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

Chapter 363

Aria

When I expressed my feelings of wanting to get married, I had not expected to sit back and watch without being allowed to do a single thing.

I trusted mom, always have-but watching her plan my dream wedding, choose my dream dress, and so much more while I could only sit back and watch tiring-

Not wanting to waste my day, I focused on the business which would soon be mine. Today was collector day.

A day where we would go through some of the small local businesses we had funded to collect our money.

We hadn’t been in the city for long, but we had been investing in some businesses for quite some time.

“And that is why you don’t send out men to take care of your issues.” Dad ranted as we were walking to our first target. “Seeing the big boss in person scares them, and that’s what we want. We don’t even want them to think about screwing us over.”

I typed all of his words on my phone. “Yes, daddy.”

If there were one thing I was serious about, it would be the fortune and the well-being of our family. I wasn’t even ashamed to admit that not being the center of attention in this city was a blow to my ego.

Still, Christian was someone I respected, and | appreciated his way of working. There could only be one winner, and as long as it was him- I had no issues with it.

“So I just ask for the money?” I asked. Dad twitched his nose, shaking his head. “No, absolutely not.”

“Then what?”

“You stand back with your arms folded while the guys take care of it-and only if they refuse to pay, it’s time to take your stage.

“Got it.”

Dad patted my head. “Make sure you do because a few days from now, all of this will be yours.”

Taking over the Morales’ sooner than expected was not what I had in mind as I had planned on spending some time as Vince’s wife-but the Garcias could do with some cleaning, so maybe it was a good thing.

From what I’d heard-their business was an unorganized mess. Commoners walked over them, didn’t pay their debts, and raised their voices at them. They were too soft.

Leading the family could also serve as a way for Vince to respect me. Despite everything, I had not forgotten about Beau’s words, and the thought of Vince disliking me had not left my mind.

Even then, I was still in love with him, and I still believed he would make a great husband.

Deep down, I knew he didn’t mean anything he said. Pince wasn’t like that.

“Pay attention!” Dad whispered, waking me from my thoughts.

“I’m here to pick up a special delivery!” One of the four men we were with announced as we entered a

small bakery. Flustered, I looked back only to see dad had stayed behind.

I scanned the empty bakery and stood at the back as the Morales’ men stepped forward.

with a guilty smile on his lips, and I grabbed my notebook to search for his

Took a loan of

t-t-thing is-“Joe brushed his hand through his thin brown

ten-thousand.” I read out loud, frowning. “You don’t have it?”

cleared my throat, surprised as Joe pulled a disgusted face. “Stay out of it, little

and it never did. I was prepared for this and knew I had to earn my

but you have a wife and two daughters.” I squinted, reading through the notes. “Livia, 24-Paloma, 22-Anastasia, 18-Clara,

stuttered, losing his balance. This man had ten

finish.

Morales.” I closed my notebook with a thin smile. I’m in charge now.” Joe’s jaw dropped at my

or should I find another way to make

an envelope before pushing it into my hands. “It’s here!” He said. “All

the money was in there.

have a choice.” Joe stressed. “How am I supposed to pay my taxes? My oldest daughter’s husband passed away. We need the money for our

do not care.” I didn’t give Joe a chance to explain himself as it would only be a waste of time. What did his problems have to do with our business? “As long as you haven’t paid off your debt, I couldn’t care

quiet for a few seconds until Joe bowed slightly. “I-I’m sorry!”

not waste each other time, and please just give me the money the next time.” I shrugged off his

next week, we’ll be merging with the Garcias so you might

does that mean for us?” Joe asked.

send my husband, Vincenzo Garcia, to collect the cash. I made

his body. That name strongly affected many people in this city, this neighborhood specifically-so why not use it to scare

chuckled. “Come on,

a wide grin and kissed my head. “My daughter.” He overreacted, as always. “Because of this one right here—I know the business will be in good hands,”

rushing inside the bakery, and my thoughts went back to Vince. Becoming a mother

side so I could see him. He shot me a

walked behind the two, and that’s how it

collected, and everything went well-but I had yet to receive any information about

in the car on our way back home. Before dad could answer, the guy removed his cap, showing me his chocolate

of Nico Marino. He introduced himself, sitting beside me in the back. I’m older than

Like I cared

the so-called main branch. He was just

be with his family?” I turned away from Angelo’s honey eyes and focused on

you for

Marinos and the Garcias were not on good terms, so if this were his way of keeping Vince in check

looked Angelo up and down, giving him a dirty look. One wrong word about Vince, and I would kill him.

my worries. “He’ll be a good friend, advisor, and mentor

I do not share the same views as my family.” Angelo

of protecting me from future threats-so be it.

each other, but I would never

of the family, I did what got expected of me and stuck out my hand to the guy who I already could tell was going

nice to

would my wedding dress

Vince’s reaction

my head as I rested on my bed, waiting for the time to pass. Not having anyone to hang out with was a pity, but at the same time, that wasn’t my fault. These people in this