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 color, and I was not the problem here. He was the one

replaced his nervous laughter with a

Good job, Aria.

always ask the

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

could not end

me off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever

shot me strange looks.

spoke shyly, regretting my whole existence.

made me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and circled my

at him and no

for cleaning your own mess.

was his message.

education anymore and

reveal his secret.

“You shared my secret, and it’s

out like me, but Serena.” He kissed her cheek, making her

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

I ask you something?” I

of you seem to have a really good and healthy

“What’s your secret?”

the other way, and Serena

old flings and make

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

Time? Got it.

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

left while Vince

hear these stories, but deep 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

anymore.

sin. Seeing how hard she tried to include me in every conversation, pulled out a few praises here and there, and smiled whenever

of their kindness.

and said some things I shouldn’t have.” I gulped,

a few seconds.

couldn’t do this any longer.

him a look, telling him to

you say?” His stare

in, rightfully assuming there must’ve been something

I was like ‘who, me or your

Serena shrugged her shoulders. “I guess you felt the need to protect yourself because you don’t like

forth between the two, 1 could tell they were communicating in their

Christian words were directed to