My Mafia Husband

CHAPTER 8

I shook my head, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. But as I watched Teresa and the other staff members working together, a thought began to form in my mind. Maybe I could form a small degree of control within these walls, within this world I had been thrust into. I turned back to Teresa, clearing my throat to get her attention.

"Teresa," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. "I was wondering if I could help with some of the cooking today. I used to help my mother in the kitchen when I was growing up, and I'm feeling a bit restless. Do you think there's any way I could assist you and the others with lunch?"

Teresa looked at me in surprise before breaking into a wide smile. "Of course, signora!" she exclaimed. "We would be happy to have your help. We're making a simple tomato sauce for pasta, and we could always use an extra hand chopping vegetables. Would you like to give it a try?"

I nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to feel like I was contributing something to this household. "Yes, please," I said. "I'd love to help."

Teresa handed me a knife and led me to a cutting board where a pile of ripe tomatoes waited to be chopped. "Here you go," she said, showing me how to properly cut the tomatoes into even slices. As I began chopping, I felt a sense of satisfaction in being able to do something useful.

As I continued to chop the tomatoes, I couldn't help but glance up occasionally to observe the rest of the staff working in the kitchen. They were a tight-knit group, working seamlessly together to prepare lunch for the household. It was clear that they had a strong bond with each other, relying on each other to get through the day. I wondered what it would be like to have a bond like that with anyone in this house.

As I finished chopping the tomatoes, Teresa came over to inspect my work. "Brava, signora," she commended me. "You have quite a steady hand. Now we'll add those to the sauce and let it simmer for a bit." I felt a small surge of pride at her compliment.

As I watched the tomato sauce simmering on the stove, Teresa began to stir in some herbs and spices, adding splashes of wine and olive oil to create the perfect flavor. I couldn't help but feel drawn to the process of cooking, the way that simple ingredients could be transformed into something delicious with just a little bit of effort and know-how.

I watched as Teresa added some basil and oregano to the sauce, stirring them in gently. "The key to a good sauce is to let the flavors meld together," she explained. "Give the ingredients time to marry and form a symphony of flavors." I nodded in agreement, taking in every word she said. This simple task of chopping vegetables had turned into a lesson in cookery.

As the fragrant smell of the tomato sauce filled the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This small act of helping in the kitchen had given me a sense of purpose and independence, a feeling that I had desperately needed after feeling so utterly controlled by Matteo.

Just then, I heard footsteps approaching, and my heart leapt into my throat. I turned around to see Matteo standing in the doorway, watching me intently. "Buongiorno, mia cara," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I didn't expect to find you in the kitchen."

I couldn't help but feel a knot form in my stomach at his sudden appearance. "I was just helping Teresa with lunch," I explained, trying to sound nonchalant. Matteo gave me a small smile, but I could tell he was taking in every detail of the scene before him.

"How...domestic of you," he said, his tone slightly mocking. "I trust you're enjoying your duties as a housewife?"

I sigh "Come on I was just helping that's all"

Matteo's eyes bore into me, studying my expression. "I must admit," he said, his tone shifting slightly. "I never took you for the domestic type. And yet, here you are, chopping vegetables and stirring sauces."

"It's almost as if you're actually enjoying yourself," he mused, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "Who would have thought that the world-class party girl would find happiness in cooking a simple meal?"

"Listen, if you don't have better things to say the door is just right here, leave the cooking for the professionals" I say with a annoyed tone.

Matteo raised an eyebrow at my response, but his mouth twitched slightly as if he was suppressing a smirk. "Ah, there's the fiery spirit I remember," he said, his tone suddenly softer. "I must say, I find this new, domestic side of you quite...intriguing."

But just as quickly as his tone had softened, it hardened again. "But never forget," he said, his eyes narrowing, "that you are mine. And I have certain expectations for how my wife should behave."

With that, Matteo turned and left the kitchen, leaving me feeling more confused than ever. Had he actually been impressed by my cooking skills, or was he just mocking me? As I continued to help Teresa with lunch, I couldn't shake the feeling that Matteo's motives were more complicated than I had initially thought.

As I continued to help prepare lunch, my mind kept replaying Matteo's words in my head. He had mentioned my unexpected domestic side, and I wondered if there was a hint of admiration in his voice. But I quickly shook off the thought, reminding myself that he was an unpredictable and dangerous man. He had made it clear that he had certain expectations for me and that I was his property. Despite the small taste of independence I had felt in the kitchen, I knew that ultimately, I was completely under his control.

Teresa noticed my expression and gave me a comforting pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, signora," she said softly. "You'll get used to the ways of the family. And I'm sure Signor Matteo will come to appreciate your cooking skills."