The Mafia King's Unknown Doctor Wife novel Chapter 374

"To top it all off," Luca continued, "I have to watch my boss, my best friend, make decisions that are objectively bad for him. Because they're what's best for everyone. Do you understand that?"

Massimo didn't know what to say. Luckily, it didn't seem like Luca was waiting for a response.

"I've known about your crush on Elena before you did," Luca said, gesturing to Massimo's heart. "Before Aria even entered the picture, I knew you liked Elena. But I've held my tongue because you can't make two people fall in love, so I just support you where I can."

"If you understand that I love Elena, then why are you insisting I let her leave?" Massimo growled. "What, did you hope I would fall out of love with her and choose someone else? Did you hate her so much?"

"No, Elena was good for you—she helped you change for the better," Luca replied. "Elena helped you with everything I couldn't, whether it was getting you to open up or helping you make allies or forge your own path as the head of the Ferraro family. And I enjoyed working with her—I'll miss her as I would any coworker."

"Then stop fighting me on this." Massimo felt like he was all but begging Luca for permission at this point.

"You don't get it," Luca said with a small shake of his head. "You're my priority. I know you know Fabio didn't recommend me as your advisor on a whim."

"He could've," Massimo argued. He didn't believe what he was saying. He just hated where this conversation was going.

Luca just gave him a disappointed look.

"My family has been serving yours for generations," he stated. "I was trained since birth for this role just like you were, so I understand the pressures of this more than anymore. I understand how impressive it is that you're willing to ignore all those pressures and listen to your heart."

As Luca smiled at him, Massimo felt the rest of his anger fizzle out. That was the crux of this whole problem wasn't it? Massimo was trained to always act as the responsible Mafia King, but underneath that title was just a man—a man who was deeply in love with a woman.

She could make out Rocco and Riley Conti already there.

This was bad. If Elena was spotted, they'd definitely tell Massimo where she was—if he hadn't already guessed where she was.

Though her heart was beating too fast, Elena forced herself to act calm and confident. She stayed far away from the Contis, waiting until they left to grab her suitcase.

Elena made her way to the main part of the airport for arrivals. She hoped there would be good cell service there—she'd probably have to call a taxi or something to get to Sloane's house.

But to her great surprise, Elena saw Sloane standing in the arrivals section! Her mother was checking her phone, but when she glanced up and saw Elena, she smiled wide and waved.