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.

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

a distance, I could already hear daddy’s voice as the halls were filled with his fake laughter. I had enough

my

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

space.

usually covered his ears, was slicked back to perfection, revealing

that he was a good listener and obeyed my

uncle, who

was about to

Vince’s uncle,”

gasped. “I know my cousin, Vince-still has

really accepted me or felt threatened by Oscar Morales? I didn’t know, and I

politely before moving my

had a lot to learn, but that was

“Hey, Luis!”

evening and happy birthday, Aria.” Luis lowered his head as I was unfortunately not

you look prettier than all these

pouted my

Dad laughed out loud while Bruno joined him.

his hand over Luis’ head like an owner would do to his dog. I could

throat as

can leave these two lovebirds alone?” He walked off with Bruno and Luis, leaving me alone with

me a polite smile.

uncle.” I grinned, thinking about our future. He was a suck-up, but

has an option,

again, that nickname.

a breath. Closer, closer. So close, I could feel his soft

Calm down, Aria.

smiled, leaning into his

actions. Vince stepped back as quickly as he had stepped forward

space.

he not attracted to me? Impossible.

I done something to upset

his lips. “I just don’t know if I would be able to control myself with you standing so close to me.” He said. “I mean, you look like

didn’t I?

his compliment. There was definitely some sexual attraction between us, so it was not really a surprise that he wouldn’t be able to control himself.

step back because you’re afraid of what might happen?” I spoke. “Because if that’s it, you don’t have to worry about it. We can skip the party, go

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

“Right.”

that made sense.

hand. “Come with me.”

another word, he led me to

“You’re not going to push me off, are

frowned. “Why would I possibly get rid of you while you have yet to do anything to restore my family’s honor?”

my ears. Had I not known any better. I would’ve thought he saw me

to marry me.

my hand and pulled out a box from his pockets

as I started to get an idea of what was about to

of a ring hadn’t even occurred to me, but it was totally necessary. It was a standard