His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies

Chapter 372

“Eat as much as you can.” Christian spoke, sitting at the table. “Serena didn’t touch anything-so we’ll live.”

The three laughed, and I felt left out because I couldn’t understand the joke. Maybe this was karma for inviting myself to a lunch I wasn’t even invited to,

“I can’t cook. I can’t even boil an egg. It’s tragic.” Serena tapped my arm, explaining. “Christian made everything.”

“Everything?” I questioned, wondering how he even found the time. The table was filled with bread. pastries, meat, salad, and everything one could think of

“Yes, he baked the breath and everything. Serena praised her husband, rolling her eyes seductively. By the looks of it, Christian was someone who liked to get stuff done.

“What about all those maids?” My words came off as rude-a reminder to myself why I had to keep my

mouth shut.

“Personally, I think eating a homemade meal feels more sincere,” Christian explained, not feeling offended. “Do you cook, Aria?”

“Yes, I love cooking.” The first two days, I went full out to cook a nice dinner for Vince and Luis-but they didn’t seem to care. The two did whatever and returned home late, going their separate ways.

I was hesitant to confront him, but the streets were dangerous-he knew it as best, and someone as young as Luis shouldn’t be alone.

“She’s a great cook.” For once, Vince had something good to say about me.

“Do you hear that, Siena? Next time we’re eating at uncle Vince’s place.” Serena called out to the kids’ table, where Siena and Lucio were seated.

“Yes!” Siena cheered excitedly as the state of my restless mind was already in disaster, hoping it was nothing more than an innocent joke.

My family had yet to receive an invite because I didn’t want them to see me miserable. No one was allowed to come over and say, ‘I told you so.”

Not in my books.

“Have you already made her something, Vince?” Christian asked.

Shocked, I turned to Vince, smiling nervously as he had managed to escape from my eyes. Having someone you cared about cook a homemade meal was a big gesture, one I hadn’t received from my

parents.

“No, he hasn’t” I played with my fork, losing my appetite. I sensed Vince was a man who could be romantic if he wanted to-but I was not good enough to receive that treatment.

“At one point, he went to culinary school and said he would open his own restaurant.” Christian continued, not noticing Vince would rather have him change the subject.

“Oh-why didn’t you?” I questioned, trying to find out a bit more about my husband. “Did your dad not

allow it?”

small detail that could’ve been covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his

that lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter

Good job, Aria.

always ask the right

awkward silence, with the only sound being one of our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I had also ruined it by mentioning Fabio

end like

off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever since.”

and Christian shot me strange looks.

I spoke shyly, regretting my whole existence. Why couldn’t I communicate like

me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for the first time showing sincere

him and no words needed to

for cleaning your own mess.

was his message.

pay for my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena laughed, referring to the strip club.

for him to reveal his secret. “Oh,

nagged. “You shared my secret, and it’s only fair

“I hope my children don’t turn out like me, but Serena.” He kissed her

knows that, and we all agree.” Vince

ask you

really good and healthy relationship,” I told them my

“What’s your secret?”

the other way, and Serena dropped her fork. rubbing

search for an enemy, let someone hire one of Vince’s old

it takes time.” Christian placed his hand over

Time? Got it.

many stories about Vince’s childhood, admiring

words were left while

all I wanted was for him to treat me the same. I wanted him to accept me, and yes-I was done fighting for his heart, but that didn’t mean

anymore.

woman I had attacked for no simple reason felt like a sin. Seeing how hard she tried to include me in

of their kindness.

brother, Beau, and said some things I

a few seconds.

couldn’t do this

Vince nudged my shoulder. Christian shot him a look, telling him to let me speak.

His stare

me?” Serena jumped in, rightfully assuming there must’ve

‘who, me or your stripper sister?’ and then he

shoulders. “I guess you felt the need to protect yourself because you don’t

between the two, 1 could tell they were communicating in their own little

were directed to me, but his eyes stuck on