The Mafia Princess Return (Talia) novel Chapter 256

**The Mafia Princess Returns**

**Chapter 256**

**64**

**Dad’s POV**

Yesterday was a whirlwind of emotions, a chaotic symphony of feelings that we all tried so hard to suppress. We had donned our armor, pretending to be a band of stoic, emotionless warriors, but when it came to our beloved princess, the façade crumbled. Every moment was charged, from the harrowing attack to the tense capture of Cillian, to witnessing our radiant Talia reveling in the playful antics of our new four-legged family members. And then there was the bitter satisfaction of hearing the man we all despise scream in agony—a sound that resonated with our collective fury.

This morning, as we gathered around the dining table for breakfast, I noticed Talia huddled with her friends, their voices barely above a whisper, yet their faces lit up with bright, infectious smiles. It warmed my heart to see my little angel surrounded by people who genuinely love and cherish her.

Talia’s happiness was palpable, and today she seemed to radiate a glow that I hadn’t seen in a long time. The oppressive weight of Cillian’s presence had finally begun to lift, allowing my sweet girl to soar free, unburdened and vibrant.

“Dad,” Talia’s voice broke through my thoughts, her smile illuminating the room. “Can I take my guys to the mall? I want to pick out a birthday present for Theo.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and I couldn’t help but smile back at her.

“Of course, Principessa,” I replied, unable to contain my joy. “But your guards must accompany you.”

Even with Cillian secured behind bars, she remained our precious princess, and the world outside still held threats we couldn’t ignore.

Her eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. “Good! And I promise we’ll be back by lunchtime!”

With that, Talia and her friends, flanked by their guards, set off for the mall, while the rest of us made our way to the warehouse to have a little fun with Cillian before the meal.

The thought of my brothers and their sons making Cillian scream brought a twisted smile to my face. The man had already lost all his fingers, both eyes, and one ear; he was in a state of slow, painful disintegration. My brother Mason had even shot him in the thighs, just as he had done to our princess. We were far from finished with him, but the thought of lunch beckoned us back home.

When we returned, the dining room was alive with chatter. I spotted Talia perched on Ezra’s lap, their hushed voices filled with laughter, both of them glowing with joy.

I approached my baby girl, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, feeling a rush of love for her. Then, I took my seat beside my sweet Eliana. I had never imagined that I would find love again, especially after Bianca, but Eliana had worked her way into my heart, a beautiful surprise I never saw coming.

I leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, offering her a warm smile. “How did things go at the warehouse, my love?” Eliana asked, her voice low but filled with curiosity.

“Well, he’s slowly disappearing, bit by bit,” I replied, my voice steady.

“Good. I can’t wait until that bastard is gone for good,” she said, her eyes shining with determination.

I felt a swell of gratitude for Eliana, who loved Talia as if she were her own daughter. Despite her own struggles—an accident in her youth had left her unable to have children—she poured her heart into my kids, nurturing them with the love they deserved.

She was a blessing in my life, a beacon of hope, and I knew I could never find anyone better than her.

“I meant to give them earlier, but so much happened since then. And then Bradley joined us, so I had to make one more before I could hand them out,” Talia explained, and we all nodded in understanding.

“I remember when we picked them up in Dubai. I was curious when you would finally give them out,” Maria chimed in, her smile beaming.

As lunch drew to a close, some family members eager for more payback on Cillian made their way back to the warehouse, while others opted to stay home. I watched as many of the younger ones headed to the cinema room to relax and enjoy a movie.

The adults who remained settled into the living room, seeking solace in conversation, while the older members drifted off to their offices to tackle paperwork and other responsibilities.

The rest of the day unfolded in a comforting rhythm of relaxation, culminating in a shared dinner. Afterward, some retreated to the game room, while others ventured back to the cinema.

This was our life now, a tapestry woven with moments of joy and vengeance. Each day, family members and associates took their turns with Cillian, and we all gathered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, united in our shared experiences.

As the weeks passed, we began preparing for the twins’ 18th birthday. Kayden and the guys requested a meeting with me, their faces serious as they asked for my blessing to propose to Talia.

Without hesitation, I granted it. The plan was for Talia to marry Kayden legally, but during the wedding, all of them would exchange vows. They had put so much thought into this, and despite their youth, I could see the sincerity in their eyes.

Now, I could only hope that Talia would say yes, and then we could begin planning a wedding that would celebrate their love.