Lose You To Love Me (Mafia Romance)

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31 - WHAT? WHY?

I was stunned beyond words.

To be honest, I could feel more sincerity and genuineness in Lukas' oath than in Theo's vow to me on our wedding day. It was my first time hearing such a committed and serious promise and I was taken aback.

I was overwhelmed, but also deeply touched. I knew I had to say something, but I had no idea what to say or how to react to this.

Lukas must have sensed my confusion because all the seriousness of the situation was now replaced by a wide grin from him. "It's okay, Lia. You don't have to say anything."

But no, that's not what I wanted to do. I wanted to tell him how much I appreciated what he did and how much it meant to me.

"No, it's just that I didn't know how to react to this. I have never had someone do something like this to me before. Even," I hesitated to say the last bit, but I still did. "Even Theo. So, thank you, Lukas." I finally said and smiled.

He nodded and sat down in front of me. "That oath, besides being a centuries-old and traditional gesture, is also a solemn and honored promise that the Salvatores take seriously. Meaning, we can't just say it to anyone. We can only promise it to one person at a time, until our death or the person we promised it to dies."

My heart clenched in both warmth and sadness. I knew Lukas was entrusting me with something huge and important, and it made me feel honored and humbled.

But at the same time, I couldn't help but wonder if Theo believed in this tradition. Did he do it? Did he already use his? Did Theo make this sacred promise to Penelope?

The idea alone made me feel awful and sorry for myself.

I felt a pang of jealousy, a mix of emotions that I couldn't quite explain.

Is that the reason why he couldn't stay away or leave her? I couldn't help but wonder, why was he so drawn to her? Was it because of this tradition?

Or Theo just simply feel...

I didn't dare finish my sentence. I'd been through a roller coaster of emotions today to even bring myself to finish the thought. My brain couldn't handle more stress at the moment.

"Lia, are you okay?" Lukas' voice was gentle and soothing, bringing me back to reality.

"Yeah, I just have a lot in mind, I guess."

"That's understandable. You can talk to me about it or I'll leave and give you some space. Whatever you want," he offered. "I'm here for you, and I'll do whatever you need me to do." He was sincere, and I could sense it in his eyes. Lukas genuinely cared about my well-being and wanted to make sure I was okay.

I wanted to appreciate his presence--the safety and support it brings.

But when he said he'd do whatever I wanted, I got distracted. Because there was something I wanted from him. There was only one thing that came up that I desperately needed.

Something I was so damn curious to know.

"Can you tell me what you meant when you asked Theo how he was?"

I could sense that Lukas was hesitant to answer my question, so I pressed further. "I'm just trying to understand the context of the conversation. For some unknown reason, I hadn't heard anything from Theo for days, and suddenly he appeared out of nowhere when I was in danger. He even told me I didn't try to check on him. Which I have been feeling so terribly guilty about until now. Did something bad happen?"

Lukas avoided my eyes and seemed to be struggling to find the right words. He sighed heavily and shook his head. "Honestly, I wasn't sure why they kept it a secret from us, even to the Don. But more importantly, to you. Maybe Theo was trying to protect you or something. I wasn't sure. But one thing is certain, I don't think you should worry about it now."