Chapter 101
AYLA
It feels awkward to visit your so–called in–laws unannounced. I am only realizing it after sitting in their living room and getting stared at.
“Why don’t you have some cookies, sweetie?” The woman I now know as Calista, Massimo’s adopted mother, offers with a smile.
“Uh, sure.” I nod, up and down before picking up a home–baked cookie.
The chocolate flavor makes me hum. My gaze switches between Max and Calista because they are still eyeing me closely.
“Where did you meet Massimo?” Max narrows his eyes.
“Oh. “I close my mouth, thinking about it.” In a club?”
They exchange a look, their eyebrows raise. Uh–oh, doesn’t look like the right answer.
“I wouldn’t have believed any other place. “Calista laughs, grabbing Max’s arm.
I shoot them a smile before we end up in an awkward silence again. Hook around, noticing the warm interior, and the touch of pictures and colors in the decor.
Your place is beautiful.” I whisper, genuinely admiring the living room.
“Thanks, sweetie.” Calista throws me the same warm look that she has been giving me for a while.
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Calista did all this herself. I remember how she fussed over not hiring an interior designer and convinced me to let her do everything all alone.” Max grumbles, but looks at Calista affectionately.
Come on, Max. Women love decorating their homes. ” Calista smiles at him, mirroring the same affection as him.
My heart warms at the sight. The couple looks so nice. I wonder how Massimo ended up like a complete asshole when these two lovely people raised him.
“My Mom also loves to keep things colorful. She is all about decorating our house and choosing new things all the time. Whenever she goes on any trip with my Dad, she comes back with so many decor pieces or things for our house. Dad is always annoyed but he still indulges her.” I blurt without filter, my hands clenching in my lap.
“Your parents must love each other. ” Calista leans closer to Max, and the latter shoots her another loving glance.
“Yes. Their love seems to only grow as the years pass. “I sigh, a sense of longing filling me.
This is the longest I have been away from my family after the incident in my childhood. Two nights out of the house and I miss everything about my family, my home, my life.
Did you upset your parents to marry Massimo, Ayla?” Max asks, his voice stern.
I look up and stiffen.” They were not really fond of the idea of my marriage with Massimo but I believe they will come around.”
Calista offers an understanding nod while Max just hums.
Do you want us to talk to them? We can let your parents know that we will treat you like an absolute sweetheart and they shouldn’t worry.
We can also ask them for their blessings, if you want, Sweetie.” Calista whispers, her words stunning me for some seconds.
15:26 Mon, 8 Jul
Chapter 101
You would- do that for me?” A lump forms in my throat.
You are family now. We will do everything to ensure your happiness.” Calista asserts quietly.
I stare at them for a long time, then slowly shake my head. “I think I should give them some time to come around on their own.
Calista starts, “What if—”
“Darling, why don’t you check out the lunch arrangements? We should make sure that our first lunch with Ayla is perfect.” Max suggests, but it feels like he wants her to stop talking.
Calista nods quickly, not catching onto Max’s plan. “You are right. Ayla Sweetie, talk to Max for a while. I will be back soon.”
Of course, Calista. “I muster another smile.
My jaw hurts from smiling so much.
Calista rushes out and closes the sliding door that leads inside the living room. When the doors shut, Max’s expressions turn serious.
Don’t be alarmed Ayla, but I need to ask you some things.” He says, his gaze becoming serious.
I gulp. “Sure. What do you want to know, Max? ”
Did Massimo hurt you?” Max questions, straightforwardly.
My breath hitches in my throat. For a moment, I think about telling Max the truth, but the video in Massimo’s hand scares me.
I shake my head but don’t speak a word. He takes it as a No, and I have a hunch that he doesn’t believe my answer.
Max leans back on the couch. ” Ayla, there are some things about Massimo that you are not aware of.”
I am not aware of anything about him. I think but still don’t speak.
Taking my silence as a hint of my reluctance, Max continues on his own. He might seem angry at times, and you might think he will harm you seriously. But he won’t. He might say some harsh words here and there or try to scare you, but he won’t do any serious harm to you. That Boy is tough on the outside. Don’t get fooled by his exterior.
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I don’t know what to think about Max right now. He talks about Massimo so softly, as if he believes him to be an angel.
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But if someday, he still crosses a line, and harms you, Ayla, I need you to come to me and tell me. Don’t hold back. Don’t think that I will take his side because I am his father. Come to me and I will make sure he pays for it. ” Max says, his face serious and set in hard lines.
He is a former Alpha. That’s why he exudes a dominating and suppressing aura. But under that aura, I can sense his love for Massimo, the man he considers his son.
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You do know that Massimo has some past history against my Dad, right?” I mumble, lowering my gaze to the center table.
That’s history like you said. The boy is under the impression of a misunderstanding and he is not ready to see it yet. Just know that soon, he
will come to his mind. But you don’t have to wait for that. If you don’t wish to be with him, tell me now and I will make sure you get home safe and sound. No harm will come to you in my pack, Ayla. ” Max offers again, emphasizing each other as if coaxing me into confessing something.
My heartbeat quickens. If I tell him just now, if I believe him and ask for help, Lean be free.
I open my mouth as Max waits but something happens inside my heart. Words refuse to leave my mouth.
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15:26 Mon, 8 Jul
Chapter 101
Suddenly, I am thinking about this situation from a new angle. I close my mouth and shake my head.
Max sighs.” it’s your choice, daughter. But remember, my offer stands in the future as well. ”
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The lump in my throat eases. I came here to manipulate Massimo’s people so I could get back at him, but now, the thought of using Calista
and Max makes me sick.
They are good people.
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Thank you, Max. “I whisper, genuinely feeling gratitude for them.
There is no need. As Calista said, you are a part of the family and we Rossi always look after our own. “A rare, subtle smile curls Max’s lips before it disappears in a flash.
I open my mouth to thank him again but the door to the living room slides open with a harsh boom and an angry hiss makes its way to my
ears.
“What are you doing here?” Massimo snarls, closing in on me.
I look up, only to find him towering over me with his imposing figure. He is clad in an all–black suit that hugs his muscles and displays the hard lines of his body.
“Massimo. “I whisper, meeting his enraged eyes.