Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 188

I was crouched there, in front of everyone, like I was breaking my own son’s heart right in front of the people I was told to stay away from.

I knew everyone was watching.

Alan. Dana. Even Rosie, quietly holding her uncle’s hand, was watching her best friend cry. But I didn’t know what to do. I was doing this for him.

Because Luca was clear, no Alan, no Dana, no close proximity to any man. And I was already standing here with both of them. This was already not a place I was supposed to be.

“I’m sorry, buddy,” I whispered, forcing the words out. “It’s just better this way.”

Better if he cries now… than if I have to tear his whole world apart later.

“We have to go,” I said, reaching for his hand.

But before I could take him, Maria caught my arm.

“It’s fine,” she said gently. “I’ll take him.”

I blinked, startled.

“You will?” My voice cracked.

Maria gave me a soft smile. “Yes. It’s not a problem. I’ll take him, I’ll take good care of him, and I’ll bring him back in one piece. If you’re okay with that, of course.”

I looked down at Leon, whose sobs had slowed just enough for him to look up at me with hope shining through the tears. And then, against my better judgment, I looked at Dana and Alan.

They were both watching me. Not with judgment but something worse. Sympathy. As if they felt sorry for me.

I hated the look in their eyes. I hated that they saw me. That they knew I was hurting. That I wasn’t just being cruel. I hated that I didn’t feel strong anymore. So I did the only thing I could do. I nodded once. Quickly.

Then I turned and walked away without saying another word. I went to my car, opened the door, slid into the seat, and shut the door. I didn’t drive. I just gripped the wheel……and cried.

So I went back home and celebrated my son’s first presentation by myself.

I sat in the quiet, eating leftovers and trying to convince myself that silence was just another version of peace. Eventually, I gave in and took an early nap.

Later, Leon jumped into my bed, smelling like melted cheese and happiness, his little arms full of napkins and greasy takeout bags.

They had brought me ice cream and pizza, everything they’d had. And he was buzzing, reenacting every second of it, giggling through mouthfuls, acting out how Rosie spilt juice on Alan, how Maria laughed so loud, how they all cheered celebrating their big day.

He was so happy.

And in that moment… I didn’t even feel bad that I let him go. I let him have fun without me. Because of this, that joy....this was why I was fighting.

This was the point of all of it.

So no, I had no reason to be sad. For once, it felt worth it.

****

The days moved on.

Dana and I… we were no longer friends. We became polite strangers, passing one another in the school hallway like we’d never shared whispered confessions and late-night phone calls. She’d still try making it more, asking about the weather, the day, sometimes Leon but I always cut it short.

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