His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 279

Marvin

I could see her staring at me from the corner of my eye, but I kept my look fixated on Tiago as the tears were rolling down his cheeks.

Given a chance, I would’ve rushed over to my brother’s side to wipe away his tears-even if they were tears of joy. I could not stand the sight of his tears, and it almost brought me back to the moment I went to prison. The moment I told him, he could not rely on me anymore.

Elena’s presence came as a surprise. After hearing my original partner could not make it, I didn’t make much out of it, but I was not prepared for this. Was she Anya’s acquaintance?

Seeing Elena felt like a dream, but she thought otherwise because it only took her a second to run off. I was okay with that because I had other things on my mind-such as the threat from the Hernandez.

Growing up the way I did, there was one rule which stuck by me, and that was to remain focused. I could not get distracted, and not even by someone as breathtakingly beautiful as Elena.

I did had to admit, it was easier said than done.

Something which started as a friendship had quickly changed into more for me, but for some reason, she did not feel the same. I was a man with a lot of pride, who wasn’t going to sulk about a woman, and I did not want to go back to prison for harassment, so holding her hand as we walked down the aisle felt like a

sin.

There was only one thing I needed to know, and that was what the hell she was doing here. Could she have played me?

My thoughts got interrupted by Anya, who took her last step down the aisle. She turned her head and showed me a bright smile while I gave her a nod in return. Forget Elena, there was only one thing on my mind, and that was to protect Tiago. But could I really forget her?

My dad had doubled the security-but we were still on the lookout. Anything suspicious could danger my brother’s life, and I was not going to let it happen. I would make sure this day went by smoothly, and I would protect him, even if I had to sacrifice my life for it.

Eventually. Anya was the one to wipe away Tiago’s tears and tilted her head as she looked at the love of her life. “You look beautiful,” Tiago whispered. The same Tiago who couldn’t even look our dad in the eye, or any woman for that matter-was getting married.

This was the reason why I sacrificed my freedom. I did it so he could take his time as he grew into a strong person and build his life.

Tiago wasn’t like me. He wasn’t a devil in disguise, and he was not a cold-blooded killer. He was a good man who had once made an unfortunate mistake because of family pressure. He couldn’t throw a proper punch, he couldn’t aim a gun, he did not like confrontations, and some would even say he was unfit to be part of this family.

I was supposed to be paying attention to the ceremony, but every now and then, my gaze would switch to Elena. She was staring at me, so why couldn’t I stare at her?

The side of her plump lips trembled as she blinked at me with her dark brown eyes. She didn’t utter a word, but there was no need for that-because I could see right through her.

“Why aren’t you talking to me?”

I bet those were the words she was dying to say, but she knew she didn’t have the right to, not after walking out on me.

Elena was what Mario Castillo would call a dangerous woman. Someone hungry for attention who hid behind her faux personality. I liked danger. I liked challenges, and Elena was a challenge.

After a long ceremony filled with countless traditions, tearful vows, Anya’s addictive laughter, and the guest’s cheers, it was time to take our leave.

friends spoke. I looked at a pair of blue-colored braces. “Yes, neither can I.” I smiled

of befriending the men from the other

Anya walked at the front while we followed them in our pairs. Elena made her way over with baby steps as she lowered

be holding hands,

me a reaction, forcing me to take action. I connected our hands and released a frustrated sigh as we walked down the aisle. In comparison to mine, her hands

did I deserve to get treated this way, and why

desperate to exit the ceremony hall, so I could finally

hall before she released her hand from mine and stepped back. The frightened look on her face was enough to reconsider my decision, as I did not want her to throw a tantrum. Was she afraid of me,

enough courage to call out her name, she turned around and walked away. “Wait, hold

pulled her arm. “Come on. We have to go outside!” Elena pulled a weird face and followed Tiffany, while I could only smile at her unique personality. She seemed so innocent, carefree, and bright, which made me wonder what I might’ve done to upset her. I didn’t know what was happening

girl is like a boomerang,

Panther slammed his arm around my shoulder. “Her name is Elena, and I don’t think

would’ve been if I was not back home for the wedding. That would’ve meant that Elena had to deal with Panther, and I wouldn’t wish that on her. Luckily I was back in time and could free Panther from the

and it returns?” Panther laughed right before he pulled me into an aggressive hug. “Did

one

flustered by his unnecessary comment and scanned the room to look for Elena, but she was nowhere to be found, meaning Tiffany must’ve dragged her outside for the pictures. I panicked for a split second as I realized I had also lost sight

an eye on Tiago!”

of us before the wedding, to give us instructions. It was one my nephew Cisco

cackled. I didn’t have the time or energy to correct him as the only thing I could think of was Tiago. Keep it together, Marvin, I repeated in my head. Tiago was my main priority and not some woman who couldn’t even give

and they’re taking pictures-no big deal!” Panther reassured me as we made our way outside. I smiled as

Anya by his side made me feel at ease, and seeing the joy on his face made me feel whole.

to be found. It was not that surprising as walking out was not something new to her.

it was Eliana, then it was boomerang, and now it was Cinderella. This man just wouldn’t stop.

be keeping an eye on Tiago?” Panther butted in. It was no secret that he couldn’t stand

so for several years now.” Victor pointed out. I could tell that his comment was directed towards me, but I was prepared to let it rest. Nothing

family first?” Victor folded his arms. “Or are their friends more important than their families?”

to take a shot for each time this man claimed to be part of the family, I would’ve been at the hospital by now. One day I was going to tell him the truth,

didn’t even ask me to be his groomsman,

exactly is it that you’ve done for him?”

to handle, but this was where I would put an end to it. Victor snickered suspiciously, unable to answer my

him get under your skin because you don’t know how to ignore him.7 Panther concluded. It was difficult to ignore someone like Victor, and

name. All heads turned to me as I frowned at my brother. It was still a habit of his to embarrass me, “Marvin, Panther-come here!

We walked to Tiago and Anya, who wasted no time pulling us into a tight hug. “Marvin, I just got married.”

For some reason, she felt more at ease, now that she was officially a Castillo. She was

complimented her. Panther nodded his head in approval as he looked at Anya. “You look better than Tiago,

“He’s still like a little kid. He hasn’t changed a bit.” Anya giggled. I watched as Panther ruffled his hand through Tiago’s hair. “You’re

your dad went all out with the security, didn’t he?” Anya

turned to Anya and quickly changed the subject. “I want to thank you for choosing my brother and for choosing to be part

that I don’t fit in-but I’ll