Claimed By The Mafia Don (Ariella and Asher) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7

His jaw clenched, his eyes burning into me.

“You stomped on my heart,” he said, each word slow, “and turned me into the man I am today.”

A humourless chuckle escaped him as he shook his head. Then, he took a deep breath and stepped back.

“You’re just going to have to learn the consequences of your actions,” he said coldly, “and the man you turned me into,”

And then, he turned.

I barely had the strength to lift my head as he walked away.

The door creaked open, and just as he was about to step out, I whispered,

“Asher…”

It was so soft, maybe just a breath of sound, but still, I hoped-hoped that maybe he would stop. That maybe, even after everything, he would turn back and listen to me…..

But he didn’t.

He didn’t pause,

Hard.

didn’t hesitate. He just walked out and slammed the door behind him.

I was left there, curled up on the cold ground, my knees drawn to my chest, my tears soaking into the fabric of my clothes.

I sobbed for what felt like hours. Or maybe minutes. I wasn’t sure.

All I knew was that the memories-those precious, beautiful moments I had held on to for years-were now twisted into something else entirely.

The love I thought we had once shared meant nothing to him.

Not anymore.

After what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open again.

“Did he―” Damien started, then stopped. His throat bobbed as he swallowed. He couldn’t bring himself to finish the question. Instead, he tried again. “Did he… touch you?”

I swallowed thickly, my lips trembling. I gave the smallest shake of my head.

Relief flickered across his face, but it did nothing to ease the tension in the room.

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” he asked softly.

Again, I shook my head.

Damien exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. “Just… just know that you’ll be compensated for today,” he said after a pause. “And if you don’t want to come back here, I’ll understand.” His voice faded toward the end, uncertain.

I didn’t know what to say to that. So I stayed quiet. Silence settled between us again.

Damien shifted on his feet, his hands fiddling together, his nervous energy apparent. I could see the guilt als eyes, the uncertainty in his words. He didn’t know what to do. He didn’t know how to handle me.

And honestly, I didn’t know how to handle myself either.