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?”

was a small detail that could’ve been covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his favorite color, and I was not the problem here. He

Vince replaced his nervous laughter with a weak

Good job, Aria.

ask the right

awkward silence, with the only sound being one of our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch,

not end like this.

threatened to cut me off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever since.” I tried recovering

Serena, and Christian shot me strange looks.

shyly, regretting my whole existence. Why

his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for

at him and no

cleaning

was his

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

turned to Christian, waiting for him to reveal his secret. “Oh,

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

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

and we all agree.” Vince laughed

I ask you something?” I asked.

seem to have a really good and healthy relationship,” I told them my

“What’s your secret?”

way, and Serena dropped

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

over Serena’s mouth, grabbing all of

Time? Got it.

about Vince’s childhood, admiring him

words were left

nice to hear these 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.

include me in every conversation, pulled out a

worthy of their kindness.

with your brother, Beau, and said some things I shouldn’t

a few seconds.

this any

him a look, telling him to let me speak.

His stare made my heart raise.

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

I was like ‘who, me or your stripper sister?’ and then

to protect yourself

the two,

were directed to me, but his eyes