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

lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter with

Good job, Aria.

the right questions.

was an awkward silence, with the only sound being one of our metal forks. Not only was I

end

cut me off, and I haven’t spoken

Serena, and Christian shot

at juggling?” I spoke shyly, regretting my whole

slammed his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for the first

I looked at him and no words needed to

you for cleaning your own

was his

wanted to be a professional dancer-but I couldn’t pay for my education anymore and ended up… dancing

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

shared my secret, and it’s only fair

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

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

ask you something?”

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

“What’s your secret?”

mouth, laughing-Christian turned the other way, and Serena dropped her fork. rubbing

old flings and make her his assistant.”

over

Time? Got it.

lunch, Christian shared many stories about Vince’s childhood, admiring him

friend until no more words were 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.

of the woman I had attacked for no simple reason felt like a sin. Seeing how hard she tried to include me

wasn’t worthy of their

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

a few seconds.

couldn’t do this

my shoulder. Christian shot him a look,

say?” His stare

rightfully assuming there must’ve been something said about

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

need to protect yourself

zoned out, squinting his eyes as he stared at Vince. Looking back and forth between the two,

to me,