Married to Mafia Boss novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Alia’s POV

After going upstairs, I immediately recognized Gabriel. He was sitting at a table by the window, his back against the wall, watching the entrance like a predator. The white bandage on his forehead stood out starkly against his bronzed skin.

Deep breath, Aliya. You can handle this.

As I approached, Gabriel’s lips curled into that familiar smile that once made my heart race but now only made me feel sick.

“Aliya, darling,” he stood up, reaching out to take my hand, “I was beginning to worry you wouldn’t come.”

I deliberately kept both hands on my bag. ‘Let’s keep this brief,” I said, “I have other matters to attend to.”

Gabriel touched the bandage on his forehead, his dark eyes gleaming. “Does it upset you to see me injured? Are you worried about me, my dear Aliya?

‘Impossible,” I replied, “Gabriel, since you asked me to come, let’s be clear face to face. Please don’t…”

“Aliya!” Gabriel interrupted, not wanting to hear my rejection, “I’ve come to you with sincere intentions. I hope you can calm down and listen to what I have to say.”

A waiter appeared at our table. “Mr. Castro, would you like the same drink as usual?” he asked respectfully.

“Yes, and a cappuccino for the lady, Gabriel answered without consulting me.

I almost laughed. Three years ago, cappuccino was my favorite drink. Now I prefer strong black coffee, and occasionally I’ll drink hot milk when Marco makes it for me. Three years have passed–yet Gabriel still lives in the past.

Waiter,” I interrupted, “just water for me, please.”

Gabriel’s smile froze slightly.

“Mr. Gabriel, let’s not beat around the bush,” I said after the waiter left, “I don’t have time to waste here with you. If you’re not willing to speak plainly, then

I’ll leave!”

He reached across the table, trying to grasp my hand. I immediately pulled back, hiding my hands under the table, and his expression instantly darkened.

“Aliya, I’ve come with genuine intentions,” he said, lowering his voice to the same intimate tone he once used when whispering promises in my ear. “I want you back by my side.”

I stared at him, momentarily speechless. “You can’t be serious?”

I’ve never been more serious,” he leaned forward. “We can start over, and if you’re willing, the position of Mrs. Castro is yours.”

Just as I was about to answer, a familiar voice behind me made me freeze.

‘One hot milk, not too hot.”

Marco?

I froze. How much had he heard? What was he doing here?

Gabriel narrowed his eyes, looking past me and clearly recognizing Marco.

A moment later, the restaurant manager appeared at our table with a steaming cup of milk. He nodded respectfully and placed it in front of me.

“Mrs. Vittorio, your husband asked me to bring this to you,” he said, “Mr. Vittorio is taking care of something and will join you in a few minutes.

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Chapter 40

I felt relieved Marco just wanted me to know he was here.

I scanned the restaurant and met his eyes. Marco was standing near the bar with his phone in hand.

Gabriel was furious. “You’re married?” he asked, “To him?”

I used to think Gabriel was handsome, but comparing him to Marco now, whether in looks, temperament, or attitude, Gabriel fell far short.

Looking at Gabriel now, I suddenly felt a surge of gratitude. If he hadn’t betrayed me three years ago, I wouldn’t have fled to Portano, wouldn’t have interned at Cortez Tech, and wouldn’t have met Marco.

“Mr. Castro,” I said firmly, “as you just heard, I’m married. Please stop interfering in my life.”

Gabriel’s face darkened. “Dear Aliya, do you think I’ll believe this charade? Do you think finding some man to pretend to be your husband will convince mer

“I don’t need to explain anything to you,” I replied, “Believe what you want.”

His expression turned ugly, and he hissed, “Aliya Rossi, how dare you betray me? Have you forgotten who protected you when you first started college? Who gave shelter to you and your parents‘ family?”

I laughed coldly: ‘Gabriel, my marriage is my freedom. What right do you have to speak to me this way? Don’t forget how disgusting your actions were back then.”

Gabriel’s fingers tightened around his coffee cup as he glared viciously at Marco. “I gave you a chance, Aliya. You chose to refuse. Whatever happens from now on, whatever the consequences, you brought this on yourself.”

A chill ran through me.

*Come after me if you want,” I lowered my voice, “but if you dare touch anyone close to me, I will never let you get away with it.”

Gabriel laughed coldly: “People close to you? Your husband? That Vittorio fellow? I want to see what kind of man dares to steal my woman. I want to see what he’s capable of!”

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