A Lifetime With You by Athrhteera

Chapter 81

Matteo

Despite receiving a deathly glare from Mikhail, Alena and I didn't let go of each other. My hand was wrapped around her waist as she leaned against me, somehow asking for my full protection. I had no intentions of letting her go either.

Everyone else in the room stayed quiet, afraid to make a sound,

I had expected Alexei to stand by his father but this time, he stood still at his spot. His expression was also different this time and I couldn't understand the true meaning behind it. As long as Alena was safe in my arms, I didn't mind what was in their heads. Angelo a and I Luca seemed prepared to defend me if Mikhail decided to involve weapons. However, I didn't feel threatened or scared by him even though we didn't have any weapons with us. We surrendered ourselves fully on the way here because we knew, we didn't mean any harm. "Matteo..." Alena muttered under her breath.

T

I glanced down at my wife, seeing the look on her face.

It surprised me because instead of determination, she looked defeated. I hadn't seen my wife that way and knew the dark circles under her eyes explained it-she was a strong woman but something must've brought her down.

"It's okay. I'm right here with you," the words slipped my mouth.

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My mind went blank and I didn't know what else to say. I continued to look between Mikhail and Alexei, trying to read their expressions. I wasn't bad at reading people's mind through their facial expressions but for once, I was more concerned about my wife's mind. Yet, I had trouble trying to understand her.

"Just in time for dinner." Mikhail stated before he walked away, down the hall.

A

A

couple of his men followed behind him. Within seconds, Alexei gestured for us to come along and we didn't waste any second but to trail behind him.

We walked down the hallway until we reached the dining room. I hadn't been in this mansion before but I heard stories about it being huge, people tend to get lost. As soon as we entered the dining room, the dining table was well set and served with different food but it was only enough for seven people.

Seven people which meant us, including Alena's Mama.

Angelo stood by me, as a way of showing he could protect me.

"Have a seat, gentlemen." Mikhail said, as he sat down.

I watched as Mikhail and Alexei sat down, leaving the rest of us to stand. When they were seated, they turned to look at us, waiting for us to take our seats. I pulled out the chair for Alena and helped her before I took a seat of my own, gesturing for Luca and Angelo to do the same.

beside Mikhail. She couldn't keep her eyes away from her daughter and based on the look on her face, she was trying to hide her worries with

this

IL

and kept

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Chapter 81

of the dining

was safe with me. I couldn't read Mikhail's mind and I didn't know what he had planned for us

!

were trying hard

wife made all of this. I hope it's to

to taste your cooking again." Alexel said, smiling at his mother as she responded with a nod. I could see sincerity in his eyes when he complimented her mother's cooking and I knew he loved her, more than anything. "Please, Matteo... enjoy your dinner." My mo mother-in-law said. I had let go of Alena's hand and she went to take a few bites of her food. I couldn't keep my eyes off of her but

of this?" She

took a sip of his water, "Your husband called and said he wanted to come and discuss a few things. I thought it would be nice to enjoy dinner first, assuming we're all a family, he replied. "A family? Since when do you

see her stand up for herself and for me. She seemed like she had enough of the

I Knew "You know

know I never

really hated Matteo."

liked him

seat as he sighed, "Sit down and

have a master plan for everything. You want things to go your way because you hate it when you can't be in control. Matteo means well to come here and discuss things with you but I know you won't even consider them."

of listening to

Ou

like this, Alena. What happened? What happened to my baby girl?" Mikhail said, shaking his head. "You made me this way, Papa. You're selfish and you only care about your power. What happens to Ana when she comes back? Do you plan to marry her off as well? Do you stay awake at night and plan to ruin our lives? Do you She replied, looking at Mikhail before she turned to look at the rest of us. find

for your future. Do you think all of this was built on free will? Your family sacrificed a lot of things to achieve what we have "I never

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Chapter 81

You

before he tried

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I was about to grab Alexei's hand away, Alena was quicker. She had pulled her hand roughly as she took a few steps back, staring at her

and Luca followed to stand up after me as they watched us, waiting for our next move. Meanwhile, I only focused on my wife

Both