind-tousled hair out of her face.

"Oh, Layla, I’m so thirsty," Fiona said with a sigh as she made her way toward the refrigerator.

Before Fiona could open it, Layla was already one step ahead. She quickly poured a glass of chilled water and handed it to her sister-in-law with a small smile. "Here."

"Thank you," Fiona said, her lips curling into a grateful smile as she took the glass and settled onto one of the counter chairs. She placed her handbag on the surface beside her, then took a slow sip of the water, her eyes watching Layla closely.

"You seem a little down," Fiona noted gently, setting her glass aside. "Is there something on your mind?"

Layla hesitated for a moment before speaking. "My parents want me to come home for a few days," she said. "But I don’t really want to go."

Fiona tilted her head, understanding flashing in her eyes. "Is it because of how they treated you before? I thought you didn’t hold grudges."

"It’s not about holding a grudge," Layla murmured. "It’s just... that place holds so many painful memories. I feel more at peace here."

Fiona smiled softly, her tone turning affectionate and wise. "I understand. But Layla, you should consider going. One day, when time has slipped away, you might start missing them. Believe me, I know how it feels."

Layla looked at her curiously.

"I never had a good relationship with my parents either," Fiona continued, recalling her own younger self. "They were the ones who forced me to marry Antoine. I was so angry... I stayed away. But after they passed, I was left with this deep regret, for not seeing them, for not forgiving them when I had the chance. That pain... it lingers even now."

Layla’s eyes dropped to the counter, her thoughts spinning. Fiona reached across and gently touched her hand.

"They’re trying now, Layla. And sometimes, that’s worth something. Go home. And it’s not like you live far away. Lucius can come to you anytime you desire," Fiona suggested.

Layla hummed, a gentle smile forming on her lips as Fiona’s words settled in her heart. She felt lighter, comforted by the conversation.

"Sister," Layla began, "how’s Roderick doing these days? I hope he’s not troubling you anymore."

Fiona chuckled softly, the sound tinged with surprise and pride. "He’s changed a lot over the past few months. He actually visits me every morning now, even greets me with a smile. Can you believe that? There was a time when he’d skip breakfast or disappear for weeks without a word."

Layla raised her brows in pleasant surprise. "Really? That’s a huge change. I suppose Ivy’s companionship is doing wonders for him."

Fiona nodded, her smile turning proud. "Absolutely. I think she’s been a grounding presence in his life, someone who brings out the best in him."

"I heard from Lucius that they’re considering marriage soon," Layla remarked with a soft glint in her eyes.

"Yes, they are," Fiona confirmed with a content sigh. "Now that Father’s surgery went well, I think they’ll be speaking with him about it soon. Honestly, I just want my son to live a life filled with peace and happiness. After everything, that’s all a mother can truly wish for."