Fall For My Ex's Mafia Father novel Chapter 41

“And this,” Alden says, gesturing towards the children, “Is my son Romulus and my daughter Estrella. Your…ah. Your half siblings, I suppose.” He runs a hand awkwardly through his hair.

I smile at Romulus, who looks up at me with excited eyes. He’s the picture of his mother, really – dark hair, delicate pale skin, pretty hazel eyes. The baby is also very sweet, smiling up at me in her white bonnet. As I look at the three of them, I can tell that Tristin has dressed them in pale green to match her own outfit.

A glance at the green accents on Alden’s suit suggest that he’s part of their group as well. I look down at myself, dressed in sapphire blue. Perhaps she’s sending me a message about exactly who belongs in this family.

“Welcome,” Tristin says, her voice cold. She looks me up and down with distaste. I sigh, seeing that this isn’t going to be an easy road.

“Thank you,” I say, doing my best to give them all a smile as I lower myself awkwardly into a chair by the coffee table. We’re silent as a maid brings in a silver tray with a tea set on it. As she lays it down on the table, I can’t help but stare at it.

“Oh my god,” I say, leaning in close to get a better look. “I remember this. There’s a little chip…” I turn the sugar bowl halfway round and, indeed, there it is. Right on the rim.

Alden laughs a little but Tristin goes stiff in her seat. “Yes, well,” she says, shifting uncomfortably. “If someone would let me replace it.”

“Oh no,” I say without thinking, looking up at them all. “It’s such a beautiful set – you can’t possibly –“

“Well if you’re so fond of it,” she says, glaring at me. “You shall take it with you when you go.”

I bite my lip, realizing that it’s not precisely a friendly gesture that she’s making.

“In fact,” she says, glaring at me and gesturing all around the room. “I guess all of this is yours now. So you should take it with you. Thank you so much for graciously letting me live among your inheritance for so many years.”

“I –“ I start, but then I fade off, not knowing what to say. My inheritance? What was she talking about?