Let Me Go, My Mafia Husband by Paga Slayer

Chapter 478 Rejecting A Playboy

Ryder's

POV.

At 9:00 a.m. on a lazy Sunday morning, my peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by the incessant ringing of my phone. I groggily reached for it, wondering who could possibly be disturbing me at this ungodly hour. To my delight, Bella stirred in my arms, her tiny meows adding a touch of charm to the waking chaos.

I carefully placed Bella on the pillow, ensuring her continued comfort, before reluctantly sitting up to answer the call. The screen displayed my mother's face, which meant it was likely to be something important. I swiped the answer button and, slipping my feet into slippers, made my way to the balcony, hoping to maintain some tranquility around Bella's sleeping form.

"Hey mum! What's up? Why did you have to call so early on a Sunday morning?" I questioned, attempting to sound both concerned and slightly annoyed.

"Ryder, I've sent some pictures of the daughters from reputable families to your number. Take a look and choose one of them. I'll set up a date for you," she commanded, her tone brooking no argument.

I sighed internally, not wanting to be part of any matchmaking endeavors. "Mum, I really don't want to meet any girl, and you know that," I protested, hoping she would understand my reluctance.

Her response was one of surprise and concern. "Are you alright, Ryder?

Refusing to meet a girl? What's gotten into you? This isn't just an ordinary date. I want you to choose a girl and get married. You're turning 29, and it's

time for you to settle down and start a family," she insisted, her determination evident in her voice.

"Mum, come on. I'm still too young to get married," I argued, trying to reason with her.

She played her trump card, appealing to my emotions. "Oh no, son. I'm getting older, and I want to see you settled down before time slips away. Please, consider my feelings," she pleaded, making it harder for me to resist. "Mum! Now you're emotionally blackmailing me," I retorted, a mix of exasperation and affection in my tone.

sigh as I pondered my predicament. As much as I wanted to believe in a future with Bella, our relationship felt uncertain, and I knew she wasn't ready to take it

out where we stood and what

the bathroom with a bright smile that momentarily eased the tension in my heart. "Good morning, Ryder!" she greeted me, and I couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her forehead affectionately. "Morning, baby girl," I replied tenderly, grateful

got the better of her, and she inquired about the phone call. "Who was that?"

my mom calling this morning," I disclosed, trying to keep

could see her trying to read my face. "Is everything alright?" she

revealed the reason for my mother's call, "Yeah, my mom wanted me to meet some girls." I observed Bella's reaction closely, hoping for some indication

countenance became blank and unreadable. Her eyes, usually so

the topic was

want to ask me why my mum wanted me to meet those girls?" I yearned

I mean, it's between you and your mum," she replied nonchalantly, her words cutting through me like ice. "Who am I to interfere? That's your life, and you are free to live it as you

"Do you really not care if my mother wants me to marry a girl of her choice? It doesn't bother you," I asked, my voice trembling

response shocked me, as she remained calm and matter-of-fact. "Why should it bother me? We

married, and your family wants it too," she stated, causing my frustration

and vulnerability, I

want to settle down with you," I confessed shamelessly, my heart laid bare before her. I knew

the chance. I was willing to

was not

a heavy blow. "Are you mad? Ryder, I am still in school want to complete my studies want to make my career first. Ioan't think about settling down in my teenage years. It would be better if you listen to your family

I was at a loss for words, my heart aching with the realization that our paths

you know that?" I asked, trying to gauge her emotions. She nodded, confirming my worst

to understand just how much she

from the heart. It's obvious that we can't continue this relationship after marriage," she said sternly. Her response was like a knife