Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 382

ARIELLA

Sia smiled at us briefly, then turned her attention back towards Leon. Maria was already setting the table, moving quietly, but her eyes lifted to me for just a second.

Leon was still talking. Still laughing, completely happy and at ease with everything.

“Mom, sit here,” he said, pulling a chair next to him.

I did, and immediately, he leaned into me as if nothing had changed. Like I was still his safe place.

I wrapped an arm around him instinctively. Across the table, Sia sat straight, composed, as she had always been there. Like she fit in And that thought...It came again Unwanted.

Asher took his seat at the head of the table.

“Eat,” he said simply.

I picked up a glass of water and took a sip. Just then Leon started telling another story, something about the run, about how he almost beat Asher, about how Sia said he had “potential.”

Sia smiled at him, encouraging, attentive And Leon lit up under it. Leon leaned toward her like he wanted her attention And something in me tightened again.

Asher’s hand brushed against my knee under the table. Maybe he felt the mood change, maybe it was reassurance. But I didn’t look at him..... I couldn’t. Because if I did, I wasn’t sure what would show on my face.

My gaze collided with Maria's as I avoided Asher's and there was something there like understanding or maybe sympathy, pity.... I couldn't tell either way.

Instead, I focused on Leon. On his voice, on his laughter, On memorizing it. Holding onto it. Because Asher was right. Things were changing, whether I liked it or not.

Soon enough, lunch was over. And thankfully, Sia had included Leon’s nap in his schedule. His classes will all be done by one, so he will no longer be going to class after lunch, and the timing worked perfectly.

“Can I stay a few more minutes?” Sia asked. “I would just like to finish something before I leave.”

“Of course,” I said with a smile. “It’s not a problem. Take your time.”

“Okay, thanks” she nodded. Then she stood up And as she walked out, reached out and lightly smoothed Leon’s hair.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” she asked him lightly.

“Yes,” Leon said brightly, wrapping his arms around her. “See you tomorrow!”

She held onto the hug for a second longer before letting go, looking just a little red.

“I'll see myself to the study,” she murmured.

“Take your time,” I said.

She smiled and walked out.

“It’s you and me time,” Maria told Leon excitedly. "I missed you so much."

“Missed you too Aunt Maria,” Leon responded.

Maria took his hand, and the two of them walked out of the dining room. And then, it was just Asher and me.

I felt his gaze before I even looked up and I knew He had been watching me.

“What?” I asked.

“Nothing,” he said. “I just love watching you… actually listening to me and not acting jealous in front of everyone.”

A small smile played on his lips.

“It’s a good look on you.”

He stood, leaning down to kiss my forehead.

“I have a meeting,” he added. “I’m leaving.”

“Now?” I asked, a little disappointed.

“Yes, now. I’ll see you later. Take care of yourself....and our son, okay?”

“You know I will.”

We kissed again deeply before he left.

I stayed there for a moment, staring at the empty chairs… the spaces everyone had just filled. Until a maid walked in.

“Sorry," she squealed when she realised I was still here. "I’m here to clean.”

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