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.

I hesitated. I didn’t want to tell her like this, not like the times she used to tell me when she wanted something and there was nothing I could do.

“It’s not about your parents,” I said softly.

“So… they’re fine. They’re okay. My father is okay?”

"Can we please sit down for this?"

Her brow furrowed, confusion and fear mixing in her eyes. “What does that mean?” she asked, clenching her fists. Her voice was rising.

“Ariella,” I said, bracing myself. “Your dad… he died four years ago.”

“What?” Her voice cracked. Her eyes widened as the reality hit her like a tidal wave.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

For a long, tense moment, she just stared at me, her face frozen in shock and disbelief. Then the dam broke. She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

I knelt beside her, holding her gently, letting her cry, letting her release all the pain she had carried alone for so long. And as she sobbed, I realized just how fragile she had been all this time, and how much she had suffered silently.