Mafia Desire novel (Ava and Andrew) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11
Ava's POV

Two weeks later...

I was finally adjusting to my new job and avoiding Andrew at all costs. I noticed that he was mostly home in the morning when I arrived, then he'd leave but would usually return around mid-day. I made a point of avoiding the kitchen and upstairs when I arrived at the house because he was almost certainly there. When he returned home, I would take Dalia for walks or take her into the garden.

Dalia's mother never allowed her to leave the grounds unless she was accompanied by her. I found it odd but did not feel compelled to inquire as to why. I simply took note of it and moved on.

Dalia's favorite food was Mac and Cheese; she tolerated Kraft but preferred homemade. Her favorite animal was dolphins, and her favorite color was green.

She was one of the brightest and most well-mannered kids I'd ever met. I had no experience with children, but I knew that younger children were usually difficult, but she was never. I'd never seen her have a temper tantrum.

Andrew would occasionally come home and just watch Dalia as I played with her; he never looked at me, which I appreciated.

Today was Friday, and I planned to make Dalia's favorite lunch and take her outside to play in the garden because it was such a beautiful day. I began preparing the meal around midday.

"Aavaa," Dalia grumbled.

"Yes, princess?" I said

"Why don't you spend some time with Andrew?"

When she asked that question, I almost dropped the cheese.

"What exactly do you mean, Princess?" I inquired again.

"Well, when he comes home, you turn away and you don't speak to him." She stated

I was astounded by how perceptive she was and had no idea how to respond to her question.

"I-I just don't like your brother because his words hurt me." I replied, trying not to get into too much detail.

"Was he mean to you Ava?" She inquired, almost in tears.

"N-No, honey, he just made me sad, but I promise I'm fine, so don't worry." I replied, trying to reassure her that her brother was not a bad person, but he was to me.

"Oh okay then," she thought to herself.

I tried to divert her attention away from her brother by telling her we were having Mac and Cheese. She began to jump up and down with delight when she heard that.

I let her assist me in making the Mac and Cheese. I popped the Mac and Cheese into the oven and set the timer. We went into the living room and began coloring various animals. When the timer went off, I informed her that we would have to wait for the Mac and Cheese to cool before eating it. We colored for a few more minutes after I took the dish out of the oven to cool.

We went into the kitchen when I thought it wouldn't be too hot, and I got us two plates and dished her some Mac and Cheese. She was giggling with delight, and when I served her some of the pasta, she looked as if she was going to pass out from happiness.

"I like you, Ava." She stated

"I like you too, Princess," I laughed.

"Can I give you a hug, Ava?" she inquired

"Of course, honey, but for what?" As I knelt down and hugged her, I said.

"I don't want you to leave because you make me happy," she explained.

"Awww, of course, princess, I'm not leaving." With tears welling up in my eyes, I said. I realized she had made me feel loved all over again. She knew nothing about me and chose to like me anyway.