Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 259

ASHER

“I’m not leaving forever, Leon,” I said quickly, reaching out to hold his small hands in mine. “Just for a little while. I have to finish something important first, something that will make sure we’re together for good. So you won’t have to worry. I promise.”

His brows furrowed, the little frown tugging at my heart.

“But… will you come back before I wake up?”

I smiled, ruffling his hair. “Not before you wake up, little man. But I’ll be back as soon as I can. And when I am back, we’ll have every morning together, every night, just like this.”

He looked down at his hands for a long moment, then slowly nodded.

“Okay… but don't take too long, Daddy.”

“I won’t,” I said, kissing his forehead. “I’ll be back faster than you can blink.”

Then I picked him up gently, holding him close. “And you know what?” I said, feeling a surge of determination, “No matter what happens, I’m always your Daddy. Nothing can change that. Not even the things I have to do right now.”

His little arms wrapped tightly around my neck. “I love you, Daddy,” he whispered.

“I love you too, Leon. More than anything,” I said, full of emotions I couldn't transcribe.

For a few minutes, we stayed like that, just me and my son, sharing a quiet moment that felt like the world had stopped around us. And in that moment, I knew exactly what I had to do next. Every step I took, every plan I made, was for him and for Ariella. Because my family, my son, and the woman I loved were my world. And I would move heaven and earth to protect them, to bring them back fully into my life.

With a deep breath, I set him down gently. “All right, little man, time for your story. Tonight, Daddy reads.”

“Yay!” he shouted, bouncing slightly in excitement. “Read me the best story ever!”

I picked up the storybook from the nightstand, flipping it open. His little eyes were glued to me, anticipation sparkling in his eyes. I settled back onto the bed, Leon's head resting against me as I began.

“…and the brave little knight rode through the forest…” I read, my voice steady but gentle, letting the rhythm of the story wash over us.

For a long moment, we stayed there, the only sounds the quiet rustle of pages and Leon’s soft breaths. In that small cocoon, I felt everything settle—the anger, the guilt, the years of uncertainty. All of it was worth this: this bond, this connection, this love that was stronger than anything else.

Finally, I closed the book. “Story’s over, little man. Time to sleep now.”

“But Daddy,” he protested lightly, “can you stay a little while?”

I nodded, holding him tight. “I’ll stay until you drift off. I promise.”

As his eyes slowly closed, the weight of the past and all the chaos of my life seemed to fade. For the first time in years, I felt the future in my hands—and it felt whole.

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