His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies by C. Tamika novel Chapter 229

A week had passed, and to be honest—our arrangement wasn’t working. Somehow I always found myself home during the day and occasionally went back to my parents for the night.

I knew I didn’t have much time left with Christian, so I grew attached to him more than ever. It was like I was desperate to be around him, but at the same time I wasn’t.

After my endless pleads to meet up with Lucio, Christian ended his day early and had agreed to take me to the hospital. While he was working on whatever plan they had, I had already decided what my next step would be, and I felt guilty.

Everyone worked over hours to develop a plan to stop Berto, but I would make things easier for them.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to join?” Christian asked. We looked through the glass and watched as Lucio waved at us to come inside.

“Yes, you should spend some time with Vince, and I’ll stay with your dad!”

Although Luca had yet to text me, this would most likely be the last time to see Lucio. That man was so popular and received visits after visits, which was why I had asked for some alone time. I had to say my goodbyes.

Christian eyed me suspiciously. “What’s with that look on your face.”

“Nothing,” I spoke. “What’s up with your face?”

“I can’t believe you let your girl kick us out, just so that she can spend some alone time with dad!” Gio approached us. He shot me a teasing glare and pushed my shoulder.

Who would’ve thought we would be getting along the way we did? Gio, the same brother who couldn’t stand me.

“You’re not going to end dad with a pillow, are you?” Enzo added. Also, he came a long way. He came from wanting to eliminate not only me but Siena as well, to becoming the rock of the family.

“With a pillow?” I squinted my eyes. “Of course not. I’ll just do it with my bare hands!”

I had expected the three brothers to laugh, but all I saw were shocked expressions. “Guys, I’m kidding!”

Christian frowned. “Ah, but can I still come with you?” He asked, worried. “Please?”

Whenever I looked into his soft eyes, I just couldn’t say no. Who was I to tell him that he couldn’t see his dad?

“Okay.” I sighed. “We’ll go together.”

The two of us had barely entered before Lucio raised himself from his bed. “Hey, Sere—“ He went into a coughing fit.

Christian rushed over to his dad’s side and came to the rescue with a glass of water. “Dad, don’t ever do that again!” He scolded him.

Lucio grinned unbothered. “Thank you.” He moved his eyes to mine. “Serena, I missed you!”

I stepped closer and grabbed his hands. He still had the same kind eyes, but he was not the same healthy man as before. His health had declined, and he had gotten skinnier. I could barely recognize him.

“I missed you too, Lucio.” I kissed his forehead.

“Where is Siena?”

“Mom is watching her,” Christian told him. “She’s having the time of her life.”

“I see.” Lucio sulked. He had always cared for all of his grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Lucio changed the subject. “Have you seen my customized casket?”

Customized casket?

“Dad.” The look on Christian’s face had changed. “Come on, not now.” He whispered. While Lucio accepted the situation, Christian couldn’t.

I hated leaving him at the most vulnerable time in his life, but I had no choice. He would eventually get over it, right?

“Why can’t I tell Serena about my casket?” Lucio said, startled. “We all know I’m dying!” He laughed before letting out several coughs.

Christian caressed his hand over his back and looked at me with an apologetic smile on his lips. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Your dad is right.” I spoke. “I don’t mind.”

“You see?” Lucio grabbed my hand and connected it with Christian’s.

“Son—“

“If you’re going to give me another speech about how I should run the family business, you should drop it.” Christian interrupted his dad.

Lucio shook his head. “No, it’s not about that.” He rolled his eyes. “I want you to promise me to take care of Serena, and don’t you ever let go of her.”

Christian looked into my eyes. “I won’t.”

I wish I could say the same.

“And don’t make the poor girl wait. Marry her!” Lucio forced him. Christian rubbed his thumb over the ring on my finger.

“I will.”

“Create a big family and give all of them the same attention.”

“I’ll try.”

Surprisingly enough, Lucio had enough energy to talk about his casket but had not mentioned Berto.

“And you, Serena.” Lucio turned to me. “I haven’t always been good to you. I lied to you about your parents. I let you work at a…strip club, and for that, I’m so sorry—“

“Don’t apologize!” I stopped him. Whatever he had to say, I didn’t want to hear it. “If it weren’t for you, I would’ve not met Christian or my parents.”

“So you listen to me.” I began. “I never got to chance to thank you for all you’ve done for me,” I spoke. “During those times at the club, I never knew what having a father felt like until you became one to me.”

“And I’m so grateful to have two dads.”

“Serena…” Lucio released a tear at my heartfelt words, not knowing this would be my final goodbye to him.

As expected, Christian wiped Lucio’s tears and pulled him into a tight hug. “Serena is really sorry for making you cry.” Christian spoke for me.

I frowned, confused. “I never said that…”

After spending the day with Lucio, we headed to the Lamberti estate to pick up Siena. Even someone like Cesca or Christian’s grandpa, who was also not that fond of me, deserved a proper goodbye.