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?”

I didn’t even know his favorite

wasn’t that lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter with a weak smile.

Good job, Aria.

ask the right questions.

with the only sound being one of our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but

end like

dad threatened to cut me off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever

Serena, and Christian shot me

shyly, regretting my whole existence. Why couldn’t I communicate like a

burst into sudden laughter made me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for the first time showing sincere affection.

him and no words needed to be spoken.

you for cleaning your own

his message.

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

reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched his

“You shared my secret, and

turn out like me,

secret. Everyone knows that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as all

I ask you

really good and

“What’s your secret?”

laughing-Christian turned the other way, and Serena dropped

hire one of Vince’s old flings

over Serena’s mouth, grabbing all of our attention.

Time? Got it.

shared many stories about Vince’s childhood, admiring

until no more words were left while Vince remained humble

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 like him

anymore.

reason felt like a sin. Seeing how hard she tried to include me in every conversation, pulled out a few praises here and there, and smiled whenever she got the chance to ease

wasn’t worthy of their kindness.

with your brother, Beau, and said some

a few seconds.

couldn’t do this any longer.

Christian shot him a look, telling him

say?” His stare made my

jumped in, rightfully assuming there must’ve been something

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

guess you felt the need to protect yourself because you don’t like the idea of me being around

Vince. Looking back and forth between the two, 1 could tell they

feel sorry?” Christian words were directed to me,