Page 68 of The Diávolos: Part Two
I stand in the bathroom, lost in thought as Aria’s words begin to penetrate the walls I had built to protect myself. I wasn’t oblivious to the sacrifices that Evander made to be close to me, but I wondered whether it was all to appease his ego, to prove to himself that he could still have me.
“Helovesyou, Angelica. Even I can see through his devilish exterior,” she reassures me.
Now that we’re husband and wife, things will change. Hopefully for the better.
Given this isn’t an actual wedding, we decided not to host a massive celebration, especially since things with my father and his clan are still volatile.
Evander was able to get the blessing from the other Godfathers of Cebrene to go ahead with our plan, so we’re hosting a dinner at Xander’s restaurant and inviting them as an act of gratitude.
When we walk inside, the place has been decorated to suit the occasion. There’s one long table in the middle, embellished with flowers and candles. The chairs are covered in beautiful white fabric and there’s a big backdrop of peonies with the letters E + A.
“I didn’t realize we were making a big deal about this,” I whisper to Evan, as he takes my hand and places it in the crook of his arm.
A smile forms at the corner of his mouth. “It’s just a little something to mark the occasion.”
I roll my eyes. Most guests have already arrived, so we walk up to the table and greet everyone.
Mrs. Cirillo—Homer’s wife and the biggest gossip in Cebrene—approaches us first, obviously. “Evander, Angelica. Congratulations!” she exclaims, shaking Evan’s hand.
I'm so engrossed in my own thoughts that, when I feel her arms wrap around me, my muscles tense, the unexpected hug catching me off guard. “It’s great to see you, Gloria,” I say, my body gradually relaxing as the initial surprise wears off. “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course! I wouldn’t miss this for the world. We haven’t had a joining of families in years, especially the Kouvalakis. Your father has always believed himself to be above us,” she says with a wink.
I give her a tight-lipped smile. Gloria is known for her digs, so I don’t read much into it.
We move on to the rest of the table, stopping at every Godfather.
“Angelica, long time, no see,” Damon Petrakis, Gianis’s father, says, giving me three kisses on my cheeks. He smiles at me, but it looks strained, though I can’t tell why. Damon’s eyes dart past me, and I find Gianis standing not too far behind.
Ever since Gianis decided to work for mybaba, his relationship with his father has been strained. Working for another clan or Godfather is usually frowned upon, but Damon and my father made an arrangement. Given that his son was going to work for him in a high-level role, Damon decided not to disown him. Still, it didn’t make up for the fact that Damon never allowed Gianis to pursue a professional career in mixed martial arts.I guess having an asshole father is a recurring theme.
As the seconds pass, my discomfort grows.
“Father,” Gianis greets with a nod, his tone flat. He gives Evan a slightly warmer nod before smiling softly at me.
“Son. I see things have changed between you two.” He gestures between him and Evander. Everyone knows about their rivalry.
Evander’s lips curl. “We’ve made peace…for the time being,” he replies, wearing a wicked expression. Gianis is as stiff as a statue. I can feel the unease oozing off him. My hand reaches for my best friend, and he grabs onto it.
“Well, I’m glad to hear. It’s time all the families unite. No offense, but someone needs to kick your father off his high horse,” Damon says to me.
“No offense taken,” I assure him.
“Let’s take our seats, angel,” Evander murmurs.Finally.
On our way to the head table, Xander comes out of the kitchen and gives us both a quick embrace.
“Thank you so much for hosting this for us. It looks beautiful and smells great. Please thank your grandmother,” I tell him.
Xander grins. “It’s our pleasure,noná.”Godmother.
Reality hits me like a ton of bricks. Once my father is forced out of his seat, I’ll have to take the reins, but I don’t have the slightest clue how to lead an entire clan. Let alone the business it carries.
My anxiety starts to peak. Why did I think I could do this? My breath becomes unsteady. Evander notices the change in my behavior and grabs onto my arm, guiding me to a chair. “Baby, sit down. I’ll bring you some water.” Seconds later, he hands me a cup, and I take a small sip, my hands trembling. “What’s going on in that perfect head of yours?”
“I can’t do this, Evan. I can’t be a leader! I don’t know how to be a mob princess. What was I thinking?”
“You’re not a mob princess.” I recoil in surprise, not expecting him to agree with me so easily. Evan bends to his knees and takes my hand, placing a kiss on my fingers. “You’re a mobqueen, and I’m lucky to have the opportunity to lead our families together. You’re going to be the first and best Godmother they’ve ever seen.”
