Unmistakably Yours (MXM) (MPREG)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

MARIANO

When I saw the news, I almost destroyed the television in the sitting room. No amount of tequila could quell the anger about to boil over from inside of me.

I wanted to call Arden and tell him that the news was fabricated. I want to have him in my arms, hug him tight and assure him that he's the only one I love and the person I will marry. I want to dispel his doubts and whatever kind of insecurity that will worm into his mind because strong and confident as he is, my baby tends to expect the worst and overthinking is not good for his delicate situation.

However, all of my communication devices were confiscated the moment I entered the main house. I know what they're trying to do: they want to plant doubts in Arden's mind; they want Arden to leave me by making it appear that I am about to be married to somebody.

My grip on the glass tightened enough to crush it, but I remembered Arden. He will surely worry if I act recklessly. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself and hid all my emotions until only coldness can be seen. I have always been cold and cruel. I always thought that no one would ever try to mess with me once they get intimidated by me, but Arden's different.

Arden is definitely a skittish kitten. He'll warm up to you today, then will not even throw you a glance the next. His deep-seated trust issues made him cautious, but once I gained his trust, I was rewarded by his unconditional love.
I miss him so much, but I have to be patient.

"Don, the elders summon your presence." One of the butlers informed me, his head bowed down. Without any reaction, I headed to the conference room. The main house is enormously grand showered with luxury and affluence. Still, just being here suffocates me.

The door to the room opened and all the ten elders were seated behind the long table. Even if age got to them, they still exude that intimidating aura, but not enough to make me how under pressure. I can easily dispose of them but they really haven't given me a reason to, until now.

"Mariano. Sit down."

I went to the vacant seat and sat down. "What do you want from me? I already told you that I'm not going to marry." I only came here to tell them that, but instead of listening to me, they trapped me here. The estate is heavily surrounded and I won't be able to leave uninjured. I can't risk that; Arden worries when he sees a graze on my skin. I don't want to see him upset.

One of the elders scoffed. "You have no option, boy. You'll continue the family line, with someone of our status," he emphasized, clearly a mockery of Arden. On any regular day, I would have shot him for being insolent, elder or not, but I was told to behave. I can't let my emotions take over and I have to keep a poker face, or else...

Another elder spoke. "Although there were some mishap the first time, we are sure that we will not make a mistake this time around."

"You fucking drugged me," I accused with gritted teeth, my fists clenched on top of the table.

"Oh, big deal. You're in the mafia. That's not something new. As I was saying, this woman came from a good family. She will be a welcome addition to our clan. In no time, we will rival the Morellis."

It took all I had not to laugh at his ambitious tirade. If Don Alberto could hear this, even Alessio, they would be forced to be on their knees just by being stared down upon. That's how intimidating the Morellis are. I have yet to meet someone even more terrifying than them.

"The wedding ceremony will happen in two days. If you try to get out of this, your little lover will be drowning in his blood, along with that child of his."