CHAPTER EIGHT

Lucas' heart sank, his father, the former head of the family, is not someone he could ignore, “I'll be there as soon as I can”, he replied, ending the call.

Returning to Mia , he tried to mask his concern, “I need to leave for a bit, family emergency”.

Mia nodded, her worry clear, “Is everything alright?”

“It's under control”, Lucas assured her though he felt anything but.

As he prepared to leave, the weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, suddenly he heard a knock on the door, he walked towards the door, and cracked the handle open, he met Vincent standing at the entrance.

“Boss , we need to talk”, Vincent said as he stood in front of Lucas.

“Not now Vincent, I have an emergency” Lucas said, cutting Vincent short.

“It's about your family”, Vincent said, Lucas turned to glance at Mia in the room, “To my study” Lucas ordered, as Vincent and Lucas walked into Lucas' study.

Lucas walked to his bar and poured himself a glass of whiskey, “Spill , Vincent” ,Lucas looked up his eyes narrowing , as he took a sip from the glass.

“It's about Marco, I know we have a lot of evidence against him , but I just received a call . There’s been a situation with your father . The doctor's say he doesn't have much time left”.

Lucas's grip tightened around the glass, “I know my father is sick Vincent, but I'm not aware of him having little time left, what are you saying?”

Vincent hesitated before continuing, “Your mother didn't tell you the full details, because she wasn't sure how you would react, but your mother is asking for all family members to be present . She specifically mentioned that she wants Marco there, too”.

Lucas felt a surge of conflicting emotions, his royalty to his family clashed with his duty as a Mafia boss . He couldn't ignore his mother's request, but releasing Marco could be seen as a sign of weakness.

“He betrayed us, Vincent”, Lucas said his voice barely above a whisper , “he deserves to pay”

“I know boss”, Vincent replied , “But your father is dying, this might be the last chance for the family to come together , even if it's just for a short time”.

Lucas took a deep breath , his mind racing. He knew that releasing Marco would come with risks , but he also knew that family was everything. His father's last wish couldn't be ignored.

“Fine”, Lucas finally said , his voice filled with resolution , “We’ll bring him to the hospital , but make sure he’s under constant guard , one wrong move , and he’s done”.

Vincent nodded, “Understood boss, I’ll make arrangements”.

As Vincent left the room, Lucas downed his drink,feeling the weight of his decision. He couldn't shake the feeling that this was a dangerous gamble , but he had no choice.

Few Hours later , Lucas and Vincent escorted Marco , hands bound to the hospital. The atmosphere was tense with every family member present , aware of the gravity of the situation.

Lucas's mother Isabella greeted them at the entrance , her eyes filled with sorrow as she looked at Lucas. “Mother”, Lucas called , greeting his mother with a side hug.

He followed her into the hospital room where his father lay, frail and weak. The sight of his once formidable father in such a state, was a harsh reminder of the fleeting nature of power.

Marco was brought in, flanked by guards. He cas a defiant look at Lucas , but Lucas ignored him, focusing his gaze on his father.

“Lucas”, his father whispered weakly , reaching out a trembling hand.

Lucas took the hand , squeezing it gently, “I’m her Father”.

His father looked at Marco, his eyes filled with disappointment but also a hint of hope, “Family is……everything”, he said, his voice barely audible, “Promise me ... .you'll keep the family together”.

Lucas swallowed hard , feeling the weight of his father's words, “I …..promise father”.

With a final , shallow breath, his father closed his eyes . The room fell into heavy silence , the reality of their loss settling on them.

As they left the hospital, Lucas felt a storm of emotions brewing inside him. He knew that he had to release Marcus because of his father's last words , he knew the release was temporary and that justice would eventually be served.

Back at the mansion , Olivia stepped out of her room to get a glass of cold juice to calm her nervousness.

As she turned a corner , she collided with someone. Stepping back, she saw Mia, looking as poised and perfect as ever, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance.

“Watch where you’re going”, Mia snapped , brushing herself off.

“I’m sorry” Olivia said , trying to keep her voice calm, “I didn't see you”.

Mia's eyes narrowed as she studied Olivia, “You’re the one Lucas is keeping ,aren't you?”

Olivia nodded , feeling the tension rise, “Yes, that's me, you met me at the garden, so why are you asking me this?”

Mia crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips, “Isn't it time for you to leave?, aren't you done with your job here?”

“That's between me and Lucas”, Olivia said, trying to stay composed.

Mia's smirk faded,replaced by a steely gaze, “You should know that Lucas and I are engaged . He’s mine, whatever you’re doing here, just remember that”.

Olivia felt a surge of anger, but kept it in check, “I’m not here to interfere with your relationship , Mia, I'm just doing my job”.

“Is that so?” Mia took a step closer , her eyes burning with intensity, “Because it seems to me like you’re trying to get close to him”.

Before Olivia could respond , a voice interrupted them , “Is everything alright here?”

They turned to see Lucas standing in the hallway, with Vincent behind him, his expression hardened.

“Just getting to know each other”, Mia replied , her expression more serious this time.

Lucas nodded, “I need to speak with Olivia for a moment”.

Mia’s eyes flickered with irritation ,but she masked it off quickly , “Of course, I'll see you later, Lucas”

As Mia walked out Olivia couldn't shake the feeling that she had been sized up by a formidable opponent.