Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 429

ASHER

To say I was having a hard day is not the right word. I'm still looking for the right word to describe it. But yes, I did go back home And I locked myself in my office.

I stayed there until Ariella came knocking.

"I'm ready." She said the moment she walked in.

I looked at her and the way she stood in front of me. She looked ready for whatever fight she thought I was going to bring up.

She had changed from what she was wearing this morning. She was now wearing this beautiful white dress And she looked so beautiful. Of course, she's always beautiful, She's my wife.

I stood immediately and started walking. I couldn't wait any longer.

"Okay, let's go."

I checked my pockets, my phone, my wallet, everything. Not because I needed to but because I was stalling. Trying to stop this day from moving forward.

Trying to delay us going to see her mother for as long as humanly possible.

"You're coming?" she asked.

She sounded genuinely surprised. I looked at her.

"Yes, of course I'm coming."

I walked toward her and kissed her forehead. It was more for me than her really. I was angry at her for forcing this on herself but I also loved her so god-damned much.

"Well, I just..." She smiled awkwardly. "I thought you didn't want me to go, so I didn't think you would want to come."

I sighed, hating myself for making her feel that way Then pulled her gently toward me.

"Ariella."

She looked up.

"You're my wife."

My hand moved to her cheek.

"You're the love of my life. And you're my partner in both life and death."

She smiled. A small, beautiful smile. One that immediately made my chest hurt.

"Of course I'm not going to let you do this by yourself."

I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm going to be there for you." My voice softened."With you. In everything hard. Whenever and however you need me."

She looked away, hiding another smile.

"I didn't say I want you to come with me."

"You don't have to." I shook my head. "That's what it means for me to be your other half."

I squeezed her hand.

"You don't have to say anything. And I would still know." I kiss her forehead. "Okay?"

She nodded.

"So let's go get your mom these flowers and seeds or whatever."

I started walking away But she grabbed my hand. I stopped and turned towards her.

She poked my chest.

"You are crazy."

I grabbed her finger.

"You still love me."

"I absolutely do not."

Instead of reminding her of what she said a few seconds ago,

"You look beautiful."

She rolled her eyes immediately.

"There it is."

"What?"

"The stupid charm."

I grinned.

"It still works."

She tried to look unimpressed and failed Miserably. The smile she was trying so hard to hide gave her away. For the first time all day, I felt myself relax a little. A little..... Not much. Because the reality was still there waiting for us.

Waiting outside those walls.

Waiting at her mother's house.