My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68: Let It Marinate

With Ashley dragging Lucian back, it was ironic, considering she used to be the one getting dragged back. But today, the roles were reversed.

Even so, he didn’t mind.

Lucian stood from his study, taking a short break after helping Gustav fix his schedule again. He looked out the window and opened it, immediately catching Ashley’s voice as she yelled for Betty.

As if she hadn’t already sent a few of their cars to the mechanic, there she was, doing what she had been doing the past few days—dragging Primo along with her as they worked in the garden.

"Master, here’s your tea," Nolan’s voice echoed in the room as he placed a cup of tea on the desk.

After setting it down, he hugged the tray to his chest and looked at the big boss. A smile curved on his face as he noticed the peace on Lucian’s expression.

Just last night, things in the mansion had been heavy. Even this morning, there was a lingering oppressive aura. But now, all of that was gone.

"I’m glad you are back, Master," Nolan said politely. "If there’s anything I can help you with, please let me know."

With that, Nolan lowered his head and was about to leave when Lucian’s voice stopped him.

"Why did you choose to believe her, Nolan?"

Nolan slowly turned back, catching Lucian still staring out the window. He smiled.

"Because someone has to," he said, shifting his gaze toward the window as well. "I know the madam has done many things that put Dominion at a disadvantage. However, I also believe... she wouldn’t go so far as to drag a child into it."

Looking back, Ashley never truly paid Primo any attention. At first glance, one might think it was because she was neglectful and heartless. But in hindsight, one would realize Ashley had always wanted to leave Dominion. And if she had gotten close to Primo, the young master might have grown attached to her—just like he did when she finally started paying attention to him.

But in the months since their marriage, Primo had never been affected by Ashley and Lucian’s complicated relationship. One reason was that Primo simply didn’t care about her as much. They were basically strangers.

"Besides... the madam has always been clear with her intentions," Nolan added with a smile, watching Lucian finally meet his gaze. "Wasn’t she, Master?"

Back then, everyone—even the gardeners—knew Ashley wanted to leave Dominion. Her escape attempts were expected. She never denied it either. If anything, she would shout it for the world to hear—how much she loathed Dominion and how desperately she wanted to get out.

Nolan said nothing more as he lowered his head and left the room.

Lucian watched the head butler leave until the door closed behind him. He drew a shallow breath, his eyes falling on the cup of tea. But instead of reaching for it, he turned back to the window and watched Ashley walking away, holding Primo’s hand, with Betty beside them.

"...She does, I suppose," he whispered, his eyes soft as he followed her figure. "But can I really?"

Could he truly hold on to that?

Was it really that easy?

For as long as he could remember, she had been like a ghost he could not contain. Control was the only thing he had ever relied on to buy himself some time.

And now, she herself willingly wanted him to stay. To be near her. To want her more than he already did.

Could he really hold on to that?

When he knew, deep down, that these feelings he never voiced were too deep... too tight... too suffocating even for him?

What if she realized... he was someone built to hold, not to let go?

Could he really hold on to her... without tightening his grip until she couldn’t breathe?

*****

Hours later, Ashley stood in front of the sink after her routine night shower. Spending the day in the garden and the plantation with Primo required a deep wash. But that wasn’t her current dilemma.

"Why... why do I feel so nervous?" she muttered, her hands gripping the edge of the sink as she stared at herself in the mirror. "It’s not like there’s anything to be nervous about."

Tonight, Lucian would move back into her room.

Yet knowing he was just outside made her heart race for entirely different reasons.

"It’s not like we’re doing that," she whispered, puffing her flushed cheeks. "Even if we did, so what? It wouldn’t be the first time."

Slowly, Ashley covered her mouth, hiding the mischievous smile forming on her lips.

"Now that I think about it... we really haven’t shared a bedroom," she murmured, snapping out of whatever honeymoon fantasy she had drifted into.

On the night of their wedding, Lucian wasn’t even there. When he did show up, he didn’t stay long. The next time he returned was when he dragged her back to Dominion. Since then, they hadn’t shared a bedroom until he eventually moved out altogether.

Even when Lucian was in her room, he never stayed.

There was one time they slept through the night together, but that didn’t count. She had been drunk.

In other words, this would be the first real time they would share a bedroom.

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