Chapter 61 Danger in the Rain
LUCIAN kept on checking his wristwatch while standing outside the mansion with an umbrella. The rain was pouring heavily, and he's worried about Magdalena. She wasn't answering his calls, and it's probably because of their last conversation.
He just couldn't believe it. Why would Lena think that way? Why did she suddenly change her mind? Did something happen? He wants to know, but that beautiful woman isn't home yet.
"Uncle Lucian!" Angel called, barely heard because of the heavy rain.
Lucian looked behind him, and saw the little girl looking at him. She was hugging her doll and was already wearing her pajamas.
Lucian took a deep sigh and walked towards her. He put the umbrella down, squatted in front of Angel.
"I want to sleep with Mama, Uncle Lucian. Is she not home yet?" The little girl asked. She sounded sad, and her eyes confirmed it.
Lucian caressed Angel's cheek. "Are you afraid to sleep alone?"
"No." Angel shook her head, tears were pooling in the corners of her eyes. "But I feel sad because I dreamed of Papa."
Lucian felt his chest tightened. Not because the innocent little girl mentioned her biological father, but because it hurts him that a little girl, so innocent and young like this, had to lose a parent.
"I'll look for Mama," Lucian answered, giving her a gentle smile.
But then, the little girl suddenly hugged him. "Don't leave, Uncle Lucian. Stay with me until I fall asleep, please?"
Lucian couldn't say no to her request. He carried her in his arms and closed the door behind him. He ascended the stairs with Angel's face buried on his shoulders. She's already sleepy, but the sadness of remembering her father kept her awake.
After putting the little girl to bed, Lucian pulled the blanket and sat beside her. His back rested against the headboard as Angel stared at him, eyes sleepy.
"Uncle Lucian, will you get married like Mama?" Angel asked out of nowhere.
Will he get married like her Mama? No! His dream is to marry her Mama.
He was tempted to say that, but he knows she's too young to understand such a thing. Besides, Magdalena will probably kill him if he try.
Lucian smiled, caressing her hair. "Of course, I will. And I will have a little girl like you."
Angel giggled, excitement flickered in her eyes. "Can I play with her?"
"Yes," Lucian chuckled and gently pinched her nose. "You can definitely play with her. Now, go back to sleep and don't worry about anything. Once you wake up again, Mama will be here."
"Will you be here too?" It was a question with an uncertain answer given their situation. But Lucian found himself nodding and smiling at the innocent little girl.
"Yes," he whispered. "I will still be here."
Lucian watched the little girl slowly closed her eyes, and Lucian couldn't help but dream about the future. Him, Magdalena, and this little angel in a simple house, living a simple life. He want that, that's why he's determined to graduate this semester and build a future for them. With them.
MEANWHILE, Viktor was sitting in front of a man in a suit inside the VIP room of a steak house. His expression was dark, his jaws were clenched. He just arrived an hour ago, and the first thing that greeted him was bad news.
"The Mendozas won't let this go easily, Viktor," the man he was speaking to said. He's the judge who made the ruling and freed Lena. "They are not content with the insurance money, trust fund, and marital properties left to Lena Mendoza. They want her to suffer, to rot in prison."
Viktor gritted his teeth. "They won't be able to win against me."
"I know," the judge said, nodding. "But I also know that desperate people know no boundaries. They would try to frame Lena Mendoza and make her suffer, one way or another."
Viktor's fists balled. His eyes dropped to the table before he downed another shot of liquor, shaking his head. "I will show no mercy if they try to touch Lena."
He waited for this chance, and he's not that stupid to let Lena go now that she's in his arms. He would do everything to protect her and make her feel secure. He doesn't even care if it was already suffocating for her. What's important is that she's safe, secured, and living a comfortable life.
He would never allow anyone to step on her again. He'd risk his name. He'd risk anything.
"Why are you even obsessed with her?" The judge asked, staring at him with furrowed brows.
Viktor grabbed his coat and pulled himself up. "I need to go now. I'll see you again next time."
"Wait, Viktor-" But he didn't stop or even look back. He closed the door of the VIP room behind him and walked towards the exit of the steak house.
He looked up at the dark sky. The rain was pouring heavily, and Lena's probably sleeping now.
He looked at his car parked in front of him, but his eyes passed through the car and settled on two people in the dark.
His lips parted in shock. The woman he's expecting to be sleeping in a comfortable bed in his mansion is currently in front of him, helpless, while a drunk man was obviously harassing her.
Viktor's eyes turned bloodshot as his expression darkened.
He was shocked, and before he could think rationally, he was already running towards them.
"Hey!" his angry voice roared over the rain.
The man turned, looking annoyed, but Viktor didn't give him time to even see his face. He slammed him back against the wall with a fist to the jaw.
Lena stumbled and nearly collapsed, but Viktor caught her just in time, arms wrapping around her fragile frame.
His chest rose and fell in so much anger until Lena suddenly passed out in his arms. His rage intensified, but he could do nothing because he's worried about Lena.
"Goddamn it!" He cursed under his breath and glared at the man who was looking at him now, terrified. "Pray I'd never find you tomorrow or you'll have to run to the ends of the Earth."