Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 183

Lucas's tone sharpened.

“I have people watching this house. Watching your every move..... And remember they’re not watching you because they have something against you,” he said, stepping closer. “They’re protecting you, Ariella. I want you to remember that. They are protecting you.”

My chest burned with fury, but I said nothing.

“And I will repeat again...your friendship with Dana? That’s over,” he spat. “Do not test me. No more games. You’ll be back in your cage before you can say Asher!”

I flinched. I was still mad at Luca. I didn’t want to say yes. I didn’t want to give him that. I hated the fact that I had no power in my life, that he and Asher could just choose how I lived, who I saw, where I breathed, without my consent. Without even asking.

Because I had no power I had to nod.

He took in my reaction and said, “I’ll take that as an affirmation.”

He turned toward the hallway again. “Let me go say goodbye to my little man, and I’ll be out of your way.”

And then, just like that, Luca walked out of the room. The pressure in the air shifted slightly, but it didn’t ease. Maria and I were left standing there. She looked at me cautiously, her expression unreadable for a second. Then her eyes softened, just a fraction.

“You okay?” she asked, her voice quiet. Careful.

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. My throat was tight with everything I wanted to say but I couldn’t risk voicing out loud. I blinked at her, feeling unshed tears behind my eyes.

Maria took a step closer, closing the door behind her. Gently

“I know he’s difficult,” she said. “He’s... intense. Controlling. That’s not new. He is Luca....”

I let out a breath, sharp and bitter. “That’s not controlling, Maria. That’s a prison. He just told me I can’t even see a male doctor.”

Maria nodded slowly. “I heard him.”

She walked across the room and perched on the edge of the couch, hands folded in her lap.

“You think I don’t know what he’s like? I’ve known Luca since I was fifteen,” she said softly. “I’ve seen him ruin lives with a smile.”

I frowned, "I don't want any of this."

Maria smiled sadly. “Someone has got to tell you this baby girl... You messed up.”

That hit me hard.

“Are you saying I should be grateful for what he’s doing?” I snapped.

Would he even want him?

Is it better if I stay quiet?

I didn’t know. I didn’t know anymore. All I knew was guilt....So much guilt. Because when I found out I was pregnant, I was twenty. Just a girl, really. And I got pregnant because I thought it would save my love for Asher. Because I thought if I held onto that part of him, maybe I wouldn’t lose him. I took a chance..

But I did lose him. I lost everything. Except for one thing.

Leon. My son. My precious boy. My light. The only thing in my life that I did not regret. Not one tiny bit. Not even for a second.

Anger started to rise inside of me. Burning low at first, then growing hotter, fuller. Who is Luca? Who the hell is he to talk to me like that? To act like he knows anything? He doesn’t know what I went through...

He doesn’t know what it was like, being a pregnant, scared, twenty-year-old girl. Having to face the world on my own. No safety net. No support. Just me, my swollen belly, and a future I didn’t understand.

And I had that baby. I raised him. I kept him alive, loved, and protected.

He’s nearly five now. And I did that. Not Luca. Not Asher. Me.

I did that!