Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 201

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By now it was afternoon turning into evening. Nobody was home. So I decided to wait for them to come back whenever they felt like it. Of course, I wasn’t just sitting there and waiting. I was watching the neighbours. Wondering which one of them it could be.

The neighbour on the left, just an old couple with their granddaughter. Nothing suspicious there. So I thought, maybe it was the right side. But on the right, I only saw a woman and her daughter. I hadn’t seen a man come or go.

What could it be? Was Ariella dating that woman’s husband?

I was killing myself with questions. Drowning in thoughts. Everything pointed nowhere and Everything pointed at her at the same time.

And that’s what drove me mad. Because if she told me the truth, if she had just said it, I could hate her properly. I could move on. I could walk away. But this? This limbo? It was torture.

I checked my phone. Still nothing from Luca. Thank God. I didn’t want to hear his voice right now, or anyone else’s for that matter. I leaned back in the seat again, this time not trying to sleep. Just breathing. Just... existing.

And then headlights rolled in. My chest tightened instantly. It was her. I recognised the way she parked. The slow, careful pull into the driveway. Then the car door opened. I didn’t move.

She walked to the door, carrying something, a bag of groceries maybe. I didn't see Leon with her. She was alone. For a second, I almost opened the door. Almost stepped out. But I didn’t. I just watched her.

She looked... tired. Her steps were slower than usual. Her shoulders sagged under something invisible. Maybe guilt. Maybe life. Maybe just me.

She disappeared inside. I sat there a few more minutes, wondering if I should just leave. Drive off. Go back to the hotel, sleep this out, and confront her when I have more control.

But instead, I got out of the car. Closed the door softly. Took my time walking to hers. The sun was nearly gone now. Streetlights humming.

I got to the front door, stood there a moment. I don't ring the bell. I just waited. Then I opened it.

Because I still had the key.

When I stepped in, the house was quiet. I could hear faint movement from the kitchen. The sound of a bag being set down. I went towards the direction of the kitchen and I found her there.