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.

One of Tiago’s friends spoke. I looked at a pair of blue-colored braces. “Yes, neither can I.” I

why I appreciated them. Instead of befriending the men from the other families. Tiago remained close with his high-school and college friends. Good

in our pairs. Elena made her way over with baby steps as she lowered her head, and all of her confidence had slowly disappeared. What was her issue?

think we’re supposed to be holding

her head to look at the pair in front of us, but she did not give me a reaction, forcing me to take action. I connected our hands and released a frustrated sigh as we

did I deserve to get treated this way, and why

finally ask her that one question. What was she

look on her face was enough to reconsider my decision, as I did not want her to throw a tantrum. Was she

I had gathered enough courage to call out her name, she turned around and walked away. “Wait, hold it!” Tiffany stopped

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 to me,

like a boomerang,

my shoulder. “Her name is Elena, and I don’t think

with Panther, and I wouldn’t wish that on her. Luckily

boomerang in the air, and it returns?” Panther laughed right before

not the one who

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 of Tiago and pushed Panther

keep an eye on

at least had the heart to gather all of us before the wedding, to give us instructions. It was one my nephew Cisco could have given us, but at least it was something.

thing I could think of was Tiago. Keep it together, Marvin, I repeated in my head. Tiago was my main priority and

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

feel at ease, and seeing the joy on his

shifted to Anya’s bridesmaids, but Elena was nowhere to be found. It was not that surprising as walking out was not something new to her. Where was

First, it was Eliana, then it was

sound of Victor’s voice, and I was in no mood to answer him. “Shouldn’t you be keeping an eye on Tiago?” Panther butted in. It was no secret that he couldn’t stand that man either, but I did have to admit that it was hilarious how the tables

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 would

be taking pictures with the family first?” Victor folded his arms. “Or are their

shot for each time this man claimed to be part of the family, I would’ve been at the

ungrateful toddler didn’t even ask me to be his

it that

put an end to it. Victor snickered suspiciously, unable to answer my question, and shrugged his shoulder. “You’re right, I should keep an eye on your

know how to ignore him.7 Panther concluded. It was difficult to ignore someone like Victor, and he probably knew that as one of the best.

turned to me as I frowned at my brother. It was still a habit of his

hug. “Marvin, I just got married.” Tiago patted my back. I pulled away and smiled at

guys are technically my brothers now-aren’t you?” Anya laughed. For some reason, she felt more at ease, now that she was officially a Castillo. She was a sweet girl,

head in approval as he looked at

me behind with Anya. “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 right.

security, didn’t he?” Anya commented, unaware of

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

that I don’t fit in-but