Bound To My Mafia Stepuncles novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Aria’s POV

I don’t know why my chest felt so tight.

It was just dinner.

Just dinner with my mother, my sister, and… her husband.

And yet, my palms were sweating like I was walking into a courtroom.

I sat between Enzo and Matteo in the backseat of the sleek black car. Dante drove quietly up front, his eyes fixed on the road like he was heading into enemy territory. I didn’t blame him. In a way, we all were.

I smoothed my dress with nervous fingers. It was a simple black one, just above the knee, with a square neckline and thin straps. It hugged my waist gently without doing too much. I didn’t wear much jewelry, just small silver hoops and a thin bracelet. My hair was down, brushed soft and clean, falling past my shoulders. No makeup, just a little gloss and powder.

I looked fine. Presentable. Neat.

But I still felt like I didn’t belong.

“You’re quiet,” Matteo said softly, turning his head just a little toward me.

“I’m fine,” I whispered back, but even I didn’t believe it.

Enzo gave my hand a quick squeeze before letting go, just enough to make my heartbeat calm for a second.

The restaurant was beautiful. Expensive–looking. Gold lights hung like stars from the ceiling, and soft music played in the background. The floor was polished black marble, and every table had a little candle flickering inside a glass jar.

I spotted them instantly. My mother stood up first. She wore a pale green dress with sparkly earrings, her smile wide and warm–but only when she looked at the triplets. Her eyes barely touched me.

Cassandra sat beside her in a pink off–shoulder gown, long fake lashes blinking like butterfly wings. She gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, then turned her attention to Dante, practically beaming.

Victor gave a polite nod. He wore a beige jacket and looked like he was trying to seem rich.

We walked over, and I felt the heat of a thousand thoughts running through my body. My mother kissed my cheek lightly, then turned quic!” to the triplets.

“Oh my, you all look so handsome,” she said sweetly. “Even more impressive in person. Suits really suit you.”

Matteo smiled politely. Dante just nodded. Enzo gave a soft “Thanks.”

Cassandra leaned forward, twirling a strand of her shiny hair. “You guys smell so good. What cologne is that?”

I almost rolled my eyes.

We sat down. I was between Enzo and Dante again, Matteo across from me. The air felt heavy, like we were playing dress–up in a room full of

actors.

1/3

Chapter 86

“So, Aria,” my mother began, picking up her wine glass, “ranch life treating you well? You look… well–fed.”

I blinked.

“Still dressing a bit plain, aren’t you?” Cassandra added, reaching for the breadbasket with a smile.

I wanted to shrink into the floor, Enzo’s hand brushed mine under the table again–brief, gentle, like a whisper.

“I’m doing okay,” I said, keeping my voice low.

We ordered food. I didn’t even read the menu properly, just picked something that sounded safe. My heart wasn’t in it. My stomach was already turning.

I stared down at my hands, fingers trembling as they curled tightly in my lap. The warmth of the room felt suffocating now, the chatter around me fading into the background like a distant hum. My heart pounded in my chest, louder than the polite conversation that flowed around me. Cassandra’s giggles. My mother’s calculated sweetness. The clinking of silverware on porcelain. I felt like I was shrinking in my seat, invisible, my presence barely acknowledged except for the occasional, biting remark. They were all so wrapped up in each other–the triplets, with their calm, collected composure, and my mother, with her unnervingly sweet facade. It was like I didn’t belong here, like I was nothing more than a shadow lingering at the edges of their perfect world. My fingers dug into my black dress, feeling the fabric stretch under the pressure, but it didn’t make me feel any more grounded. I wasn’t enough–never enough. Not beautiful enough. Not confident enough. Not Cassandra enough. Their words stung sharper than I could admit, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I felt small, completely insignificant, and it hurt in a way I couldn’t explain.

Then Victor cleared his throat.

“Well, things have been… rough,” he said. “The business is slow, taxes keep rising, and we’re barely making it through.”

Here it comes.

My mother placed a hand on his arm, then looked at the triplets. “I know you boys are busy and important, but maybe… maybe you could help? Just a little support?”

My chest tightened.

Cassandra jumped in quickly. “I’ve been thinking of starting a fashion line. I have a name and sketches and everything. I just need some investors. It’s my dream, you know?”

I stared at the candle in the middle of the table. It flickered like my last bit of patience.

This wasn’t about me. It never was.

“You’re just using me to get to them,” I said under my breath.

No one responded to that. But the silence said everything.

When the triplets said they’d “think about it,” my mother turned to me, frowning like I’d insulted her personally.

I looked up and said softly, “It’s up to them. It’s their decision.”

Her mouth dropped open slightly.

“Really, Aria? After everything I’ve done for you?” Her voice got louder. “You just sit there like a stranger, letting them turn their backs on family?”

My face burned. “They haven’t said no.”

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