My Childhood Bully is a Mafia Boss-Chapter 82

Ivy

I exploded in a fit of rage, my voice echoing off the walls. "YOU DID WHAT!?" I bellowed, my chest heaving with anger and disbelief.

Aidan’s expression hardened as he met my gaze.

"Sheesh, no need to scream at me," he scolded, but his tone lacked any remorse.

"How can I not!? You just willingly sacrificed your own sister to the enemy," I seethed, feeling a wave of frustration and fear wash over me.

Aidan shrugged dismissively. "It’s not as dramatic as all that. Yes, I am worried about her safety, but this was the only option. Ellie agreed too, because we couldn’t shake Giovanni off our tails until he got what he wanted."

My stomach turned at the thought of Ellie being in danger, especially since she was pregnant. But Aidan seemed unfazed by it all, making me question his sanity."But...but he killed Slava, right? What makes you think he won’t do the same to Ellie? Slava was her boyfriend!" I practically screamed, desperate for Aidan to see reason and regret his reckless decision.

"He won’t," Aidan said firmly. "Giovanni doesn’t kill for no reason. I am surprised he killed Slava, but he must’ve had his reasons."

"How can you be so sure?" I challenged, my mind racing with worry for Ellie and her unborn child.

"Ellie is tough, Ivy. She will be fine. And I took precautions before sending her to him," Aidan said.

His assurances did little to dampen my fury. "Precautions? Any precaution is meaningless when you’re dealing with a man like Giovanni," I spat, my heart pounding in my chest.

Aidan’s gaze fell on me, cold as ice. "You forget, I am a man like Giovanni, so I know how his mind works. Ellie is smart. She knows how to deal with him," he said, his voice taking a hard edge.

"Deal with him? Is that your plan? To have your sister negotiate with a killer?" I shot back, unable to comprehend the audacity of his plan.

"Yes, that’s exactly the plan." Aidan retorted, crossing his arms over his chest defiantly. "Ellie can handle it."

With that, he turned away from me, clearly done with our conversation. But I wasn’t finished yet. My mind was whirling with fear and anger, betrayal slashing across me like a knife.

"He better not touch Ellie," I warned Aidan, my voice trembling.

"I feel the same way, Ivy," Aidan said.

God...this was so messed up.

Right then, Lucas walked in. "Where is Mommy, Auntie Ivy?"

My anger turned into sadness. If something happened to Ellie, I could never forgive myself. How will I answer to Lucas then?

I tried my best to smile. "Hey, sweetie, your mom went out for a bit. She will be back soon." I gave Aidan a knowing look as if to tell him that she better come home soon.

Lucas looked up at me with his big, innocent eyes, seemingly accepting my explanation without question. But I could see the concern lurking beneath the surface, even in a child so young.

"When?" he asked, his voice small.

I swallowed hard, my heart aching at Lucas’s question. How could I reassure him when I wasn’t even sure myself?

"Soon, Lucas. Really soon," I said softly, trying to inject as much confidence into my voice as possible.

He nodded slowly. "Okay, Auntie Ivy," he said, clutching his teddy bear tighter.

I take him out to the garden to distract him. We stepped into the garden, the soft sunlight casting a warm light over the blossoming flowers and lush greenery. Lucas’s grip on my hand was tight, his tiny fingers clutching mine. I led him to the small bench near the rose bushes.

"Look at those roses, Lucas," I said, pointing to the vibrant red and pink blossoms. "Aren’t they beautiful?"

He nodded, his eyes lingering on the flowers. "Yeah, they’re pretty," he said. "Auntie Ivy?"

"Yeah, Buddy?"

"When will your baby come out?" he asked.

His question caught me off guard. I placed a hand on my belly, instantly feeling more calm. "In a few months, sweetie," I said. "The baby needs a little more time to grow strong and healthy."

Lucas nodded thoughtfully, his small hand resting on my belly. "Will he come out before or after Elora?"

His question made me smile. "After. She is almost done cooking in your mom’s belly," I said in a light tone.

Lucas giggled. "Mommy says babies are like cookies," he said, looking up at me with wide eyes. "They have to bake just right."

"That’s right," I agreed, smiling at his innocence. "And we want them to be perfect when they come out, don’t we?"He nodded, seemingly content with the comparison. "Yeah, perfect," he said, but then his expression grew serious again. "Do you think Elora will like me?"

"Of course she will, Lucas. You will be the best big brother ever," I said without hesitation.

He leaned against me, his little body warm and trusting. "And what about Max?"I looked at him with surprise. Lucas remembered the name of his cousin already! "He will love you too."

Lucas smiled at my reassurance, the worry in his eyes softening. "I can’t wait to meet Max and Elora," he said, his excitement clear.

"Me neither, buddy," I replied, feeling a warmth in my heart despite the anxiety gnawing at me.

We sat there a bit longer, watching the bees buzz around the flowers and the birds flit from tree to tree.

After a while, I noticed Lucas’s eyelids starting to droop. "Let’s get you inside for a nap, okay?" I suggested gently.He nodded sleepily, clutching his teddy bear as he stood up. I took his hand, and we walked back into the house, the warmth of the garden still lingering with us.

I tucked him in bed and stood up to leave, but he grabbed my hand.

"Do you need something else, sweetie?" I asked.

"Will you tell me a story? Mommy always does," Lucas said.

I smiled down at Lucas, my heart melting at his request. "Of course, sweetie. What kind of story would you like to hear?"

Lucas thought for a moment, his eyes already half-closed. "A story about a brave knight and a dragon."

"Alright," I said, settling into a chair beside his bed. "Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there was a brave knight named Sir Lucas."

Lucas giggled. "That’s my name!"

"Yes, it is! Sir Lucas was known throughout the land for his courage and kindness," I continued. "One day, the kingdom was threatened by a fierce dragon. The dragon was huge, with scales that glittered like gold and eyes that blazed like fire."

Lucas clutched his teddy bear tighter, but his eyes were wide with excitement."The king called upon Sir Lucas to save the kingdom. Without hesitation, Sir Lucas mounted his trusty steed and rode out to face the dragon. When he...."

"Um, what’s a steed?" Lucas interrupted."

A steed is a very special and strong horse that knights ride," I explained, smiling at Lucas. "Sir Lucas’s steed was the fastest and bravest horse in the whole kingdom."

Lucas nodded, seeming satisfied with the explanation.

"Okay," he said, cuddling his teddy bear closer.

I continued, "So, Sir Lucas mounted his trusty steed and rode out to face the dragon. When he reached the dragon’s lair, he found the creature roaring and breathing fire, scaring all the villagers away."

"What did Sir Lucas do?" Lucas asked, his voice filled with amazement.

"He wanted to stop him," I said, smiling. "He stood tall and called out to the dragon. ’Why are you so angry, mighty dragon?’ he asked. The dragon, surprised by Sir Lucas’s bravery, paused and replied, ’I am lonely and misunderstood. I have no friends, and everyone fears me.’"

Lucas’s eyes softened. "The dragon was sad?"

"Yes," I said, nodding. "Sir Lucas saw the sadness in the dragon’s eyes and decided to help. He invited the dragon to come to the village and meet the people. At first, the villagers were scared, but Sir Lucas explained that the dragon just needed friends. Slowly, the villagers began to approach the dragon, and soon they realized he was kind and gentle."

Lucas smiled, his eyes drifting closed. "Did the dragon make friends?"

"Yes," I whispered. "And then..."

I was interrupted when the door suddenly opened and Aidan barged in. Lucas’s eyes snapped open, and he became alert again.

I groaned. "Seriously, Aidan? Lucas was almost falling asleep, and you..."

"Sorry," Aidan interrupted. "But this is important. Molly can watch Lucas. You need to come with me now."

I looked at Aidan, my annoyance was evident. "What could be so urgent?"

"Ellie," Aidan said simply, his face grim.

Lucas’s eyes widened at the mention of his mother. "Mommy?" he asked, sitting up in bed.

I squeezed Lucas’s hand reassuringly, my voice steady and calm. "It’s okay, sweetie. Auntie Ivy will be right back. Molly will stay with you, okay? I will go see what Uncle Aidan needs."

As if on cue, Molly appeared at the door, her face a mix of concern and confusion. "I’ll take care of him, Ivy," she said, moving to sit by Lucas’s bed.

I gave Lucas a final comforting smile before following Aidan out of the room. Once we were in the hallway, I turned to him. "What’s going on? Is everything okay? Giovanni didn’t hurt her, did he?"

Aidan shook his head. "It’s not that."

"Then what, Aidan? Stop keeping me in suspense!" I exclaimed.

"Ryan called from the hospital," Aidan exhaled sharply. "Ellie is in labor."