The Mafia King's Unknown Doctor Wife novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

“I can’t believe you would do something so thoughtless,” Luna shouted. Though her voice was louder and higher than Massimo’s ever got, Elena recognized that dangerous harsh tilt she’d come to hear in Massimo’s own speech when he got particularly angry.

Elio either didn’t recognize the tone or didn’t care about its significance. “I don’t have to consult you for every decision I make!”

“If this is how you respond under pressure, then you definitely fucking should!” Luna replied.

Elena moved to get closer to the couple. Massimo was right–it did look like they might get violent. And Elena knew they needed to stop arguing before things got really ugly.

“It doesn’t matter, Luna, because I’m the one with the rank, not you!” Elio spat back. “I’m the capo, which means I’m the trusted general and the one with real authority. You’re not in charge, and you never will be so could you shut up already?!”

Elena saw the hurt in Luna’s eyes and knew she was too late. Luna bit her lip The door slammed behind her.

Elena went to follow Luna, but a hand stopped her.

“Don’t,” Beatrice said. She held Elena’s shoulder gently but firmly.

stormed out of the restaurant.

“But she’s clearly upset,” Elena said. She understood this wasn’t her family so she should probably just listen to her sister, but if felt wrong to not go after Luna and check on her. “I don’t think we should leave her alone.”

“Why?” Beatrice asked. “Didn’t you hear what they were talking about? Elio made a decision as a mafia capo without talking to her first.”

Beatrice looked meaningfully at Elena. Elena saw sadness and acceptance in the woman’s eyes.

“That’s a capo’s right,” Beatrice continued slowly. “Women can’t hold rank. Sooner or later, Luna needs to accept that and realize that if she wants to stay involved, she has to do it in other ways.”

Elena understood what Beatrice was saying. The mafia was extremely patriarchal and old fashion. As the wife of a don, Beatrice undoubtedly had to accept that lesson herself.

But Elena also understood the need to find her own place. She understood the need to prove herself and be recognized as an equal. She wouldn’t be Massimo’s doctor if she didn’t.

Elena carefully stepped away from Beatrice, breaking her hold. Elena smiled kindly at her.

“Even so,” Elena replied evenly, “marriage partners should be equal. That’s what wedding vows are all about- agreeing to love and nurture someone important. You can’t do that if you’re not partners in every sense of the word.”

“You’re young,” Beatrice said. “Everyone learns sooner or later that marriages take compromises to work. The same can be said of mafia business.”

“If the mafia cares so much about contracts and laws, then it should care about marital vows, too. If someone has to compromise on a vow so sacred and important, I wouldn’t trust them to uphold any deal,” Elena said solemnly.

Elena looked briefly at Massimo. “I’m going to check on Luna,” she told him. “I’ll return after.”

Without another word, Elena left.

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Massimo watched Elena calmly but determinedly leave behind members of one of the oldest and most powerful mafia families. Elena truly always found new ways to earn Massimo’s respect, and he couldn’t be more pleased.

Massimo waited for the Conti family members to slowly unfreeze. They were understandably–shocked by Elena’s blunt stubbornness. It was rare for anyone to be so genuine yet unyielding in their presence.

“It appears our table is ready,” Massimo observed. “Shall we?”

Massimo tried to recall Elena’s advice as he guided his extended relatives to the table. He recalled all the information he, Luca, and Elena had compiled on the Contis and tried to hold polite conversation. Asking about things like Riley’s new photography hobby, the new museum that opened up not far from Nico’s main estate, or how Elio acquired a small banking business–Massimo skirted around the issue of mafia matters enough to not outright ignore it but not make the conversation turn into a work meeting.

Massimo thought he was doing rather well, but one Conti failed to ever get comfortable no matter how the meal dragged on. In fact, his frown grew deeper the more time passed. He barely engaged in conversation, and only said a word or two when directly questioned.