Anthony's Angel ✓

LII. My Husband

"What do you mean, you don't know his favorite?" The chef, whom I found out to be named Peter said.

Peter scratched his head. "I know what not to cook for Mr.Marazano."

I frown, "What doesn't he like?"

"Nothing too sweet. Overall, Mr.Maranzano isn't a picky eater." He gave me a grimy smile due to his lack of response. "I suggest asking Mr.Marazano himself."

"It's just-" I lean in closer. "Can you keep a secret?"

Peter shakes his head. "No."

"Peter."

"But, for you Mrs.Maranzano, I am willing to make an exception."

"Lily and I are throwing all the guys a party as a thank you for being so kind to us."

Peter smiled, "Then, may I input some thoughts?"

"Input away."

"Anything the both of you cook, they will enjoy it," he said before returning to the half-cut-up carrots.

I rest my elbow against the counter while my body sways back and forth. "They don't do many celebrations here, do they?"

Peter shakes his head. "I haven't been here for a long time, but from what I gathered. Mr.Maranzano rarely celebrates. Honestly, this is the first time I've witnessed him staying in the mansion this long."

After a few more words of exchange, I decided to leave Peter alone to his duties. Walking around the mansion, I gathered information about the guys, but there wasn't much. Many of them didn't even know Antonio had a wife! They hide their personal life well.

The moon came out to play, and I decided to halt my investigation. Resting my tummy on the bed, my eyes stroll through the human body once more. The door creaks open, and I turn my head. "It's quite late. Why aren't you asleep?" Anthony ask.

I turn on my phone to see that it's already 2 am. I must have studied longer than I thought. I closed the book and lay it on the nightstand. "I was studying and must have lost time. You're back late."

His finger unbuttons the shirt, and I watch as he shrugs it off his shoulder. Standing upward, I walk towards him and grab his shirt. My tongue slid out as he went for his pants. "There was some more work to be done."

I look away when he pulls down his pants, scowling at myself for being so darn horny. Releasing a sigh, I look down at the shirt to see a red stain. "Did you eat ketchup for dinner or something?"

I began running my finger through the stain, but quickly realized it was much too dark to be ketchup or any other condiment. Anthony grabbed the shirt but didn't pull it away from me. "Just throw it away."

I continue staring at the red stain.

"Mio cuore," he calls for me.

My mind didn't acknowledge him.

The sound of gunshots echoed throughout my ears - so horrifically loud.

Anthony reaches his hand out for my cheek, but I flinch before he can touch me. I didn't mean to respond like that. Steadily, I look up to see the pain on his face, but as quickly as it came - it disappears.

"I-I'm sorry," I said before turning my back and heading towards the trashcan. My eyes motion all over the place, preventing me from looking at the bloody shirt. Once I reach the bathroom, I throw it in the trash and continue staring at it.

That night, we slept back to back.

The days continued, and Anthony's mother wasn't as grouchy as she used to be, which is pleasant, yet somehow I can't help but feel uncomfortable.

Lily and I went to school per usual. Unlike other days, we decided to stay in the library and study. We need a day away from all the mamma's drama. Lily had her ears plugged in headphones as she mouthed law codes to herself while I was solving mathematical problems finding it much easier due to the extra tutoring I receive at home.

A pair of hands capture my eyes. "Guess who?" the overly familiar voice sang.

"Francesco?"

He removes his hands. "Anthony is right. You are a surprise spoiler."

I smile, hearing how Anthony talks about me to his younger brother. "Why are you here? I thought you dislike learning," I question, seeing Lily still in her own little world. If there were an epidemic attack, she probably wouldn't even notice.

"I loathe it," he replies, taking a seat. "Besides, I'm here because I heard there was a party, and someone-" he points a finger at me, "didn't tell me."

Due to all the mamma issues arising, mini fall out with Anthony, and studying, partying is the last thing I'm concerned about. I grabbed my backpack and dug into it until an envelope made its appearance. "Someone told me to pass it to you. You're invited to a party."

He gave me a lopsided look. "Well, thanks for remembering."

"Better late than never, right?" I push the envelope closer to him. He grabs it and tucks it inside without reading the content. "You're not going to open it?"

Puckering his lip, he shakes his head. "No, I already opened the first invite, and I supposed that the fourth one would be the same."

"They invite you four times to one party?"

He rests an ankle on his thigh. "What can I say? It's not a party without my wondrous presence." I roll my eyes at his high self-esteem. "You're not going?" he asks.

I shake my head. "I'm married, so it's not a good idea to go to these types of parties."

He nudges a brow. "It's not unfaithful if you simply go to a party and get some decent drink."

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm not saying it's unfaithful; rather I prefer not to. I've heard things about this party and going will damage Anthony's reputation."

Francesco tilts his head ever so slightly. "You're boring, sorella maggiore."

"Being boring means a peaceful life without a headache."

"Not being married to a gang leader can also bring peace," his voice is half-heartedly joking yet serious. He stands up and straightens out his brown shirt. "If you ever change your mind, I'll gladly escort you sorella maggiore," he grins widely.

"I'll take that into consideration."

He nods and excuses himself out of the library.

"There is something about Francesco," Lily suddenly said, her eyes still pinned to the book. I thought she was listening to music, but I guess not. Her ears were still covered with plugs, but it seemed like whatever song she was listening to was over.

I laid my chin on the table. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you...feel like something is off with Francesco?"