Chapter 353
His Promise: The Mafia’s Babies
Aria âThank you, daddy!â I cheered, jumping up and down, I had finally heard the news I had been waiting for.
The Garcias agreed to our proposal. I would marry the love of my life, and I would become his wife.
âI know, muffin.â Dad smiled proudly. âWhen has dad ever let you down?â
âNever?â
âThatâs right, never!â He pulled me closer while mom stood behind with a sour expression on her face. She was not fond of the idea of having Vincenzo Garcia as her son-in-law, but I luckily managed to persuade her with some good arguments.
If we could turn the Garcia name around, all families would be impressed with us.
âAria, you barely even know this guy,â Mom spoke, unamused. âI told you Cesca and Lita have sons-
âIâm going to marry Vince, mom.â I made it clear. âAnd nothing youâll ever say or do will change how I feel about him.â
You heard her, sweetheart.â Dad shrugged at mom. âSo Iâm thinking we should announce your engagement at your birthday party-to get the news out there.âââ
âI agree!â I nodded enthusiastically. The more, the merrier.
Having the opportunity to marry someone as handsome and kind as Vince was indeed something to brag about.
I heard nothing but amazing things about his personality. Others described him as strong, handsome, kind, determined, and respectful, especially towards women. My future husband was perfect.
âDo you want me to hire someone for the preparations? Dad suggested.
âFor what, the birthday or the wedding?â Mom asked, trying to sound uninterested.
âBoth.â
âIâm her mother, so Iâll do it.â She brushed her hair to the side. I was her only daughter, and she loved attention, so it was only fair for her to prepare the wedding.
âNow that itâs my engagement party as well, I need to buy a hot dress!â I came to the realization. âSo I was thinking, V-line, sparkling and short?â I posed, pouting my lips. âShort enough for Vince to get a nosebleed?â
âLook at my baby, all grown up!â Dad gushed, pinching my cheeks. âNo man could ever deny her charms or beauty. Thatâs why the Garcias have instantly agreed to it!â
âI wonder where she got it from.â Morn gave us a one-sided shoulder shrug, making dad let go of my cheeks.
âFrom you, of course.â He opened his arms, pulling her into a hug. I cringed as mom stood on her tippy toes and kissed his nose.
âOkay, first of all-bleh I pulled a disgusted look. Tothermore, I need Vinerâs number what color to wear. I want in to manch âOf course, muffin. Iâll text you his number. My dad mely for you, my love-for you, Iâve got ent play âGrostâ 1 gagged as a high-pitched giggle released from between monâs lips. Even after all these years, they were still very much in love and behaved like newlywell It would be the same for Vince and me I were of it âAnyway, Iâll be out to find my perfect dress for the announcementâ I excused myself before heading downstairs No matter how many times I would repeat it in my head. It will seemed unreal. I was actually geming married to the man I wanted to be with. With a broad smile. I grabbed my phone to text the only friend had made until now. Stella Aria Drew shopping!
Stella When Aria Now!
Stella Iâm sorry, I canâ?
Iâm with Serena Aria No problem, have fun xx Serena this, Serena that That bitch was like a cockroach that just wouldnât go away It was already bad enough that I had no choice but to invite her to my birthday party because she was no only Christianâs wife but also an Alfonzo What if Fince looked at her the same way he did at the wedding?
How could someoneâs wife be my rival? That part was still beyond me.
âTo the mall, at once I lowered my sunglasses before snapping my fingers. One thing loved about my comfortable life was that daddy always made sure I got whatever I desired. I never had to ask for something twice.
âYes, Miss Morales!â The driver ran to the car to open the door for me.
âAnd give it some gas-will you?â I skipped to the back. âIâm in a bit of a hurry,â
âYou got it, miss.ââ
Bonus A while later, I had found my store-a designer boutique that would undoubtedly have my perfect dress for my special day.
âCan I offer you a champagne?â One of the employees welcomed me. I pulled back my sunglasses to take a better look at the woman. She didnât even ask me for my ID. I guess getting engaged gave me a more mature look-a special glow.
âForget the champagne.â I shrugged her off. âI need you to show me your most expensive dress,â
T-the most expensive?â The woman stuttered. âPlease follow me!â
I followed the woman to a golden gown and froze at the magnificent piece of clothing in front of me.
âWow That was it. Thatâs my dress.
âThis is a $35.000 designer evening gown.â She spoke. There is only one piece left.â
âIt looks amazing. It looks perfect!â I gasped, touching the ends with my fingers. If I wore this at the announcement, Vince would not be able to take his eyes off me.
âTake it.â Someone dared to finish the sentence. âIâll take that dress!â
Startled, I turned my head and stared at a girl whose outfit was almost similar to mine. My eyes traveled from her pink crop top, to her tight jeans and stopped at the identical designer bag in her hands. Was this a joke?
âMiss, we havenât seen you in a long time.â The employee pushed me aside to greet the girl.
âExcuse me, miss.â I expressed my annoyance.
âI think youâre interrupting something here.â
âSo 35K, you say? My dad will double it.â The girl continued, ignoring my words. âSo do I pay in cash, card, or do you want me to write you a check?â
The saleswoman cackled loudly. âWhatever works for you, miss!â She covered her mouth with her hand.
Double it? bet dad could triple it.
âHello, that is my dress?â I tilted my head and waved at the unbothered girl.
âOh, Iâm sorry.â The girl spoke, finally addressing me. Perhaps she didnât fully understand, but that was okay. As long as she apologized, there would not be an issue.
âIâm sure you can find something else over thereâ¦in the lower range section which suits you.â She surprised me instead. So there would not be an apology!
âWhat?â
âDoes the dress come in a box?â The girl yet again ignored my existence. In my city, something like this would never happen. Not in a million years. No one would even dare to disrespect Aria Morales, âYes, it comes in a box-
âIâm not letting you walk away with that dress!â I spoke loudly, protecting the piece of clothing with my arms. âThereâs no way in hell!â
The girl placed her bag on the sofa and cracked her knuckles. âI know youâre not talking to me.â She chuckled in a mocking tone. âDo you even know who youâre talking to?â
Mel âDo you know who youâre talking to?â I raised my voice and placed my bag on the floor. âThe dress doesnât even suit you, so I suggest you just let it go.â
âThanks, but Iâll take the dress.â The girl waved her hands. âYou wouldnât be able to afford it anyway.â
Okay, that was it.
Calling me broke is where I drew the line âIâll give you one chance to apologize, and if you donât-there will be some serious consequences,â I spoke calmly, killing hee with kindness. Iâd be damned if I would accept this knockoff version of myself call me broke.
âOh, wow!â The girl threw back her head in laughter.
âAnd what will those consequences be? Please show me. I would like to know!â