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?”

was a small detail that 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. He was the one avoiding

wasn’t that lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter

Good job, Aria.

ask the right

our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I had

end

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

and Christian shot me strange

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

burst into sudden laughter made me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me

at me, I looked at him and no

you for cleaning your own mess.

was his message.

dancer-but I couldn’t pay for my education anymore and ended

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

and it’s only fair for you to

don’t turn out like me, but Serena.” He kissed her cheek, making her blush.

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

ask you something?” I asked.

seem to have a really good and healthy relationship,” I

“What’s your secret?”

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

pregnant, search for an enemy, let someone hire one of Vince’s old flings and make

over Serena’s mouth, grabbing all

Time? Got it.

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

left while Vince remained humble

these stories, but deep down, all I wanted was for him to treat me the same. I wanted him

anymore.

no simple reason felt like a sin. Seeing how hard she tried to include me in every conversation, pulled out

of

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

a few seconds.

this any

shot him a look, telling him to

you say?” His stare made my heart

in, rightfully assuming

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

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

his eyes as he stared at Vince. Looking back and forth between the two, 1 could tell they were

sorry?” Christian words were directed to me,