The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover-Chapter 429: Waiting

Although Axel was more than ready to confront that bastard, the universe, as usual, had other plans.

The man was abroad.

That single piece of information was enough to darken Axel’s entire mood.

He sat behind his desk, fingers tapping slowly against the polished surface. The sound was steady, controlled, yet the tension beneath it was impossible to ignore. His sharp gaze remained fixed ahead, irritation clearly burning in his eyes.

Dylan, standing nearby, observed his boss carefully.

Years of friendship had taught him exactly how to read Axel’s silence, but years of working as his head secretary had taught him something even more important: when and how to speak.

"Sir," Dylan began cautiously, his tone calm and respectful, "do you wish to go after him?"

Axel’s fingers stopped tapping. The sudden stillness made the room feel heavier.

For a moment, Axel said nothing. His gaze lowered slightly, his expression tightening as he considered the question.

"Should I go after him?" he muttered, more to himself than to Dylan.

The thought was undeniably tempting.

Very tempting.

Unfortunately, experience had taught him that acting on pure anger usually created more complications than satisfaction. And although he was fully capable of flying across the world just to punch someone, even he understood that patience occasionally had value. A deeply irritating value.

Axel exhaled slowly.

"So," he said at last, lifting his gaze toward Dylan, "you mention he will return in two days?"

"Yes, sir." Dylan nodded quickly. "That’s the information I received from his secretary. He is currently attending a conference."

Axel’s eyes narrowed faintly.

Dylan continued, sensing the need to provide thorough details. "According to the schedule, he has several meetings overseas. Business-related, nothing unusual. His secretary confirmed that he—"

But Axel had already stopped listening.

Dylan’s voice faded into background noise as Axel’s thoughts drifted elsewhere. His mind was busy constructing far more satisfying scenarios involving that man’s return.

He could call that bastard. Of course, he could. But where was the enjoyment in that? Through a phone call was far too polite. Far too civilized. Far too disappointing.

Meeting in person will be even more interesting.

Axel’s jaw tightened faintly. Imagine a confrontation, a conversation. Or, perhaps a well-deserved punch. Or two punches? That would be satisfying.

"...Sir?" Dylan’s voice pulled him back.

Axel silently sighed as he turned to Dylan, but said nothing, only staring at him.

Then—

’Axel... just two more days,’ he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. ’You must endure it.’

Dylan remained silent, wisely choosing not to interrupt.

After a moment, Axel’s gaze shifted back to him, sharp and decisive.

"There is no need to chase him across the world like an impatient fool," Axel said coolly. "Arrange a meeting the moment he returns."

"Yes, sir."

"And I do not want any delays."

"Understood."

Satisfied, Axel leaned back once more. Dylan gave a respectful nod before finally excusing himself, visibly relieved to escape without triggering another wave of his boss’s anger.

Once the door closed, silence returned to the office.

Axel stood motionless for a brief second before turning back to his desk.

He returned to his work with sharp focus, channeling the lingering frustration into something productive. Documents were reviewed, decisions made, and signatures placed with steady precision.

Only when the final file was closed did Axel allow himself to relax.

He checked the time.

Then slowly stood.

Remaining in the office any longer felt unnecessarily risky. His patience was already wearing thin, and idle time would only tempt him into reckless decisions.

Without hesitation, Axel grabbed his coat.

At this moment, there was only one remedy capable of properly soothing his temper.

Home. And most importantly, his beautiful wife’s smiles and warmth.

...

However—

Two days of waiting felt like two years to Axel.

For a man known for patience, discipline, and terrifying levels of self-control, those forty-eight hours had been nothing short of torture.

Every meeting, every document, every minor inconvenience had only sharpened the irritation simmering beneath his calm exterior.

Fortunately, all the waiting eventually came to an end.

Axel was reviewing a report when his line phone rang.

"Yes?" Axel answered immediately.

"Sir," Dylan’s voice could be heard from the other end. "He has landed. His secretary confirmed that he is willing to meet you right away."

Axel’s eyes darkened slightly.

Finally, this is what he is waiting for.

"I’m leaving now."

Without another word, Axel ended the call and rose from his chair. The controlled stillness that had defined him for two unbearable days vanished instantly.

He grabbed his coat and, with long strides, walked toward the door.

Dylan was already waiting outside, prepared as always.

But before Axel could say anything—

His phone vibrated again inside his coat pocket.

Axel stopped. He pulled out his phone, and his wife’s name appeared on the screen.

And just like that, the dangerous intensity in his eyes softened.

He answered immediately.

"My love."

"Hmm," Evelyn’s voice flowed through the speaker, warm and teasing. "Mr. Knight, you sound very busy today."

Axel stepped toward the elevator, his tone instinctively gentler. "Always busy. Especially when my wife isn’t here to accompany and supervise me."

"That’s because I have another important responsibility."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Deciding what you will eat for dinner." She said playfully.

Axel smiled faintly as the elevator doors opened. Dylan followed him inside without a word.

"That is indeed a serious responsibility," Axel replied smoothly. "What has my beautiful wife decided?"

"I was going to ask what you want," Evelyn said. "Or should I surprise you?"

Axel hesitated briefly. Then sighed. "My love... I need to apologize."

A pause.

Evelyn’s tone shifted slightly. "Why do I suddenly not like where this is going?"

Axel chuckled softly. "I can’t go home right now. I have a sudden meeting."

The elevator began its descent.

"Oh..." Evelyn’s voice softened. There was no disappointment, only understanding. "I see."

Axel leaned back slightly against the wall. "I’m sorry."

"It’s fine," she replied gently. "Your work is important."

Axel’s lips curved faintly. Only Evelyn could make guilt settle so easily into his chest.

"Enjoy your meeting," she continued warmly. "I’ll wait for you at home."

Axel shook his head immediately. "No need to wait."

"Hm?"

"I might come back late."

Silence again. Before her soft voice rang from the speaker, "...Late?"