Chapter 91 Conflicted

Words : 1461 Updated : May 20th, 2025

"Boss, I sent you a different car since the Marino gang already knows about your vehicles," the text read. Alessandro replied with a quick "Okay" before putting his phone back in the breast pocket of his jacket. "Is everything alright?" Mia asked, sensing the change in the Italian don's mood. "Yes, dolcezza. It's business and nothing important." He shrugged off her concern with a charming smile. "We can cancel the dinner and go another time," Mia suggested. Alessandro felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her deeply. She was always so understanding and caring, making him fall in love even more. "That's fine. Let's go," he said, pressing his large hand into the small of his back while Gia and Maximo held Emily's hand as they all walked together toward the elevator. When they reached the entrance of the building, Mia noticed Alessandro's bodyguard, who was also his driver, waiting by a sleek limousine. Micah and a few more bodyguards stood nearby, while another car parked behind the limousine, presumably for Micah and the other guards. Mia found it strange that such heavy security would follow them for a family dinner, and she looked at Alessandro skeptically. But Alessandro smirked when Mia raised her brows in question. Without offering any clarification, he helped the kids into the limousine, then held the door open for Emily, impressing Mia yet again with his chivalry. Where was the rude, heartless Alessandro Valentino she once knew? She thought inwardly, looking at him with surprise-filled eyes. As she was about to get in, the Italian don held out his hand to help her. The gesture made Mia bite the inside of her cheek shyly. She could feel the heat rising in her face, sure her cheeks were now even more pink than the blush she had applied. Alessandro's touch was gentle but protective, and the possessiveness in his eyes made Mia's heart flutter. She glanced up at him, catching a glimmer of the dark desires that made her breathless momentarily. He took the seat beside her. The kids kept chattering about their day and their plans for the evening, and Alessandro participated enthusiastically. "Why is there so much security? What are you hiding from me, Mr. Valentino?" Mia asked in a whisper, leaning closer to her mafia husband. "Amore mio, you doubt too much. It's normal for my security to follow me wherever I go," Alessandro replied, his eyes drawn to Mia's lips as she got closer. Her sweet scent made his heart race, and he could feel his desire throbbing, despite being surrounded by family. "But this is more than your usual security," Mia argued, a slight pout on her lips. "Yeah, because we're going out. It's my duty to keep you and the kids safe—you're mine to protect," he said, his tone both firm and affectionate. But Mia was not satisfied with his reply; she sensed there was more Alessandro wasn't revealing. As she continued to stare at her mafia husband, Alessandro smirked. "Keep looking at me like that, and I'll kiss you, piccola tentatrice," he murmured sensually, making Mia's eyes widen at his shamelessness. He didn't even consider that the kids were in the same car. Swallowing hard and resisting her wickedly charming husband, she pulled back quickly and looked out the window to hide her flushed face. She bit her lip as she heard Alessandro chuckle amusedly before he turned to engage the kids in conversation. As they reached the restaurant, the children eagerly ordered all their favorite foods. Alessandro, engrossed in their excitement and endless demands, seemed to forget Mia was there. They insisted he sit between them, and both Maximo and Gia wanted Alessandro to feed them one by one with his own hand. Mia was so amused that she shook her head at their stubborn demands, but she was even more shocked to see that the Italian don was more than happy to fulfill every wish of her kids. The once fearsome and imposing figure now sat with a gentle smile, patiently feeding Maximo a bite of pasta while Gia giggled beside him, waiting her turn. Alessandro's eyes sparkled with a warmth Mia had never seen before, and the sound of his laughter blended seamlessly with the children's joyous chatter. He had no problem obeying their every command, no trace of irritation or impatience in his demeanor. Mia watched in awe, her heart swelling with a mixture of love and disbelief. This side of Alessandro was one she had never imagined. Her eyes landed on Emily, who sat beside her, watching Alessandro and the kids. Emily smiled and nodded toward Alessandro, and Mia blushed at her silent implication but said nothing. Emily leaned in and whispered in Mia's ear, "Adam is good, but he..." She gestured toward Alessandro before continuing, "is also not bad." "Shut up," Mia mouthed back, trying to suppress a smile, but her eyes betrayed the joy in her heart. There was no way she was going to compare the two men. Adam was a nice man—more than nice; he was a great person, and Mia respected him. But Alessandro... He might not be a perfect man, but he was the father of her children, and they were happy with him. She loved him wholeheartedly and always had. That was all that mattered to her. After dinner, Alessandro settled the bill, and they began to leave. The kids held Alessandro's hands on either side and walked happily. As they were about to exit the restaurant, a deep voice suddenly stopped them in their tracks. "Mia!!!" Mia turned to find Adam standing there, his eyes darting from her to the kids holding hands with Alessandro. Adam's expression was a mix of surprise and pain. But the hurt in his once bright eyes made Mia feel a pang of guilt. Adam's eyes fixed on Mia, full of questions as he walked toward her with calculated steps. "Adam," Mia tried to smile, but it faltered, making her feel as if she were caught red-handed. Alessandro was quickly by her side after handing the kids to Emily. "How come you're here?" Mia asked, trying to hide her hesitation. Adam didn't reply instantly. His eyes narrowed as they landed on Alessandro, who circled his arms possessively around Mia's waist, making her curse inwardly. Why did the mafia king have to make this more complicated? "So he is the reason you rejected my marriage proposal!" Adam's voice was laced with anger and betrayal. Mia felt terrible, like the worst person in the world. She never wanted to hurt him, but what he asked for was something she couldn't give him. "No, that's not true," she mumbled. "The kids wanted to eat out, so we took them here." "Who do you think you're fooling, Mia? Me or yourself, huh?!" Adam snapped, making Mia wince. "Stay in your limits, Adam Whitmore," Alessandro growled, glaring at Adam before Mia could respond. "It's her choice to choose who she wants to be with. So fuck off." He paused, then added, "Let's go, Mia," tugging her hand authoritatively. But she resisted, refusing to move. "Alessandro," she pleaded as he stared in silent warning. "Let me talk to him. Please!" she implored desperately, hoping he would understand. "No, you will only talk to him in my presence," he refused to leave her alone with the movie star. "Why do you even need to talk? You're not obliged to answer anyone, dolcezza," he stated coldly, his menacing gaze fixed on Adam. "He is not just anyone. He is Adam, a very close friend and one of the few people who were always there for me when I needed them, and yes, I do owe him an explanation," Mia told Alessandro firmly. "Please give me some space to talk to him," she requested of her mafia husband once again. "Please!" "No, we don't have time for this. Let's go," he said stubbornly, tugging her with him. But Adam held Mia's hand, stopping her and forcing Alessandro to turn toward him, fury burning in his eyes. "Let go of her hand, or I'll break yours," Alessandro threatened in a low, menacing tone. "I want to see how you do that. She won't go with you until I talk to her," Adam challenged. Alessandro's anger flared, and he took an intimidating step toward Adam, pushing his chest harshly. Adam resisted and pushed Alessandro back. The atmosphere suddenly turned thick and dark, charged with the hint that hell was about to break loose.

Chapter 91 Conflicted

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