"Zayne, so much has happened… and I couldn't even keep my promise to you," Lucius admitted with a guilt in his voice.
"The circumstances change the plan sometimes," Zayne replied calmly. Then his gaze shifted toward Layla, his lips tugging into a faint smile. "Besides, Layla's baby is on the way. Boss, you couldn't have returned at a better time."
Lucius's eyes softened as they rested on her. "And yet, I've made her suffer with me," he murmured, regret threading his words.
Layla shook her head firmly, a gentle strength in her eyes. "Not at all. Don't say I suffered with you. What we went through… it's simply part of life's journey," she said, her hand instinctively brushing over her belly as if to remind him of the hope their struggles had created.
"That's also true," Lucius admitted with a small nod.
"I may not return to Rome for at least a year," Zayne said. "I've been pushing for a transfer, but they insist I stay there for the full term."
