Chapter 56 Hard To Impress

"Isn't it too soon?" Her eyes widened as she protested. "Married or not, I want my princess to call me Dad, Alessandro emphasized earnestly. "Starting right now," he declared with determination, his words bringing a bright smile to Gla's face as she happily responded, Thank you, Dad!" Alessandro swallowed, feeling a rush of mixed emotions congesting his heart- a feeling he had never experienced before. Overwhelmed, lie momentarily forgot his reputation as a heartless monster, a devil, and a ruthless mafia boss. In this moment, he was a man yearning to have his family in his home. He gently kissed Gia's forehead, his voice barely above a whisper as he said, "You are always welcome, my princess." "Now that your mom has agreed, we should celebrate, Alessandro said, looking at Mia with a smile. "How will we celebrate?" Maximo asked eagerly. "Let's go out. We can do anything you want, and then we'll have dinner at a nice restaurant, Alessandro replied thoughtfully. "Yes, yes! Let's go to the mall and then we will go to the game zone. Dad, will you play games with me?" Gia pleaded, her eyes wide with innocence. "Yes, sweetheart," Alessandro replied, his heart warmed every time he heard "Dad" from Gia's mouth.. "I'll beat you, Gia, just like every time, Maximo challenged his twin sister. "You can't. I have Dad with me this time," Gia replied excitedly, causing Maximo to roll his eyes. "Let's go, Mom. We'll beat their team, Maximo said, glancing at Mia, who watched Alessandro and the children conversing so naturally as if they had known each other their whole lives. "Oh no, I left my work in the middle when I heard you and Gia were missing from school. Now I have to go back," Mia shook her head firmly. "Come on, Mom, please take a half day off. We want to go out," Gia insisted, while Alessandro still held her in his arms, effortlessly supporting her small frame with one hand. "No, Gia. Now get down, and we are going home," Mia said. Gia's face fell in disappointment as she slid. down from Alessandro's arms and ran toward Mia. "Please, Mom! We want to party!" she insisted. "Yes, Mom, it's been so long since we celebrated something together. You are always busy with work," Maximo pressed as he came to Mia's other side. Mia looked right and left, surrounded by her children, their innocent eyes brimming with hope, looking at her so intently. Mia sighed. Though she didn't want to go out with Alessandro, she couldn't break her children's hearts. "Okay, fine. But we will return home early," she put forth her condition. "Thank you, Mom!" Gia squealed with happiness and kissed Mia's check. Mia smiled at her daughter's excitement. Thank you, Mom!" Maximo grinned, kissing Mia's other cheek, filling her heart with love and joy. Both of them jumped with happiness. "We will go out!" "We will party!" The twins sang in unison. Mia shook her head, smiling at their enthusiasm. "Thank you, Mom!" another deep voice startled her before Alessandro's handsome face appeared from behind her. He leaned in, whispering in her car, and kissed her cheek lightly. Mia's mouth fell open at the audacity of the mafia king. She looked at him angrily, but he remained nonchalant, pulling away with a smirk. "Let's go, kids," he announced, and both children held Alessandro's hands, beaming cheekily, Traitors! Mia thought about how quickly her children changed sides, narrowing her eyes and touching her cheek, still tingling from the sensation of her husband's lips, in disbelief as the three of them left the room. "Are you coming, honey?" Alessandro stopped at the door and turned his head to call Mia out. He couldn't believe those sweet endearments came to his mind, as he had never called anyone that before. Huffing, Mia got up and trailed behind them. The elevator took them straight to the private parking lot. Mia was puzzled to realize it was not where her car was parked. "Wait, my cats in a different parking lot," she muttered, furrowing her brow and looking around, surveying the place. "Give your keys to my driver. He will drop your car off at your apartment's parking lot, Alessandro said, extending his hand. "Then how will I get home?" Mia asked, the furrow deepening between her brows. "In my car," Alessandro replied calmly, still extending his hand. Mia reluctantly dropped her car keys into his hand, and Alessandro gave them to his driver along with instructions and the address. He settled the kids into their car seats and then opened the passenger door for Mia. When Mia slid in, he closed the door and, rounding the car, took the seat behind the wheel. As they drove through the charming streets of Paris, Alessandro glanced at the rearview mirror, watching the kids chattering excitedly in the backseat. His heart was a mix of excitement and nerves. He gazed discreetly from the corner of his eye at Mia. She stared out the window, her expression unreadable. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue over the city's iconic architecture. When they arrived at the mall, Alessandro parked the car and turned to the children. "Here we are," he announced, smiling at their eager faces. He got out of the car first and helped the children step out. Gia grabbed Alessandro's hand while Max held Mia's hand as they entered the mall. The mall was bustling with activity, a blend of locals and tourists enjoying the evening. They made their way to the game zone. Alessandro had already texted his assistant to book the entire area for them, ensuring privacy and uninterrupted fun. As they approached the game zone, a staff member greeted them warmly. "Bonsoir, Mr. Valentino. Everything is ready as per your instructions." "Merci," Alessandro nodded curtly. Inside, the game zone was a paradise for children and adults alike. Neon lights flickered, and the sounds of laughter and game machines filled the air. From arcade games to virtual reality experiences, it had everything to keep the kids entertained. Alessandro glanced hopelessly at Mia, who still appeared indifferent to him but smiled warmly at her kids as they chatted with excitement. He needed to work hard to impress this woman and win her icy heart.