𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬¹ ✓

Twenty-Three

Backward {adj.} - having made less progress than is normal or expected.

ੈ✩‧₊˚

𝓟𝓮𝓽𝓮𝓻 knocked on Olivia's door. He could hear his nephews running around inside while this father tried to get them to calm down.

It brought a smile to his face knowing that his sister finally had her family back.

That they were happy. Like a normal family should be.

Olivia opened the door, looking even more radiant than ever.

"You spruce up nicely." He complimented his sister earning a smile from her as she finished putting on her earrings.

"As do you." She complimented back making them both chuckle just as Marcus walked up behind her with his sons on his hips.

"Everyone ready?" Apollo and Ares cheered as Olivia took Ares into her arms. His black suit matched her long black dress.

Olivia couldn't tell if she was nervous or terrified. Maybe both, and having her sons there was only making it worse. So many important—dangerous— people would be attending tonight which means anyone remotely close to the new boss would have a target on their head.

"Take a deep breath il mio sognò. Peter and I will be with the boys the entire time." Marcus, her loving husband, reassured her as they left their home to go to the main house.

She took a deep breath, not being able to shake the fear and nerves.

Peter drove while the family sat in the back. Marcus and Olivia made sure to set some rules for their sons for tonight. They might be young but they knew when something was for their own good.

"I know you boys love to wonder but for tonight I need you to stick to your dad and uncle Peter no matter what," Olivia told them as she caressed Ares' head.

"And you mommy?" Apollo asked, wondering why they couldn't just stick with her like always. She smiled at him as she shook her head.

"Mommy has to work tonight so it's best if you just stay with them, okay? I'll see you both again after the party." She had to put as much distance between her and them as possible to keep them safe. As much as she hated being away from them, she knew Marcus would do anything to protect them.

Apollo and Ares nodded, understanding that whatever their mother did, she did for them. All she ever did was for them.

"Okay, mommy," Ares said, cuddling into her shoulder as she held him close.

Marcus kissed the back of her hand, silently telling her that he'll keep them safe. She nodded, thinking of how she was going to have to put on her madam Lenoir persona as soon as they walked through those doors.

Once they reached the house, she instructed Marcus to go on ahead with Peter.

"Are you sure you don't want me up there with you and father?" Peter asked, worried about her being alone with their father. She gave him a soft smile and nodded. "I'm going to be madam Lenoir in a few minutes, Peter. If I can't handle a man like Lorenzo, how am I meant to run a mafia?" Everything she said was right. Lorenzo was nothing compared to what she would have to deal with once the throne was passed over.