If I Can't Have You, No One Can

Chapter Fourteen

In the library, Kara stopped and gazed around at the spacious area that could probably fit her entire apartment in there. The warm glow of the chandeliers hanging from the roof illuminated the rich mahogany and the leather-bound volumes that lined the floor to ceiling shelves, stood tall against the walls that spanned various genres and eras.

"This is one of my favourite places to be when I come here. My refuge when the world gets too overwhelming." Lena ran her fingers along the spines of the books on the lower shelves.

Kara scanned the titles, her eyes alighting on the diverse collection. "It's like a haven of knowledge. I can see why you'd find solace here. Just like the bookstore we visited."

"Exactly and this..." Lena said, pulling out a leather-bound classic. "Is one of my all-time favourites. The characters, the plot—it's a masterpiece." She put it back in its rightful place again. "The many hours I would spend in here as a child after my mother died and while my father was working in his office."

Kara walked up behind Lena and wrapped her in her arms. "I can't imagine how lonely it must have got at times without your mom around." She kissed the side of her head.

Lena leaned back into Kara's body. "It was, especially when it was just the two of us home unless my tutor or nanny was here. Most times I would go into Luthor Corp with dad when there was no one here to look after me. It wasn't until he met Lillian and had Lex, did my world start to brighten up again. It got even better when I met Andrea and boy, let me tell you that we got into all sorts of trouble back then." She turned in Kara's arms. "Come on. I'll show you more of the house."

Kara let her go and followed her out of the library and back into the main foyer.

The grandeur of the estate unfolded before them, revealing a lot of history, memories, and the evolving legacy of the Luthor family. Lena led Kara through the opulent corridors adorned with intricate artwork and family portraits. Each painting held a story, a chapter in the expansive history of the Luthor lineage. Lena's commentary added layers of depth to the visual narrative.

Kara admired the artistry and craftsmanship evident in every corner of the mansion. From the grand staircase she had not long descended that seemed to cascade down from the heavens to the multitude of rooms that each held a different story within.

As Lena and Kara delved deeper into the history of the Luthor mansion, Lena paused before a grand portrait that hung prominently in a hallway. The painting depicted two distinguished figures, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

"These are my grandparents. Lionel and Laura Luthor. The visionaries and original founders behind Luthor Corp and they also built this mansion." Lena explained, her gaze fixed on the portraits. "They built an empire, but it was never a path I wanted to follow. I always had a different calling from a very young age. My passion was for the culinary arts, for creating spaces where people could come together. That's why I opened my bistro and became a bartender. Luthor Corp was my father's dream, not mine. I wanted to build something of my own, something more personal."

Kara nodded her head in understanding. "So, Lionel is named after his father?"

"Yes." Lena began, her voice carrying a touch of reverence. "It's a name that has traversed generations in the Luthor family."

Kara looked at Lena, sensing the weight carried by the name. "He must have been quite significant to have the name passed down."

Lena nodded, leading Kara to a space adorned with family photographs. "Yes, my grandfather was a man of vision and influence. He played a pivotal role in the foundation of Luthor Corp and left an indelible mark on the family legacy. He embodied the values of ambition, leadership, and a commitment to building something enduring. My father admired him greatly."

Kara observed the photograph, understanding the connection between the generations. "So, the name Lionel carries not just a family tradition but also a legacy of ambition and vision."

Lena's smile held a mixture of pride and acknowledgment. "Yes, names, like stories, carry a legacy of their own. Lionel, as a name, has become a bridge linking the aspirations of generations and shaping the narrative of the Luthor family." She nuzzled her way into Kara's arms and blinked up at her.

"So where does your name come from?" Kara brushed the strands of hair away from Lena's face. "And Lex's? Where is his from?"

"Well my first name was chosen because my parents liked the sound of it but my middle name, Kieran, comes from my mother's side of the family. As for Lex, it's actually short for Alexander. I have no idea where they got his name from but he never liked it so just uses Lex." Lena let go and reached for a photo of her mother that sat on a small desk. "This is her. Elizabeth." Her fingers gently tracing the contours of the photograph. "It's a name that carries the essence of my Irish roots."

Kara looked at Lena, her curiosity piqued. "So, your mother's side is Irish?"

Lena nodded, a fond smile gracing her features. "Yes, my maternal grandmother, Kieran Walsh, hailed from Ireland. She brought with her a rich heritage, filled with stories, traditions, and a deep connection to the land. I never got to meet her or any of my grandparents as they all had passed long before I was born. The only picture I have of her is this one..." She gestured to a photo next to her mother's.

Kara observed the photograph, sensing the depth of Lena's familial ties to Ireland. "It's a beautiful way to carry forward a connection to your roots."

Lena nodded, her gaze drifting to the ancestral portraits surrounding them. "Indeed. My mother believed in honouring our heritage and the stories that shaped us. The name Kieran serves as a link to the resilience, warmth, and traditions of Ireland—a touch of my family's history in every syllable."

Kara reached out, acknowledging the significance of the connection. "It's a wonderful blend of cultures within your family."

"Thank you Kara." Lena pulled her down for a kiss and literally climbed Kara like a tree.

"You're welcome, Lena and thank you for sharing some of your family history with me." Kara kissed her again.

"Oh I thought you two weren't together?" Lillian stood there in her nightgown, her skin tinted pink, her hair rather tousled, a raised eyebrow and had a smirk plastered on her face.

The pair startled and pulled apart, Lena dropping to the floor.

"Well we weren't until tonight." Lena said but made no move to let Kara go.

Lillian, of course wasn't at all surprised. "I can see that and by all means, don't stop on my account but maybe move it to your bedroom hmm."

It was then Lena took in the appearance of her mother as it's something she rarely sees. Even in a relaxed state, Lillian was still pretty put together but tonight was something different. "Oh my god. Did you and dad just-"

"Just what dear?" Lillian folded her arms across her chest. "Finished having-"

"Nope! Please do not finish that sentence!" Lena scrunched her nose up.

Kara pulled her lips in before she burst into laughter at the face her girlfriend was making. "How about we finish the tour?" she took Lena by the hand and led her past Lillian.

"Oh come now, Lena." Lillian chuckled. "It's a natural part of life. No matter how old we get, your father and I still have needs that need tending to. Looked to me like you both were going to tend to your needs right here and in the hallway of all places."

"Goodnight mom!" Lena blurted and gripped Kara's hand a little tighter.

Kara giggled and kissed the back to Lena's hand to soothe her. "Goodnight Lillian." She said with a smile.

"Goodnight, you two." Lillian smiled at the way Kara placed her hand on Lena's lower back then slipped it around her waist as they walked away. She carried onto the kitchen to get a glass of water.