LUCIA

Chapter 45 Love, Understanding and Family

"The family registering process isn't that complicated so it should be done within a day or two."

"I see..."

Lucia's heart fluttered. Damian was really becoming her son. Now that Damian was on the register, he was family now. It wasn't an adoption but an entry as a biological child so their relationship couldn't be dissolved.

Even if she divorced her husband, her son in the family register was forever her son. She couldn't claim custody rights over Damian as she had already handed over those right but whether or not she had those rights would not affect their mother-son relationship.

"He's my son..."

"That is correct. He's your son so you can do as you like. Can bully him if you want."

"...Hah? You are such a bad father."

Lucia's eyes widened and she criticized him.

"What?"

"Are you trying to persuade me to be the evil stepmother now?"

Her choice of words made him laugh.

"Do you have the ability to be hard on him?" (Hugo)

"What do you mean?"(Lucia)

"I mean it'll be the boy causing you distress instead."

"Damian will not cause me distress. You still don't know Damian, he's such a nice child."

Hugo chuckled lightly. Even if the boy looked meek and docile, he was of Taran blood. His brother seemed like the kindest person one could ever meet but had enough malice to murder his biological father.

"Plus he's your son."

Lucia thought she had mumbled that to herself but when he fixed an odd gaze on her, she realized she had spoken out loud.

"...to whom do you have faith in?" (Hugo)

"...Damian...who is very much...like you." (Lucia)

He moved closer placing his head close to Lucia's face. Then he spoke in a subdued tone as though making a threat.

"If he is like me then you should be more careful. Haven't you heard the rumors about me?"

"...rumors that you drink blood?"

"...What?"

Lucia was flustered. She didn't mean to say that but the words suddenly escaped from her mouth.

"Ah, erm... I mean...the rumors of you..."

"Say that I drink blood?"

Hugo studied her face as she nodded her head then he turned towards her, took her into his arms and buried his head in her shoulder. Then he began to laugh.

Thanks to Fabian's constant reports, Hugo knew about all sorts of rumors concerning himself but as for someone telling him directly that he drinks blood? She was the first.

"I know it's just a rumor."

Lucia's face was burning with shame and she gave an excuse.

"It's not completely a lie. When at war,  you have no choice but to take it in sometimes."

"Ah...I see..."

"Were you curious about that?"

"No...maybe a little...but that was a long time ago. I definitely don't think about that now."

He just kept on laughing. Lucia was glad he wasn't offended but she didn't think her words were that funny. She just couldn't understand his laughing code.