𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

Bonus Chapter 0.3

VALENTINA
KINGSTON

"What did he do again?" I asked Christian, who finally got home, looking worn out after visiting Victor's school.

Christian sighed, sinking into the couch beside me. "This time, it was a valid fight," he explained. "Victor was protecting Anastasia and Daniella. Apparently, some boys were giving them a hard time, and he stepped in." Behind him, fifteen-year-old Daniella and fourteen-year-old Anastasia shuffled in, looking less than thrilled.

Uncle Alessio, sitting across from us, burst into laughter. "Good job, grandson! That's exactly what I taught you," he said, patting Victor on the back with pride.

Anastasia, however, was not amused. "Can someone please talk to your son?" she demanded, hands on her hips as she looked straight at me. "He's a psychopath, Auntie! Every time I'm talking to a guy, he's breaking his nose or dragging me away. It's embarrassing."

"Hey, don't talk about your cousin that way," Bridget interjected, giving her daughter a sharp look. "And what were you doing talking to a boy, anyway? Where are your manners? Go to your room."

Anastasia's eyes widened, a mix of outrage and disbelief. "Mom, you can't be serious!" she huffed, her voice dripping with indignation.

Victor, ever the protector, frowned and stepped forward. "Don't ground her," he said, his tone earnest. "It was my fault. I started the fight, not her."

Anastasia scoffed, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms. "Don't play hero now, Victor. It's too late for that."

Daniella, who had been silent up to this point, looked up at Rosalina with big, worried eyes. "Mom, am I going to be grounded too?" she asked, glancing nervously at her.

Rosalina shook her head, smiling softly. "No, honey, you're safe. Believe me, I was causing way more trouble at your age. You're practically an angel compared to me."

Anastasia perked up, looking at Rosalina with a dramatic sigh. "Rosa, can you be my mom instead?" she asked, feigning desperation as she shot Bridget a glare.

Victor chuckled and draped an arm over Anastasia's shoulder, grinning. "Come on, I'm not that bad. I just have to keep you out of trouble," he said, playfully nudging her.

Anastasia promptly shoved him away, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, get off me," she muttered, giving him a little glare. "You're so annoying. Asshole."

Bridget, never one to miss an opportunity, raised her eyebrow at her daughter. "And watch your language, Anastasia! For heaven's sake, we don't curse. And stop wearing those tomboy clothes; they're really not your style."

Anastasia's mouth dropped open, a look of absolute exasperation crossing her face. "Mom, if you don't leave my style alone, I swear I'll dye my hair jet black and ask Uncle Valentino to help me ruin my entire reputation," she warned. "I'm so done with this family!" She huffed, storming out and muttering, "I love cursing! Just let me be! I wish Uncle Valentino was my parent."

That girl spent all her time with Valentino, they were inseparable.

I couldn't help it; a laugh slipped out. The whole scene was too much. Christian laughed beside me, shaking his head. "She's got spirit, I'll give her that," he said with a grin.

Gianna, her younger sister, looked horrified. "I'm ashamed to be her sister," she muttered under her breath, folding her arms in a huff.

Daniella rolled her eyes and shot Gianna a look. "Hey, that's your sister. You should respect her," she murmured, trying to keep the peace.

Gianna turned on Daniella, annoyed. "Mind your own business," she snapped. "Don't talk to me."

Daniella just smirked. "Alright, loner," she shot back, clearly unfazed.

I glanced around the room at our kids, the chaos swirling around us in a way that felt oddly comforting. Their squabbles, big personalities, and fierce loyalty to each other made me smile. Our kids were all so chaotic, yet it was the very thing that made our family so vibrant and alive.