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?”

could’ve been covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his favorite color, and I was not the problem here.

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

Good job, Aria.

the right

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

end like

me off, and I haven’t spoken about

shot me

juggling?” I spoke shyly, regretting my whole existence. Why couldn’t

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

looked at me, I looked at him and no words

you for cleaning

was his

wanted to be a professional dancer-but I couldn’t pay for my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena laughed, referring to the strip club.

to Christian, waiting for him to reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched his neck. “I don’t know anything else.”

“You shared my secret, and it’s

my children don’t turn out like

a secret. Everyone knows that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as all I could focus on was the

you something?”

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

“What’s your secret?”

other way, and

of Vince’s old flings

time.” Christian placed his hand over Serena’s mouth, grabbing

Time? Got it.

childhood, admiring him

left while

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 his

anymore.

of the woman I had attacked for no simple 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

of

Beau, and said some things I shouldn’t have.” I gulped, closing my eyes for

a few seconds.

couldn’t do this any longer.

nudged my shoulder. Christian shot him a look, telling him

you say?” His stare made my heart

what did you call me?” Serena jumped in, rightfully

I was like ‘who, me or

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

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

words were directed to me, but his eyes