Chapter 103
“So, Serena-what did you study?” Dario started his interrogation after eying me for minutes straight There it was again that question. That same question I could not answer.
“I’m a college dropout; the only diploma I have is a high school diploma.” 1 chuckled and waited for Dario’s reaction.
“Do you hear that, dad?” Dario laughed as Mauro joined him. “I’m sorry, is there a problem?” Christian
asked.
“No, no-no problem!” Dario shook his hands. “It’s just that I was one too-but look at where I am right. now.” He proudly spoke.
“Wait, really?” I asked with my mouth wide opened. Maybe it wasn’t the end of me; perhaps I could really do it. “Did you go back to school?” I wondered. “I don’t really have a good experience with school, but f was thinking of going back,” I told him.
“School?” He burst out laughing as Mauro joined him. Christian had an overly bothered look on his face, and I didn’t know whether it was out of jealousy or hatred. “If school isn’t for you-then it isn’t for you,” Dario explained.
“I never liked learning or working-so I never stuck my time and energy in it. My dad and I came from nothing and built our way up.” He spoke. “So you don’t think I should do it? Go back to school?”
“I think you’re wise enough to make your own decision.” Dario smiled. “How about you Christian, how were your grades in school?” Dario asked him. “Good,” Christian growled.
“Good? They were the best-always top of his class.” Lucio bragged about him. “I can see.” Dario chuckled. “You know, you have some good ideas-maybe we can work together in the future.”
“Work together? That’s funny.” Christian sighed. “Didn’t you guys came here to drive us away?”
I almost choked in my food and gave Christian a look, telling him to shut up. “I’m just kidding; what’s with the stiff faces?” He chuckled. Lucio let out a small laugh before everyone joined.
“You almost got me there!” Dario laughed out loud. “Look, even the baby is laughing!” He pointed to Siena.
“We came here to fill in the Garcia’s spot; we didn’t come here to put an end to you. We wouldn’t dare!” Dario smiled while Mauro nodded his head. I could feel Christian’s dark aura from next to me and could. feel that he had enough, but in fact, he was the one making the diner awkward.
“So Serena, how about that poopy diaper your you promised me?” Dario winked. “Poopy what?” Christian turned his head to face me.
“Inside joke, don’t worry about it.” Dario shrugged him off. “So when?”
“Whenever you’re free!” I immediately spoke. “And after that, I can take you and Siena on a date,
my
treat.
Dario gave me another wink right before Christian slammed his fist on the table. “That’s it, we’re out of here.”
“Christian?” Lucio called out, but Christian had already grabbed Siena out the chair and prepared himself to leave. “Did I do something out of line?” Dario wondered.
“Yes, and if I stay any longer, I will too-Serena, let’s go,” Christian spoke as he pulled me from the chair with his free hand. “I’m so sorry. I’m sure Dario didn’t mean any harm!” Mario stood up as Lucio did the
same.
“Well, dinner was very nice-but unfortunately, we’ll have to cut it short.” Lucio apologized and placed his hand on Mauro’s shoulder while Christian had already stormed away. “Christian!” Lucio called out as he tried to catch up with him.
“I’m really sorry. I promise you-he isn’t always like this.” I awkwardly laughed while Dario still had a startled look on his face. “Serena, if I crossed the line, I’m so sorry; it’s just the way I am-I didn’t mean anything by it!”
“No, you didn’t-and I will still give you the poopy diaper tour, give me your number!” I told him and pushed my phone into his hands, Christian behaving like a jealous toddler was definitely not a turn-on and too confusing.
“Well, text me.” Dario chuckled and handed me my phone. “I mean, if Christian allows it-1 guess you need his permission.”
“Let’s stop right there-I don’t need anyone’s permission.” I made clear while Dario laughed at my statement. “I see, he says Serena. Let’s go, and you’re out within seconds.” Dario laughed at me before he imitated a dog.
“If you still want that city your, you’ll shut your mouth.” I laughed and gave him a push against his shoulder. “Thank you so much for the invite, and you too, sir.” I walked over to Mauro to give him a hand.
“As expected, the Alfonzo’s are so well mannered,” Mauro spoke as he held both of my hands. “Lucio was, too. I think the giant infant who was throwing a tantrum was the issue.” Dario laughed. I was supposed to defend Christian, but Dario’s way of talking was so funny that I couldn’t help but laugh along.
“I really have to go now.” I excused myself one more time before I made my way to the driveway. After seeing that Lucio had already left, I took a deep breath and made my way over to the car. Christian’s nagging was the last thing I needed.
“Cooled down?” I asked as I opened the door and sat down next to him. Christian was quiet and kept his mouth shut while he patiently waited for me to put on my seatbelt. At least he had somewhat of manners left.
The drive back home was as awkward as the time he brought me home for the first time. “Christian, if you don’t tell me what’s wrong, we can’t fix it.” I finally decided to speak up.
He clenched his hands around the steering wheel and gave me an angry look before he focused his attention back onto the road. “Christian, come on-don’t be like this. You’re behaving like a child.” I giggled and stroke my hand against his cheek.
“You’re not taking Siena anywhere with that guy.” He finally spoke. “I don’t trust him.”
“I know you’re not telling me what I can and can’t do with my daughter, who I have carried for nine months.” I chuckled at his ridiculous statement. “You weren’t even here for us in the beginning. I hope you didn’t forget that.”
“And if we look at the state you were in nine months ago-she wouldn’t even be here! I hope you didn’t forget that.” Christian snapped. My heart broke into pieces, and my mind went numb. No matter what happened, these words were unnecessary and uncalled for.
Those words were enough to shut me up, and I did not have the energy to fight back. I tried to hold back my tears because there was no reason to cry. His words weren’t right, I did everything I could to protect
Siena, and at the end of the day, that was the real reason why she was here.
“I think it’s for the best if I leave tonight,” I told Christian when we arrived back home. “And I’m taking my daughter with me,” I spoke as he stopped in his steps. “Because I told you the truth? Serena, I never called you a bad mom. You’re a good mom. You know that.”
“I’m just politely asking you not to bring my daughter around random men? Would you like it if I would bring Siena around random women?” Christian asked.
To be fair, he had a point.
“It’s not what you said; it’s the way you said things-1 might have a ring around my finger, but I’m not your puppet.” I glared at him. “And don’t ever command me to follow you like a dog ever again!”
“What?” Christian spoke, annoyed. “Then what do you expect me to do when he’s flirting with you right in front of me, and you don’t even do anything to stop it?”
“Just let him be. I ignored his comments, so what’s the big deal?” I asked. “And if you think I was disrespecting you, then you’ll wait until we’re home to address it.”
“Do you expect me to scold every woman who flirts with you?”
After that sentence, the expression on his face had changed from angry to guilty. There was no denying it. A lot of girls, even the women from the other families, flirted with him while I had accepted it.
“Fine.” Christian sighed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry for everything I said about you-I love you, let’s forget about it-let’s move on.”
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