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

Chapter 372

“Eat as much as you can.” Christian spoke, sitting at the table. “Serena didn’t touch anything-so we’ll live.”

The three laughed, and I felt left out because I couldn’t understand the joke. Maybe this was karma for inviting myself to a lunch I wasn’t even invited to,

“I can’t cook. I can’t even boil an egg. It’s tragic.” Serena tapped my arm, explaining. “Christian made everything.”

“Everything?” I questioned, wondering how he even found the time. The table was filled with bread. pastries, meat, salad, and everything one could think of

“Yes, he baked the breath and everything. Serena praised her husband, rolling her eyes seductively. By the looks of it, Christian was someone who liked to get stuff done.

“What about all those maids?” My words came off as rude-a reminder to myself why I had to keep my

mouth shut.

“Personally, I think eating a homemade meal feels more sincere,” Christian explained, not feeling offended. “Do you cook, Aria?”

“Yes, I love cooking.” The first two days, I went full out to cook a nice dinner for Vince and Luis-but they didn’t seem to care. The two did whatever and returned home late, going their separate ways.

I was hesitant to confront him, but the streets were dangerous-he knew it as best, and someone as young as Luis shouldn’t be alone.

“She’s a great cook.” For once, Vince had something good to say about me.

“Do you hear that, Siena? Next time we’re eating at uncle Vince’s place.” Serena called out to the kids’ table, where Siena and Lucio were seated.

“Yes!” Siena cheered excitedly as the state of my restless mind was already in disaster, hoping it was nothing more than an innocent joke.

My family had yet to receive an invite because I didn’t want them to see me miserable. No one was allowed to come over and say, ‘I told you so.”

Not in my books.

“Have you already made her something, Vince?” Christian asked.

Shocked, I turned to Vince, smiling nervously as he had managed to escape from my eyes. Having someone you cared about cook a homemade meal was a big gesture, one I hadn’t received from my

parents.

“No, he hasn’t” I played with my fork, losing my appetite. I sensed Vince was a man who could be romantic if he wanted to-but I was not good enough to receive that treatment.

“At one point, he went to culinary school and said he would open his own restaurant.” Christian continued, not noticing Vince would rather have him change the subject.

“Oh-why didn’t you?” I questioned, trying to find out a bit more about my husband. “Did your dad not

allow it?”

covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his favorite

father….I wasn’t that lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter with

Good job, Aria.

always ask the

forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I

end

to cut me off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever since.” I tried

Christian shot

my whole existence. Why couldn’t I communicate like a normal

me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for the

him and no

for cleaning your own mess.

his

I couldn’t pay for my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena

to reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched his neck. “I don’t know

on.” Vince nagged. “You shared my secret, and it’s only fair for

hope my children don’t turn out like me, but Serena.”

not a secret. Everyone knows that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as all I could focus on was the

you

two of you seem to have a really good and healthy relationship,” I told

“What’s your secret?”

way,

someone hire one of Vince’s old flings and make her his assistant.” She broke down her tips. “That’ll do

it takes time.” Christian placed his hand over

Time? Got it.

Christian shared many stories about Vince’s childhood, admiring him for his good and

left while Vince

down, all I wanted was for him to treat me the same. I wanted him to accept me, and yes-I was done fighting for his heart, but that didn’t mean I didn’t

anymore.

me in every conversation, pulled out a few praises here and there, and smiled whenever she got the chance to ease the tension-made everything

worthy of

it with your brother, Beau, and said some things I shouldn’t have.” I

a few seconds.

this

a look, telling him to

you say?” His stare made

Serena jumped in, rightfully assuming there must’ve been something

The words slipped from my mouth. “And then I was like ‘who, me or your stripper sister?’ and then he looked like

that-don’t worry about it.” Serena shrugged her shoulders. “I guess you felt the need to protect

as he stared at Vince. Looking back and forth between the two, 1 could tell they were communicating in their own little

sorry?” Christian words were directed to me, but his