Chapter 372
“Eat as much as you can.” Christian spoke, sitting at the table. “Serena didn’t touch anything-so we’ll live.”
The three laughed, and I felt left out because I couldn’t understand the joke. Maybe this was karma for inviting myself to a lunch I wasn’t even invited to,
“I can’t cook. I can’t even boil an egg. It’s tragic.” Serena tapped my arm, explaining. “Christian made everything.”
“Everything?” I questioned, wondering how he even found the time. The table was filled with bread. pastries, meat, salad, and everything one could think of
“Yes, he baked the breath and everything. Serena praised her husband, rolling her eyes seductively. By the looks of it, Christian was someone who liked to get stuff done.
“What about all those maids?” My words came off as rude-a reminder to myself why I had to keep my
mouth shut.
“Personally, I think eating a homemade meal feels more sincere,” Christian explained, not feeling offended. “Do you cook, Aria?”
“Yes, I love cooking.” The first two days, I went full out to cook a nice dinner for Vince and Luis-but they didn’t seem to care. The two did whatever and returned home late, going their separate ways.
I was hesitant to confront him, but the streets were dangerous-he knew it as best, and someone as young as Luis shouldn’t be alone.
“She’s a great cook.” For once, Vince had something good to say about me.
“Do you hear that, Siena? Next time we’re eating at uncle Vince’s place.” Serena called out to the kids’ table, where Siena and Lucio were seated.
“Yes!” Siena cheered excitedly as the state of my restless mind was already in disaster, hoping it was nothing more than an innocent joke.
My family had yet to receive an invite because I didn’t want them to see me miserable. No one was allowed to come over and say, ‘I told you so.”
Not in my books.
“Have you already made her something, Vince?” Christian asked.
Shocked, I turned to Vince, smiling nervously as he had managed to escape from my eyes. Having someone you cared about cook a homemade meal was a big gesture, one I hadn’t received from my
parents.
“No, he hasn’t” I played with my fork, losing my appetite. I sensed Vince was a man who could be romantic if he wanted to-but I was not good enough to receive that treatment.
“At one point, he went to culinary school and said he would open his own restaurant.” Christian continued, not noticing Vince would rather have him change the subject.
“Oh-why didn’t you?” I questioned, trying to find out a bit more about my husband. “Did your dad not
allow it?”
This was a small detail that could’ve been covered with a normal conversation. Vince and I didn’t communicate, I didn’t even know his favorite color, and I was not the problem here. He was the one avoiding me.
“My father….I wasn’t that lucky.” Vince replaced his nervous laughter with a weak smile.
Good job, Aria.
You always ask the right questions.
There was an awkward silence, with the only sound being one of our metal forks. Not only was I crashing their lunch, but I had also ruined it by mentioning Fabio Garcia.
It could not end like this.
“I planned on joining the circus, but my dad threatened to cut me off, and I haven’t spoken about it ever since.” I tried recovering the damage.
Vince, Serena, and Christian shot me strange looks.
“Tm good at juggling?” I spoke shyly, regretting my whole existence. Why couldn’t I communicate like a normal person?
Hearing everyone burst into sudden laughter made me feel at ease. Vince slammed his arm around me and circled my shoulder, for the first time showing sincere affection.
He looked at me, I looked at him and no words needed to be spoken.
Thank you for cleaning your own mess.
That was his message.
“I wanted to be a professional dancer-but I couldn’t pay for my education anymore and ended up… dancing elsewhere.” Serena laughed, referring to the strip club.
We had all turned to Christian, waiting for him to reveal his secret. “Oh, me?” He scratched his neck. “I don’t know anything else.”
“Come on.” Vince nagged. “You shared my secret, and it’s only fair for you to share yours.”
“In that case.” Christian began. “I hope my children don’t turn out like me, but Serena.” He kissed her cheek, making her blush.
“That’s not a secret. Everyone knows that, and we all agree.” Vince laughed as all I could focus on was the affectionate couple.
“Can I ask you something?” I asked.
“The two of you seem to have a really good and healthy relationship,” I told them my observation.
“What’s your secret?”
Vince covered his mouth, laughing-Christian turned the other way, and Serena dropped her fork. rubbing her hands.
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