Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 384

ARIELLA

Leon grinned.

“I want to see it!”

“It’s not there anymore,” Sia said gently. “That was a long time ago.”

“But Dad made it,” Leon insisted proudly. “So it must have been the best swing ever.”

Sia smiled at that.

“It was.”

There was something in her tone. Something quiet. Something that lingered a little too long.

I shifted slightly where I stood, folding my arms without even realising it. Leon didn’t notice. He was too caught up in the story. But I did, I noticed everything.

“But,” Sia added, after a second. “the stump is still there.”

“The stump?” Leon asked.

“Yes,” she said, smiling. “They built a gazebo around it. Turned it into something like a little table in the middle. I’m sure you’ve seen it....it’s at the back. A little further down, by the pond.”

Leon’s eyes widened.

“You have to show me!”

“I will,” she said. “There are secrets to that stump.”

That did it.

“Let’s go now!” Leon said, already moving.

“No, little buddy,” she laughed softly. “Not now. I’ll show you tomorrow, okay? I promise. But I have to go now.”

“Aww,” he said, clearly disappointed.

“Don’t worry,” she added gently. “Now you have something to look forward to tomorrow. Maybe you can ask your dad to show you when he comes back later. Wouldn't that be fun?”

“Yes!” Leon said. “It will be the most funnest fun.”

She winked at him.

“You see? I know how to make things fun.”

And I just stood there watching her. I watched the ease in the way she spoke to him. The way she knew exactly what to say. The way Leon responded to her was without hesitation. And I wondered.... If I was reading too much into it.

The way she spoke about those memories. The way Asher existed in them. Not just a name, not just a story, but as someone close. Important.

And for a second, that same feeling crept back in. That small, unwelcome thing in my chest. But I pushed it down immediately. Because Leon looked happy. Because this, this right here was harmless.

Wasn’t it?

“That’s such a cool story,” Leon said, leaning back in his chair. “I’m definitely telling Dad tonight. He has to show me the stump.”

Sia laughed softly.

“Make sure you tell it properly.”

“I will!”

He turned to me.

“Mom, did you know Dad used to climb trees and save people?”

I forced a small smile.

“I’m learning new things today too.”

Sia glanced at me then, just for a moment. Like she was trying to read something on my face. Then she stood.

“I should go now,” she said. “I’ve already stayed longer than I planned.”

Leon immediately got up.

“Already?”

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” she reminded him.

He nodded, though he still looked reluctant.

“Okay…”

She looked at me.

“Thank you again.”

“Okay!”

He started talking again, about the tree, the swing, the gazebo, the secrets, his words tumbling over each other in excitement.

And I listened, but part of me stayed quiet. Lingering on the way she had said it... 'There are secrets to that 'stump'. And somehow it didn’t feel like she was just talking about the wood.

*

When Asher came back later that evening, it was a little late. We were already in the dining room, just about to start the first course. But he seemed to be in a good mood this evening, which was great.

The moment he walked in, Leon jumped from his chair, ran straight to him, and wrapped his arms around his waist.

Asher didn’t even hesitate. He leaned down, picked him up, hugged him tightly, ruffled his hair, and kissed his head.

“How are you, my little man?” he said warmly. “I’m sorry I’m late for dinner.”

His eyes flickered to me. I smiled and nodded.

“Dad! Dad!” Leon said quickly, barely giving him a second. “You have to show me the stump!”

Asher frowned.

“The stump? What stump?”

“The stump that Sia told me about!” Leon said excitedly.

Still frowning, he let out a small, confused laugh.

“The stump Sia told you about? What kind of stump are we talking about?”

“She told me a story! About how you’re a hero.....”

“Leon,” I cut in gently, “do you mind letting your dad sit down and rest first? Maybe you can tell him everything after dinner?”

Leon paused. Then nodded quickly.

“Yes, yes, Mom, you’re right. Sorry, Daddy. You must be tired. How was your day? Did you save anyone today?”

Asher laughed, looking at me for help. I merely shrugged before Asher helped Leon back into his seat before walking over to me.

He leaned down, kissed me softly, then took his seat at the head of the table.