Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 364

ARIELLA

I exhaled.

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you later,” he said.

“Don’t be late for dinner,” I responded. “I want a promise.”

A small smile slipped into his voice.

“Okay. I promise.”

“I love you.” I couldn't help myself.

“I love you too.”

The call ended and I stayed there for a moment longer, staring at my phone, replaying the conversation in my head. Feeling much better about our conversation and the fact that I got to talk to him and hear his voice, I smiled slightly and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Margaret and I decided on the menu for dinner together, and since I had nothing else to do, I stayed with her, helping with a few things in the kitchen. Anything to keep busy and it was a bonus to learn new recipes from Margaret.

A few hours before dinner, Leon came downstairs, and Maria followed shortly after. There was nothing to do now but have a late afternoon snack and get ready for tonight. I left Leon with Maria, who helped him bathe and get ready, while I also got ready.

At exactly seven, the doorbell rang. Sia was the first to arrive before the men.

William went to open the door, but the moment Leon heard her voice, he didn’t even hesitate. I don’t know how he remembered it so well, but he ran straight toward the front door, excitement pushing him forward.

Maria and I exchanged a look before following after him. When we reached the entrance, Leon was already hugging her, talking excitedly.

“…and I helped with the study room! It’s perfect, you have to see it!”

“Good evening,” I said as I stepped closer.

Sia immediately straightened.

“Mrs Romano,” she said politely. “Good evening.”

I shook my head lightly.

“Don’t call me that, it makes me feel old like I'm... Asher's mom or something. Just call me Ariella.”

She smiled.

“Okay… Ariella. Thank you so much for inviting me to dinner.”

"It was my pleasure. Welcome."

I introduced her to Maria, and then we all moved into the sitting room since Asher and Luca hadn’t arrived yet.

“I brought something for Leon. I hope you don't mind,” Sia said, holding out a small box to Leon. “I wanted to bring wine, but with everything today, I totally forgot. Sorry.”

“That’s okay,” I said.

Leon opened the box eagerly. Inside was a school set, pencils, rulers, erasers, everything neatly arranged. On top, it was customised: The Best Student.

Leon’s face lit up instantly.

“This is amazing!” he said. “You’re the best teacher ever!”

“Hello, everyone. Sorry, we’re late.” Asher’s voice cut through the room.

I turned immediately towards his voice. He stood at the entrance, his tie slightly askew, the first few buttons of his shirt undone, his jacket hanging loosely in his hand.

He looked..... Handsome As always. But beneath that, I saw it. The tiredness, the weight in his eyes. Still, he smiled.

The moment Leon saw him,

“Dad!”

Before I could even stand up, Leon had already run to him. Asher caught him easily, pulling him into a tight hug, lifting him slightly off the ground. And just like that I found myself watching them again. Like I always did.

“Hey, Dad!” Leon said excitedly. “Sia is here! Have you seen Sia? Let me introduce you to her!”

Asher chuckled softly But before letting Leon drag him away, he walked toward me first. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. A quiet reassurance.

Then Leon was already pulling at him again.

“Come on, Dad! You have to meet her! She’s amazing!”

Asher let himself be dragged by Leon. And Sia.... She was already standing, smiling at the two coming towards her

But then something happened. Something I wasn’t expecting.

“Asher!” Her voice lifted in excitement, almost a squeal.

And before I could process it, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. A full hug. Close and Familiar.

Her hands went around his midsection like it was the most natural thing in the world.