Chapter 53 You Can't Leave

Alessandro was stunned to see Mia so furious, her eyes blazing with red-hot anger as she glared at him. "Gia! Maximo! Come here!" The panic and fear in her voice were unmistakable. Gia and Maximo obeyed instantly, mbling to their feet and running toward their mother. Mia clutched them to her chest as if she wanted to hide them from Alessandro. Alessandro" felt a pang of guilt seeing her so terrified as if he were a monster and she was trying to protect her children from him. His heart ached with the realization. "Relax, Mia!" he said, taking a step towards her. But she held up a hand fiercely, her face still burning with rage. "Why are my children here? How dare you abduct them like this?" she shouted, her voice. trembling with fury. Behind her, Lisa flinched at her tone. Alessandro cast a cold glance at Lisa, who quickly turned on her heel and left, closing the door behind her. "I didn't abduct the kids," Alessandro said sternly, his face void of emotion. He was not used to explaining himself to anyone, but this woman was different-she was someone very special to him. "Don't lie to the, Alessandro!" Mia yelled, her voice seething with hatred. "Mommy, he is not lying." Gia interrupted, causing Mia to turn her gaze to her daughter. "We came here to talk to Mr. Valentino, and he didn't do anything. He's very nice and event ordered our favorite lunch," she explained fondly. Mia's heart filled with suspicion, and she looked at Alessandro with disgust. "What have you fed my children?" she asked through gritted teeth. In any other situation, Alessandro would have lost his cool at such an accusation. But he couldn't hurt this woman. "Mia, the children are safe. You can see they are perfectly fine. Please, calm down," he coaxed her in a soft voice, sensing her anxiety. The urge to take her in his arms and comfort her came naturally to him. But he stopped himself, seeing the anger blazing in her eyes. "Yes, Mom!" This time, Maximo interrupted, surprising Alessandro with his support. "Mr. Valentino had lunch with us, and it was safe. Don't worry, we are fine. You can take a breath of relief," he said softly. Gia and Maximo exchanged a look before taking their mother's hands and guiding her to the sofa, gently sitting her down. Gia turned to Alessandro and mouthed, "Water! Alessandro, as if coming out of a trance, quickly nodded, turning to pour a glass of water for Mia. Gia took it from him and handed it to her mother. Mia took a deep breath, trailing a hand over her sweating face, wiping it frantically. Gial extended the glass of water to her, and Mia took it, gulping it down in one go. "Whose idea was it?" Mia demanded, glaring at her children as she placed the empty glass on the table before her. Maximo and Gia gulped with fear. They knew their mother was very angry, and no one could save them from punishment. However, they felt guilty for making her panic and worry with. their sudden disappearance from school. They had thought they would return on time, and no one would know about it. However, they got busy enjoying the delicious lunch Alessandro had arranged for them, and talking with him was very delightful, contrary to their expectations. So, they lost track of time. "Mia/let bygones be bygones," Alessandro stepped in, sensing the children were in trouble. "I know they made you worried, but in the end..." "Worried?!" Mia snapped, interrupting him furiously. "Are you serious, Alessandro? I wasn't worried, I was terrified to death! I almost died at the thought of losing my children," she whispered, choking on her tears. Alessandro exhaled helplessly as Gia and Maximo glanced at him, clueless about how to comfort their mother, who was crying. Though Alessandro knew the kids were safe when they left school and came to meet him at his office-because he had his bodyguards following them-as much as he wanted to tell Mia to console her, he couldn't. He knew Mia would be even more furious if she found out he had people following Gia and Maximo. "Apologize," he mouthed soundlessly to Gia and Maximo, nodding toward their mother who had her head lowered and was trying to stop the tears that ultimately spilled from her eyes.. She quickly wiped them away with her fingers. "We are sorry, Mom," Gia and Maximo mumbled together, their faces innocent and sad. Mia lifted her head and saw her children looking at her with hope.. "Don't ever do it again," she mumbled, sniffling, and extended her arms. Gia and Maximo promptly jumped into their mother's embrace, and Mia enclosed them in a protective hug. "I promise it will never happen again," Alessandro assured on behalf of the twins, making Mia frown. "Why are you making that promise?" she scowled. "Because it's my responsibility to make sure you and the kids are safe and happy," Alessandro shrugged, making Mia even more confused. She blinked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Wait a minute, Mr. Valentino. I think you have a misunderstanding. My kids and I have nothing to do with you," she insisted, desperately trying to make him believe it was none of his business. "Let's go, kids," she suddenly got up, holding Gia and Maximo's hands as she began to leave. The situation was becoming more stressful and overwhelming, and she thought it would be better to leave this ruthless mafia king's office. "Wait, you can't leave," Alessandro stopped them politely. Mia turned to face him, irritation and impatience written all over her face. "After all, we have a deal," Alessandro announced. "Deal?! What deal?!" Mia frowned in confusion.