The Mafia's Heir

Chapter 4

"Daniel, we didn't expect you to be here this early. Did your mom cut the trip short?"

"Yes. Appa happened to break his leg a couple of days ago. She never trusts him alone."

I crossed my arms. No one cares, Daniel. I just want to know why you're here and not in class. Why is my dad here and not in planning? He never misses his planning period. I remember hearing him complain that the students gave him headaches. I guess that since I'm a girl, no one has to tell me anything. It happens all the time.

Daniel had the nerve to sit me on his lap. All he was trying to do was make Ryder jealous. That was never going to happen. He made it clear to me that he would never marry me. I was okay with that. What I was not okay with was dad pretending that this was perfectly normal. Like he knew what Daniel was really implying.

"As you know, I'm considering having Ryder and Lily get married," Dad said to Daniel. "His family has so much to offer and...I've thought about this long and hard. They promised that she'd be in good hands."

"She'd also be in good hands with my family," Daniel countered. "Have you thought about what it would bring to the mafia?"

"I don't think you really want to do that, Daniel."

"Why not? It's not like someone is going to shoot us if she doesn't marry Ryder. He doesn't want to anyway. Have you seen how he's treated her since arriving last night?"

"How do you know I arrived last night?" Ryder snapped.

"'Cause, I arrived before you. I know things," Daniel said. "Do you think I'm attentive for the fun of it?"

"In all due respect, Mr. Dale, I don't think either of us are fit to have your daughter. She isn't even old enough to get married. I suggest...a different suitor."

"Ryder, I don't think that's a good idea. Who would you suggest?" Dad asked and sat on the principal's desk.

"Zachary Jefferson. He's around her age and last I heard...his family has moved up in the ranks. He's more powerful than all of us combined."

"Sure about that?" I asked and got up.

Every head turned to me. I knew I was being petty by interrupting their conversation, but I was bored. I didn't want to hear who was going to marry me. Right now, I just wanted to go to class and see who's pissed that I'm getting married. I'm sure it would be way better than sitting here in a room full of testosterone.

"What? I'm only stating a fact. That Italian family in Italy. There's no way the Jefferson's are that powerful. Wouldn't they have tried to take over, if they knew what power they held?"

"Why aren't you that smart in class?" Dad asked. I rolled my eyes.

"...She's right, but the fact of the matter is that I don't want to marry her and Daniel is more than willing. Shouldn't we at least think about what Lily wants?" Ryder pointed out.

Preach it, Ry. At least someone understood me.

"No. I tried to get her to take the matter seriously a long time ago. What makes you think she's changed?" Dad challenged.

"I don't know. Why don't you ask her?"

The room swelled in silence. Ryder had done it. He was officially hated by my dad and there was nothing he could do about it. Yet, he had a point. Why not ask your daughter what she wants? It'll make both chosen parties happy and no one will start a mafia war. Another mafia war.

"She's marrying you and that's final."

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"Hey, Lilypad, what's up with the tears?" Zach asked.