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.

fixed my hair, faked a smile-just pretty much anything to look acceptable. Vince could walk through that door any minute, and I could

voice as the halls were filled with his fake laughter. I had enough time to take one more breath and hold my tummy before the doors opened, revealing

is my beautiful muffin, Arial”

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

space.

hair, which usually covered his ears, was

showed that he was a good listener and obeyed my wishes.

to Vince stood his uncle, who I hadn’t formally

about to step forward-Vince’s uncle

uncle,” Dad spoke.

a lot about you!” He gasped. “I know my cousin, Vince-still has a lot to learn, but

by

spoke politely before moving my gaze to my second target.

lot to learn, but

“Hey, Luis!”

head as I was unfortunately not interesting enough to gain his

prettier than all these

I pouted my

out loud while Bruno joined him.

uncle brushed his hand over Luis’ head like an owner would do to his dog. I could tell that his words weren’t

throat as he

so that we can leave these two lovebirds alone?”

a polite

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

an option, princess.” Vince

was again, that

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

Calm down, Aria.

don’t think any of us have a choice. Vince rested his large hand on my waist. I smiled, leaning into his touch, and stood on my tippy-toes so that I could push

Vince stepped back as quickly as

space.

not attracted to me? Impossible.

done something to upset you?” I frowned

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 a goddess.

didn’t

There was definitely some sexual attraction between us, so it was not really a surprise that he wouldn’t be able

happen?” I spoke. “Because if that’s it, you don’t

“I-I mean, we wouldn’t want

“Right.”

guess that made sense.

grabbed my hand.

led

to push me off, are you?” Lasked playfully.

laugh. “What?” He frowned. “Why would I possibly get rid of you while you have yet to do anything to restore my

any better. I would’ve thought he

to marry me.

my hand and pulled out a box from his pockets with the

of what was about

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