Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride novel Chapter 24

Dante’s POV

Ariel curled back into my arms, tucking herself under my chin like she used to when she was younger. Her voice came soft against my chest.

“Dad… are they still going to let me take the exams?”

I pulled back just enough to see her face. “Don’t worry about that. Dad will take care of it.” I brushed her hair behind her ear. “Even if we have to bring the entire exam board to this house… you’ll take it right here in your bed if that’s what it takes. I’ll make it happen.”

Her lips curved. “Thanks, Dad… you’re the best.”

She stared up at me for a moment, searching my face the way she always does when she’s about to ask something bigger.

“Dad…” she started again, “when are you coming back to live with us fully?”

I stilled.

“We all miss you. Even Aunty Seline. She acts strong, but… she misses you too.”

I looked over at Seline, but she avoided my gaze, telling me something was up. Then I looked back down at Arielle.

“Soon, sweetheart. I already told you… I’ve got a few urgent matters to settle. Once that’s done, we can…”

“Is this about finding Mom’s killers?” she interrupted. “And making them pay?”

I hesitated. My eyes shifted toward Seline again.

Was she filling Ariel’s head with this again?

Seline knew where I stood when it came to revenge, and she didn’t agree. She’d made that clear more than once. But even if she disagreed, it wouldn’t stop me. Nothing would.

I looked down at my daughter. Fourteen. Still my little girl, but not a child anymore. She was old enough now. Old enough to hear the truth.

“You’re right,” I agreed, voice low. “I’m on a mission to find the man who took your mother away from us, and to make each of them pay for everything they’ve cost our family.”

Ariel’s face dropped. “I miss Mom every day,” she whispered. “Those evil men… they stole her from us. And it hurts, Dad. But… we carry her in us. Every day. She still lives through us. Her memories.”

I stared at her for a second, chest tightening.

She was so much like her mother.

Always knew what to say. Always had this calm, wise presence about her, even at fourteen. Smart, thoughtful, sensitive. Way too mature for her age. But that’s who she was. That’s who I raised.

That’s who we raised.

She had survived things no child should’ve faced. And still… she carried on. Stronger than anyone I knew. Sometimes I feared she was carrying too much for someone her age.

But I’d brought her into this world, and I’d protect her with my last breath.

“You’re right, sweetheart,” I said gently. “Your mom lives in all of us. And I know she’s looking down right now… proud of the beautiful, brave girl you’re becoming.”

Seline’s eyes glistened. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

She reached over and took my hand in hers.

“Dad…” her voice was strained now, “I also think Mom would want you to stop chasing after her killers. She’d want you here. With us. Not out there burning yourself alive over revenge.”

I looked down at her hand in mine, then slowly pulled away.

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