His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika

Chapter 359

The party was in full swing. Many families were present, and as usual, they were all impressed with the party. What can I say? That was just the way the Morales’ wanted it.

Many claimed being the center of attention is not something to be proud of in this business, but dad disagreed. He wanted all the attention he could get, and rightfully so.

“It’s too bad the Marinos couldn’t make it.” Vince’s uncle, Bruno, spoke. “I’m sure this party would bring them to embarrassment.”

We were seated at the unique birthday table reserved for Vince’s family and mine. Anyone with a set of eyes could see that an announcement of our engagement would be the next step as the rumors had already spread.

“Oh, please.” Dad had a smug smile on his lips. “The Morales’ have a good relationship with the Marinos so let’s not talk about them today.”

I didn’t know much about the Marinos, other than the rumors about them taking over the Garcias’ rank after the late Fabio Garcia had single-handedly ruined his name.

I smiled brightly, staring at Vince-but his attention was not with me. He was staring at the table in from. of us, right at Serena-and he didn’t even try to hide it

A jealous feeling went through my veins as I watched how the gorgeous woman lit up the room with her innocent looks and sweet laughter. She conversed with the dress thief, Carmen, and Stella Alfonzo, who was so obsessed with her sister-in-law that she hadn’t even congratulated me appropriately.

I cleared my throat. “Vince, how do you like the party?”

“I have never seen anything like this before.” Vince’s answer sounded rehearsed. “The party reminds me of you.”

That was a compliment.

“Well, you better get used to it.” Dad leaned forward, eavesdropping on our conversation. “I expect the same for my grandchildren.”

“Daddy!”

“What? Just putting it out there.”“

Bruno and dad were in some kind of competition to see who could laugh louder while Vince slightly rolled his eyes. “Did you hear that, Luis?” I heard him ask his brother, but the only thing Luis had time for was his gaming device.

“I’m sorry. I’m sure my dad didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” I apologized almost immediately after noticing not a single chuckle left his mouth.

Vince ignored my apology and got up from his chair. “So Aria, have you met my best friend-Beau?” He pointed to a man at the bar.

I had heard some questionable things about him and knew he was Serena’s twin brother, but I was not interested in meeting him. I was only interested in Vince.

“No, not yet-

“Good, let’s go.” Vince pulled me from my chair, dragging me through the room to the bar. I didn’t question his intentions and felt grateful enough for getting the opportunity to hold his hand.

He smiled warmly and disconnected our hands to tap his friend on the shoulder. “Beau.”

The man turned around with a warm smile and pulled Vince in his embrace. “What’s up.” He spoke, ignoring my presence. “What can I do for you?”

Vince shook his head. “Nothing.” He chuckled. I just wanted to introduce you to the birthday girl?”

Bonus

“Your fiancee?” Beau released a fake gasp, looking at me as if he wasn’t aware of my presence. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. “Nice to meet you, your highness.”

I pulled back my hand as the two burst out laughing, realizing they were mocking me. The mischief in Beau’s eyes left a bigger impression than his handsome looks. I didn’t like him, he didn’t like me and was out to be a red flag in this relationship.

“What? I thought you said she’s a princess.” He squinted his eyes, inspecting the tiniest detalls on my face. “So what does it feel like, ordering everyone around?”

“I’m sorry, what?”

Vince smacked his friend and slammed his arm around his shoulder. “Don’t listen to him. He’s not serious. He held him in a slight chokehold.

“Ah.” I frowned, wondering if it was some kind inside joke of theirs.

I disliked Serena because she seemed like a genuinely good person, but I could already tell I would dislike this man for getting in my way. Had I not known any better, I would’ve said his dress-thief sister was his twin instead.

“Anyway, I’ll just step out for a second because I’m sure the two of you have much to talk about.” Vince laughed awkwardly. “I’ll pick her up later!” He walked off, leaving me alone with his friend.

“Vince, come on!” Beau called out. “She’s not a sack of potatoes.”

“Oh, thank you.” I blurted, thinking he might not be that stupid after all.

Beau raised his hand to shut me up. “Just pick her up before curfew!” He yelled at Vince, who was already out of sight

“Oh. I forgot you turned twenty-one today.” He let out a fake gasp. “My bad.”

He was really starting to get on my nerves. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

“What’s with the face? I’m just playing with you.” He nudged my shoulder. “It was just a joke.”

“I know that, and there’s nothing with my face,” I smiled, trying to stay polite. I was really trying to be friendly and didn’t come here to be a bitch, but he was really pushing it.

“So, how do you know Vince again?” I wondered.

“How did the two of you become friends?”

Beau leaned against the bar. “I used to work for him and his family.”

“And now you work for the Lambertis.” I sighed.

“At Christian’s side.”

“I see someone did their research.”

“So, did you and Vince have a falling out after his dad wanted you and your sister dead?”

Beau chuckled. “Nice theory, but no.” He looked offended. “I’m just working for my sister’s husband, that’s

all.

To put it another way, he was disloyal and wasn’t needed in Vince’s life.

“So rather than working for your own family, who’s almost just as influential as the Lambertis, or working for Vince, who you claim is your best friend and could really use the help-you work for your sister’s husband”

“It’s not like that-”

“Interesting.” I raised my hand, stopping him the exact way he had done to me earlier. “You should really think about your actions.”

“Says who?”

“Me,” I stated. “And I heard you just got out of a bad relationship and only see your children whenever you feel like it,” I added fuel to the fire as I was on a roll. “I can already tell you’ll be a bad influence to my Vince.

The playfulness in Beau’s eyes had vanished. All I could see was anger and that’s when I knew I had him right where I wanted him to be,

Aria Morales would not crumble, not under any circumstances, and would bring up someone’s lowest point to ruin their day.

“You shouldn’t believe everything people say without hearing someone else’s side of the story. Beau tried defending his actions.

“Well, your children are across the room, and you haven’t walked up to them once-so I don’t think people are lying.” I shrugged, looking at the Salas-specifically the woman who had not stopped staring at us since we’d started talking-

“I didn’t want to disrespect your family or ruin your birthday by arguing, so…” Beau blinked. “I’m sorry, have I done something to you for you to bring my personal life into this?”

Yes, starting by making fun of me.

“I can sense a bad presence from a distance, and I don’t know if I want you around Vince.”

Beau nodded. “That’s funny. I feel the same about you

“Well.” I began. “I was thinking about cleaning Vince’s circle anyway, and now I know exactly where to

start.”

Beau stepped forward, almost as if he was threatening me, and wrapped his hand around my wrist.

It wasn’t a strong grip. It was soft and gentle, but the look in his eyes was the opposite.

“I think you should let me go.” I whispered, trying not to make a scene. It was inappropriate for my fiance’s friend to treat me this way. “People are watching.”

“Listen, little girl.” Beau looked in my eyes, making sure I got in every word. “I don’t know how things used to go wherever the hell you came from, and you might be of value to Vince-but not to me.” He said. “I don’t care who you are, who you will be, or who your dad is. I won’t let you talk to me like that.”

Not many people dared going against me, but apparently these families came as bold as they could be and did not care for our status. They were all a bunch of disrespectful pigs.

“I really need you to step back, or I’ll tell Vince-”

“Tell him what?” Beau chortled. “Vince doesn’t give a flying fuck about you or your feelings.” He said. “We had a long and good talk about you yesterday.”

I felt my heart shatter, but I held my own-not showing any despair. “And what did he say?”

“He said he hates your guts. You’re disrespecting his family, trying to parent him.” Beau spat out. “He called you a nuisance.”

Bullshit.

That’s not true.

Vince would never

“Who, me or your stripper sister?”

It was silent for a second, and believe it or not. I felt guilty for being so low as to bring down another woman-but he asked for it.

Shocked, Beau released my wrist and stepped back as if he had just faced a demon.

“I’m pretty sure he meant you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“That’s fine, keep living in denial.” Beau said. I had expected him to defend his sister, but he didn’t. I mean -she was a stripper at one point. How could one defend the truth?

“Do you want to know what happened after that?”

“No, not really-”

“We went to the club, got wasted, talked about you some more-and then we went back home with three girls. Beau went into deep thoughts. “Or four, five? I can’t remember.”

“Disgusting

He was lying. Vince was known to be a well-behaved gentleman and wouldn’t do that. I was sure of it.

“And you know what I said?” Beau didn’t stop talking. “Hey Vince, maybe you should knock it off. Even though she forced you to marry her, this isn’t fair towards your fiancee.”

“And do you want to know what he said?” He ignored my plead. “This is how it’s going to be, and since she’s the one who trapped me into marrying her-she’ll just have to deal with it.”

My shoulders dropped. I wanted to believe that this was all a misunderstanding and that Vince didn’t say any of these words, but what would Beau get out of lying?

“I’m sorry.” Beau snarled. “I really didn’t want to ruin your birthday or throw Vince under the bus, but you’re attacking the wrong person.” There was a hint of pity in his voice. “You can attack me all you want. but don’t ever talk about my sister again.”

I didn’t know it was possible, but tears pricked my eyes as I was on the verge of breaking down. I was aware of Vince’s feelings towards Serena, but I was unaware of him hating me that much.

He pretended to like me all this time, but he hated me. He felt as if I had trapped him into marrying me while that was not the case. I was doing both of us a favor. I could get any man I wanted, but I chose him.

I blinked, trying to hide my tears, and looked anywhere but Beau’s direction. Why was he still in front of met

“Hey guys, everything okay here?” I heard someone ask.

I quickly wiped my tear and turned around with a fake smile on my lips. It was the same fake smile I had been carrying for ages, and somehow everyone fell for it.

In front of me stood Christian Lamberti.

Many said the Lambertis did not attend many parties and that one should be grateful to be in their

presence.

Despite there being rumors of him not keeping his word and not being trustworthy in the past, the other families praised them like walking gods.

“Yes, Aria and I were just talking.” Beau changed his tone. The level of respect sounded completely different, showing he did not take me seriously. Just like Christian, I was also an important key to my family.

Was it because he thought I wasn’t worthy of his respect or was it because he wouldn’t bow down to a woman?

Beau sighed. “Aria, why don’t you tell Christian what you said about my sister?” He beckoned.