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?”

didn’t communicate, I didn’t

replaced his nervous laughter with

Good job, Aria.

the

being one of our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I

could not end like

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

and Christian shot me strange looks.

regretting my whole existence. Why couldn’t I communicate

slammed his arm around me and circled my

me, I looked at him and no words needed to

cleaning your own

his message.

my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena laughed, referring to

for him to reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched

my secret, and it’s only fair for you to

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

a secret. Everyone knows that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as all I could focus on was

you

of you seem to have a really good

“What’s your secret?”

covered his mouth, laughing-Christian turned the other way, and

hire one of Vince’s old flings and make her his assistant.” She broke down her tips.

Christian placed his hand over Serena’s mouth, grabbing all of our attention.

Time? Got it.

about Vince’s childhood, admiring him for his good and honest

his friend until no more words were left while Vince remained

stories, but deep down, all I wanted was for him to treat me the same. I wanted him to accept me, and yes-I was done fighting for

anymore.

how hard she tried to include me in every conversation, pulled out a few praises here and there, and smiled whenever she got the chance to

worthy of their

with your brother, Beau, and said some

a few seconds.

this any longer.

my shoulder. Christian shot him a look,

did you say?” His stare

jumped in, rightfully assuming there must’ve

like ‘who, me or your stripper sister?’ and then he looked like he was about to

done that-don’t worry about it.” Serena shrugged her shoulders. “I guess you felt the need to protect yourself because you don’t like

squinting his eyes as he stared at Vince. Looking back and forth between the two, 1 could tell they were communicating

were directed to me, but his eyes stuck