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

Chapter 358

Aria

“Because I need you more than I need her.”

I almost squealed, thinking about Vince’s reassuring words. That’s right-I had way more to offer than Serena ever could.

She was a useless stay-at-home mom while I was a hustler-a go-getter, the heir of my family who would actually be of value to him.

Helping daddy run our products had always been a fun activity, and I bet I could help Vince and his family the same way. They needed me

I smirked, posing in front of the mirror as I stared at my gold and white birthday gown. It was not the one 1 had initially wished for, but that didn’t matter. All that mattered was that it would only be a matter of time before Vince and I would announce our engagement.

Forget my birthday or the party-I already had tons of those. The only highlight of the day would be the look on everyone’s faces after learning of my engagement.

My boring day was filled with a special breakfast, lunch, and endless gifts, but now the sun had finally set. Now was when the real party would start, and I couldn’t wait for everyone to get here.

“Maybe I should’ve skipped breakfast and lunch. I held my belly. With a half-smile, I shrugged. “Meh, I still look hot. Hotter than Serena

Just one more look

I turned, admiring myself, and took a satisfied breath.

Let’s get it over with.

As I made my way to the ballroom, I noticed how all the maids were still busy with the preparations. Mom and dad were perfectionists and had never settled for anything less.

“Why would we hold back if we have enough money to spend Mom would often tell me, and she was right. What was the point of living a humble life if we didn’t have to?

At the end of the stairs stood mom, who was still busy giving instructions.

“Mommy!”

“Arial” She looked up. Everyone stopped what they were doing and focused on my dress.

“Look at my princess!” Mom opened her arms, ready to catch me as I ran down the stairs.

“Do you like it?” I grabbed her hands, hoping for another compliment. Looking good was nothing new to me, but the thing I desired the most were compliments.

“Yes, you look absolutely gorgeous.” Mom pushed me back to take a better look at me. The golden cocktail dress around her body, hugging her perfect curves, almost gave me a run for my money.

Mom clapped her hands. “You’re even starting to look like me!”

Like mother like daughter, this woman would never miss out on a free opportunity to compliment herself, and rightfully so.

“Where’s daddy?” I scanned the room. He had spent a lot of money to satisfy mom’s wishes, so I’m sure he would love to see the outcome.

“Ah, he was with Vince and his family.”

“Vince?” I widened my eyes. “Is he here already?”

“Yes, of course!”

Even though all the guests would arrive in ten minutes, Vince’s presence made me nervous. This time he was in my comfortable space, my home-and I wanted to leave a good impression.

dress, fixed my hair, faked a smile-just pretty much anything to look acceptable. Vince could walk through that door any minute, and I could not lose to that woman, I

were filled with his fake laughter. I had enough time to take one more breath and hold my

my beautiful muffin, Arial”

forced me into a bone-cracking hug. “Hi, daddy.” I patted his back, hoping for

space.

was Vince. His medium-long hair, which usually covered his ears, was slicked back to perfection, revealing his

that he was

Vince stood his uncle, who I hadn’t formally met, and

as I was about to step forward-Vince’s uncle blocked my sight by pushing himself in front of

Vince’s uncle,” Dad spoke.

you!” He gasped. “I know my cousin, Vince-still

threatened by

before moving my gaze to my

immature. He had a lot to learn, but that was

“Hey, Luis!”

head as I

look prettier than all these

I pouted my lips.

smart kid!” Dad laughed out loud while Bruno joined him.

his dog. I could tell that his words weren’t sincere, but

as he revealed his

“Bruno, how about I show you and Luis to your seats so that we can leave these two lovebirds alone?” He walked off with Bruno and Luis, leaving me alone with

me a polite smile. “Happy

I grinned, thinking about our future. He was a suck-up, but it was perfectly fine by me. At least he

he has an option, princess.”

again, that nickname.

stepped closer and closer as I held in a breath. Closer, closer. So close, I could feel

Calm down, Aria.

his large hand on my waist. I smiled, leaning into his touch, and stood on my tippy-toes so that I could

quickly as he had stepped forward and created some

space.

attracted

upset you?” I frowned nervously.

polite smile on his lips. “I just don’t know if I would be

didn’t I?

breathed, shocked by his compliment. There was definitely some sexual attraction between us, so it was not really a surprise that he wouldn’t

because you’re afraid of what might happen?” I spoke. “Because if that’s it, you

that won’t be necessary!” Vince shook his head. “I-I mean, we

“Right.”

that

my hand. “Come with

word, he led me to the balcony

going to push me off, are you?” Lasked

would I possibly get rid of you while you have yet to do anything to restore my

my ears. Had I not known any better. I would’ve thought he saw me as his enemy. Luckily that wasn’t the case because he

to marry me.

a box from his pockets with the other.

started to get an idea of what was about to happen. He

to me, but it was totally necessary. It was a standard for