Chapter 63
Alessandro isn’t just Dante’s father, he’s the current Don of the Romano family. In the Mafia world, business deals are everything. Loyalty, power, and alliances depend on them. Dante has never failed before. He’s muhless, cunning, and always in control. But this time, he messed up a big deal.
And Hara knew it was because of her.
Dante got caught up in the chase, protecting her. He chose her over business. He bled for her, risked everything for her. And now, it wasn’t just a bullet wound marking his body; his legacy, his reputation, his future were on the line.
A mistake like this could make enemies think he’s weak. In the Mafia, failure isn’t forgiven easily.
Elara’s stomach twisted painfully
For the first time, she truly realized the weight of what Dante had done for her. Guilt sank its claws into her chest, making it hard to breathe.
She lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping the fabric of her dress so tightly her knuckles turned white. The elegant poppy corset gown suddenly felt too tight, suffocating her.
She had never heard her father–in–law speak to Dante like this before, with disappointment.
The Romano family had treated her as their own from the beginning. Isabella had mothered her, Alessandro had never made her feel like an outsider, and Bell and Nero had always reminded her of her brother, they had always been playful around her like siblings
And now, because of her, Dante had to face this,
She stole a glance at him, but Dante’s expression was unreadable. He sat there, his fingers lazily drumming against the side of his glass, his jaw locked. But she could feel the tension radiating from him.
He didn’t regret protecting her. She knew that much. But that didn’t mean it didn’t cost him,
Her throat went dry.
Was i worth in
Just as she felt panic begin to claw at her, she felt it, his touch. Dante’s hand found hers beneath the table. His fingers interweave in hers. And then, slowly, his thumb began to move, stocking lazy circles on the back of her hand.
I felt confortable. She felt warm in her heart.
“Stop. No business talk at my table. Shut your mouths, all of you, and cat,” Isabella snapped, her sharp glare moving between her husband and
eidest son
Alessandro met her gaze for a moment, but then, without a word, he looked down at his plate and began eating in silence.
Danic followed suit, stabbing has fork into his food with a little too much force.
Tubella, satished, turned her attention to Flara, here
expression softening instantly. “Elara, dear, are you feeling alright now? I hope you’re better. I haven’t had the time to spend with you these past days because of my fashion show, but now that you’ll be staying with me for a while, 1 have so much to share with you.”
She reached out, stroking my check with motierly warmth.
I linked How was this woman even related to my ruthless, possessive, infuriating husband? How could someone this kind and elegant have raised
“I’m fine, Mother, I said, offering her a genuine smile. “And I’d love to speinl time with you.”
Jubella beamed. “Good Then it’s sented.”
The moment was pained when I felt Dante’s hand slide ongo my thigh. My entire body temed.
Lahot Dante a sharp glare, but he only smirked, feigning innocence as he casually chewed his food. He shrugged one shoulder lazily, his expression unreadable. But what irritated me more was that he didn’t move his hand
I narrowed my eyes at him, my grip tightening around my fork. Oh, so we’re playing this game now?
Slowly, I leaned in, keeping my voice low enough that only he could hear. “Move it, marito, before I stab it with fork
1/3
。
Chapter 63
Dante looked slightly surprised, but then his smirk deepened, his fingers pressing ever so slightly against my thigh. “Go ahead, tesoro,” he murmured, “I like it when you get rough”
Damn him
Just then, the heavy oak doors swing open. The house butler stepped inside first “Ms. Sitara is here to see Mr. and Mrs. Romano.”
Elara turned to the door in confusion. Sitara? The women who accompanied Dante to the party?
She was tall and graceful, draped in a flowing emerald silk dress that shimmered under the light. Her dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and a smooth, practiced smile rested on her lips.
Every step she took was steady and deliberate, like she was meant to be there.
Elara glanced at Dante, who was calmly finishing his food with one hand while his other hand was still stroking her thighs.
Sitara’s gaze swept across the room, landing first on Isabella. Her smile widened. “Mother bella,” she said smoothly, her voice dripping with warmth. “It’s been too long
Isabella rose gracefully from her seat, a genuine smile lighting up her face. “Sitara, darling! I was wondering when you came back.” She moved toward her, embracing her with motherly affection. “Come, sit Join us for dinner.”
lling away.
kitara returned the embrace, lingering just a moment longer before pulling
“I came back two days ago for some business,” she said with a soft smile. “I had to see you. It’s been ages. And you know you and Father Alexandro are the only family I have here.”
Alessandro didn’t move.
Scated at the head of the table, his expression remained unreadable. When Sitara turned to him, tilting her head slightly in greeting, he didn’t return her smile.
He simply hummed, then stood up.
I’m done. Dante, meet me in my office after breakfast,” he ordered before walking away.
Satara’s lips twitched. That was the coldest acknowledgment she had ever received from Alessandro. Her brow creased for a second before she quickly masked it
He must know what happened at the party, she thought
Still, she recovered swiftly, shifting her attention to the two figures seated at the opposite end of the table.
And then, she froze.
Shock flickered across her face. She never expected to see them here.
Her gaze locked onto Dante. For a fraction of a second, something unreadable crossed hek face- disbelief? Frustration? Maybe even disappointmenti
But then, just as quickly, it vanished.
She forced a smile, her eyes/flicking to Elara.
“Danie,” sie greeted smoothly. Then, after a slight pause, slie added, “Elara”
Elara didn’t miss the way Sara’s sandle didn’t quite reach her eyes. She straightened in her seat, offering a polite yet distant nod
“Hello”
Dante, on the other hand, said nothing. He simply finished his food, gave Elara a small nod, and then stood up and walked out without sparing Sitara atauther glance
Neru followed after lun
“Sitara’s eyes followed Dante until he disappeared from the room. Her heart clenched.
Still, she turned back to Isabella with a small smile.
won’t intrude on breakfast. I just wanted to drop by. But I’d love to catch up with you soon!
2/3
11:47 AM
Chapter 63
Isabella, oblivious to the tension suffocating the air, beamed. “Nonsensel Stay. Eat with us
Sitara hesitated for a split second, then exhaled softly and nodded.
“Alright. I’d love 10,” She took the empty seat opposite Elara
Meanwhile, Bella got up from her chair and plopped down beside Elara, whispering under her breath, “I hate this psycho bitch. What the fuck is she doing here, ruining our moming!”
Elara stilled a giggle.
“Great,” Elara thought. “At least someone
meone shares my opinion.”
“You seem to hate her, she murmured under her breath.
“I do. Bell confirmed without hesitation.
“She’s manipulative and two–faced. I can see through her act. I don’t trust her one bit.”
Before Elara could respond. Isabella’s warm voice filled the room.
“Sitara, did you meet my daughter–in–law, Elara? Your soon–to–be queen. Isn’t she beautiful and adorable?”
Sitara’s fingers curled into a tight fist for a fleeting second before she forced a polite smile.
“Yes. Mother,” she said smoothly, but her tone lacked its usual warmth.
Isabella, oblivious to the underlying tension, turned to Elara with a fond smile. “Elara, Sitara is the daughter of my very close friend. Her father once saved my life. I will always owe my life to her family”
Elara’s eyes widened slightly.
She hadn’t expected that
Sitara wasn’t just some woman in Romano’s organization, she was tied to the Romano family in a way Elara could never be. Blood didn’t bind them, but something even stronger did, debt.
A life debi
In the mafia world, debts weren’t just words. They were power. They were loyal. Elara’s gaze flicked to Bell, who only shrugged, as if saying. Yeah, it sucks, but it’s the truth.
Liara glance back at Sitara. No wonder she carried herself like she belonged, Because, in a way, she did
“You three can get to know each other. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Isabella said, patting Sitara’s back with a warm smile at Elara before walking toward her husband’s office.
Bell leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, her sharp gaze locked onto Sitara. “So, she drawled, “I guess we’re supposed to play nice now?”
Sitara tilted her head, her smile as sweet as poisoned honey. “I don’t see why not,” she replied smoothly, resting her chin on her palm. “After all, we’re practically family”
Elara arched a brow. “Are we?”
Sitara let out a soft chuckle, but there was something off about it, like she was enjoying a private joke at their expense. She glanced at Elara’s dress, her lips curving into a smirk.
