Chapter 243

“All of that because I didn’t have his back?” I whispered to myself. Johnny rushed to Luca’s side—

while Enzo slammed his arm around my shoulder.

“Don’t take it personally. He’s always been like that—whining like a little child.”

“Yes, I know.” I folded my arms. “But leaving me behind?”

“With me.” Enzo shrugged. “That means he trusts me—doesn’t it?”

“He’s not angry with you. He’s upset because you looked at him with those puppy eyes.” Dario stepped forward, smirking.

“What puppy eyes?” I pouted. “All I told him was not to murder his cousin, and now suddenly I’m the bad guy?”

Dario tapped his finger against my nose. “Those puppy eyes.” He showed me his dimples, making me blush. “Don’t worry about him too much, and just let him calm down.”

I didn’t love Dario the way I loved Christian. I had already ruled that one out, but having someone to talk to who shared the same interests and knowing he was back to his old self melted my heart.

He deserved happiness.

“So what will happen to uncle Berto?” Enzo’s look was full of curiosity. Both Johnny and Luca gave Dario their full attention.

“When all of you are out of here—I’ll burn him alive.” He spoke nonchalantly. “Don’t worry, I’ll show Christian his head—so he knows I’m not trying to screw him over.”

“Sounds fair.” Enzo agreed. Hearing them talk that casually made me want to throw up, but I was trying to keep myself together. I wasn’t cut out for this. Not at all.

“Then we’ll get out of your hair after Luca apologizes to Serena.” Johnny slammed his fist against his brother’s back. “Come on, go on!”

Luca, too afraid to meet my eyes, stepped closer and slowly raised his head. We made eye contact without either of us saying a word, and to be honest—I didn’t need his apology.

All I needed was for him to get back to his healthy self. I wanted him to relax and take a break from this crazy family.

Johnny might’ve dodged the curse, but Luca was a perfect result of bad upbringing. If someone should take the blame—it would have to be the Alfonzos for neglecting him.

“I can make many excuses for my actions, but I’m not going to do that,” Luca spoke just above a whisper. “I don’t think you’re waiting for my apology…but I’m sorry for everything—“

“I know.” I interrupted him, not wanting to hear any more. “Let’s not make it any more difficult.”

“Thank you.” Johnny almost held his brother in a chokehold as if he was afraid he could run out any second.

“Just take him to my place while I take care of Serena, and don’t try anything funny,” Enzo ordered.

“If he tries something, we’ll all die.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t get anywhere.” Johnny looked determined. “I’ll make sure of that.”

“So then we’re all set to go?”

“Yes!” I opened my mouth, happy to get out of this place. “And good luck Dario. You’ll need it.”

Any person who could burn someone alive, even if that person was the absolute worst—needed it.

“Yes, you too.” Dario winked. “With the baby, who’ll probably throw a tantrum back home.”

“Siena?”

“No, Christian.”

—

It had been hours since I arrived home, and I had yet to face Christian.

I knew he was in his office because he had come down a few times to check up on Siena—but he was set on ignoring me.

I should’ve never interfered in the first place, and I might’ve been wrong, but that did not remove the fact that I had saved a life today, and given a chance, I would’ve done it again.

My only worries were Christian thinking I was taking advantage of his weakness, and that was not it.

Even if he had ended up killing Luca, I would respect his decision.

Unable to take it any longer, I made him something to drink and knocked on the office door.

I had done the exact thing in the beginning, right after the terrible dinner Cesca had organized, and it helped us back then—so why not now?

“Christian?” I called out his name but got no answer in return.

It took me a moment to get it through my head—but this was also my house which was why I opened the door as I was allowed to and stomped to his desk.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d answer me like a normal human being.” I put down the cup on the table with an attitude and sat down on his desk, closing his laptop. “I made you tea.”

“I was watching a movie.”

“And I said I made you tea.”

Christian rested his chin on his hand, eyeing me suspiciously. “Is it poisoned?”

Poisoned?

“N-no!” I spoke, offended. How dared he?

“Why would I poison you?”

“I don’t know, Serena. Why would you?” Christian sighed, raising his eyebrows. I did the same and leaned in closer to stare directly at him.

He wouldn’t back down, eventually I raised the cup and brought it to my lips to take a sip. “Happy?”

A small smile appeared on Christian’s lips, but it was didn’t last long. He took the cup from my hands with a poker face and drank the tea, looking repulsed.

“Is it bad?” I stressed when he started coughing, but he shook his head and drank everything in one go.

“No, no—it’s delicious, hmm!” He didn’t want to hurt my feelings. “Best tea I ever had!” Christian spoke. “Very sweet and…sugary.”

Great. So I could add that to the list of things I couldn’t do.

“Thanks for your sincerity,” I said sarcastically.

“No thanks.” I got in return. “But I thought I said I didn’t want to see you today.”

So we were still going?

“Do you want me to take Siena and sleep at my parents?” I questioned his rudeness. “Because I can do that.”

“No!” He nearly shouted, sticking out his hand to grab my arm. “You’re already here, so you might as well stay.” I could tell he enjoyed my presence which made teasing him that much more enjoyable.

Teasing him was fun, but that was not the reason why I had barged into his office.

“Christian, I’m so so sorry.” I gave him the apology he deserved. “I felt bad for Luca, and instead of trying to convince you some other way, I called your brother, and all of us ganged up on you.”

Christian chortled, closing his eyes, and leaned back in his chair. “Keep talking.”

He was really enjoying this—wasn’t he?

“I told you I wouldn’t interfere anymore—but I did, and I was wrong.” I continued. “I don’t regret my decision, but the next time I disagree, I’ll talk to you about it.” I made a promise. “I don’t want you to ignore me…I love you.”

Christian opened his eyes with a deep breath and brushed my hand with his finger. “Did you eat anything?”

“Spareribs and pizza—“

“No, Angelica.” He tilted his head, mocking my birth name. “I’m talking about real food. A proper meal.”

“No, I haven’t—the baby’s been making me nauseous, and I’m not that hungry.”

“But it’s important for the baby,” Christian spoke worried, raising himself from the chair. He grabbed me by my waist and lifted me from the desk. “Come, I’ll make you something.”

I was forced to follow him as he held my hand and pulled me through the halls. Even though he treated me like a doll, I didn’t mind and followed after him with a stupid smile on my lips. At least we weren’t ignoring each other anymore.

“Do you know what happened to Berto?” I just had to ask him that question. Dario could’ve not been serious—right?

“Yes—Dario, send me a picture. Do you want to see it?” Christian answered my question. “I do have to warn you—you might not be able to sleep.”

Change of mind. It turns out he was serious after all.

“No, no—ew!” I cringed, making Christian fill the halls with his laughter. “I’ll trust you on your word.”

“Good.”

“Wait!” I squeezed his hand, stopping him. “Does this mean you’re not angry anymore?”

“Angry?” Christian cornered me, a relaxed smile crossing his face. “I was not angry, just a bit disappointed.”

He trailed his finger across my cheek and leaned closer to press his lips on my forehead. “I can’t stay mad at you. You know that.”

“But you never said it back,” I spoke dramatically, squishing his face with my hands. “I don’t believe you.”

“I love you too.” Christian rushed through his words, desperate to get out of my grip. I released him with a satisfied grin and wrapped my arms around his body, leaning my head against his chest.

“I love you more.”

“You’re like a baby,” Christian let out a chuckle. “Speaking of babies—what about those fifteen you promised me?”

I did. I also said a bunch of lies about becoming a perfect housewife.

“No,” I spoke, terrified with the idea of having to carry fifteen babies. “Over my dead body.” He possibly couldn’t have thought I was being serious.

“But never say never.” I didn’t completely want to ruin his day. “Who knows what the future holds?”