Marrying The Mafia Boss

Chapter 1

"Quiy!" I called out, feeling embarrassed now that my nervousness had been replaced with shyness as I finally found him.

"Mommy!" His eyes widened when he turned to me, but he kept his small hands wrapped around the man's thigh.

"Hey. Why are you hugging him? Do you know him?" I asked as I knelt in front of him to level our faces.

"No," he replied.

I looked up at the man, who was still in shock, his eyes nearly bulging out, and seemingly holding his breath.

"Do you know my child?" I asked the man. He didn't speak but shook his head. I turned my attention back to Quiy.

"You don't know him, so why did you call him Daddy?"

The questions just kept coming.

"You wouldn't buy me chocolate, so I looked for someone who could. I saw him here and thought I'd give it a try, Mommy..." the child explained.

I ran a hand over my face and closed my eyes. How many more headaches will you give me today, Quiy?

I held back the urge to pinch his side. This kid has no shame!

"I... I really thought I got someone pregnant," the man finally spoke, shaking his head while looking at the child. "Geez... your daughter is something," he added, causing me to glance at him again.

"I-I'm sorry, Brother. I'm so embarrassed by what my child did, but I hope you can forgive her. To ease your worries, let me assure you that you didn't get anyone pregnant. Congratulations, Brother" I said with an awkward smile, still embarrassed.

I stood up and took hold of Quiy's hand, but he continued to whine about buying chocolate.

"Why don't you buy her some? I'll pay," the guy offered, but I quickly shook my head.

"No, that's okay. I can buy it for her, but she's not allowed to have it because, well, look at her teeth." I turned to Quiy, who was pouting like a duck. "...they're incomplete," I added.

He glanced at my daughter too.

"What else do you want besides chocolate, baby? I'll buy it for you," he offered again.

Who is this guy? Is he a saint?

Quiy looked at me as if seeking permission. If it were up to me, I'd say no. But to avoid dealing with a crying child later, I agreed.

It's so hard to calm her down once she starts crying. It's like a slaughtered animal when that happens.

"Thanks for the treat, Brother, even though it wasn't necessary. I should be the one treating you to make up for the scare my child caused you."

"It's nothing. Plus, I wasn't nervous because I don't want kids. In fact, I'd be happy if I did," he said, surprising me.

What? Isn't it usually the case in movies that guys get scared when they find out they've gotten someone pregnant because they don't want the responsibility? Or not?

"You're surprised, I suppose?" he asked. He sighed before continuing. "My parents are so obsessed with me having kids. Every birthday, that's their wish for me," he shared. I didn't ask, but I decided to listen, so his words wouldn't go to waste... and, of course, to make up for what Quiy did.

"They pray every night for me to finally settle down with someone and have kids. I want that too, but of course, marriage is not something to be rushed. It has to go through a process because I know how sacred it is," he narrated.

If that's his perspective, why would he be happy to have a child (if what Quiy did earlier were true) even if he's not married yet?

"So, you're okay with having a child before getting married?" I inquired since that's what I understood from what he was implying.

His eyes darted at me. We both raised our eyebrows at each other-me, waiting for his answer, and him, as if debating whether to respond or not.

"Depends on the situation. If it was an accident-say I got drunk and accidentally impregnated a woman who was also under the influence of alcohol, which is what I thought happened when your daughter introduced herself as my kid, then yes-"

"Because you had no choice, right?" I cut him off.

"Nope. Because that is what should be done, not because I have no choice, because if I wanted to, I could have refused to acknowledge the child. That's if I were someone who's an a**hole," he replied.

"Mommy, what does a**hole mean?" Quiy asked while eating chocolate. Despite my attempts to avoid buying it, she still insisted on having it, so I gave in.

"Don't ever say that word, okay, Quiy? It's a bad word," I advised her, and she immediately nodded in agreement.

She didn't ask any more questions after that and continued eating her chocolate.

"But of course, I'd like to get married before having kids. I want my children to be made out of love," he said, raising my eyebrow again.

"So, you're implying that children conceived out of wedlock aren't made out of love?"

I crossed my arms. The conversation was heating up.

The corner of his lip lifted into a smirk.

"You could say that, but I'm not implying that it's true for everyone. That's just my opinion, Miss," he answered.

Fair enough.

"I'm Damien, by the way..." he introduced himself. "Damien Salvatore," he added, extending his right hand for a handshake. I looked at his hand before returning my gaze to his eyes.

"Paige," I uttered as I accepted his hand. I don't usually do this, but I'm thankful that he was the one my child found and didn't run away with Quiy.

Taking care of a mischievous child is tough. It's a heavy responsibility, and being a mother to Quiy is a lifetime commitment, but the fulfillment is different when I see how happy he is with simple things.

It's true that seeing your child happy and well takes away all the fatigue. It makes all the effort worth it, and I don't mind being drained all day because I have Quiy, who wipes away all of that.

I had just finished freshening up after work when I sat on the sofa to watch my child play with dolls on the floor. She even talked to them as if expecting them to respond.

"There, you're pretty again..." she said as she stroked the hair of one Barbie.

My smile grew even wider.

A few moments later, she turned to me with a frown on her face.

"Mommy, I have a question," she said. I took a deep breath because I knew it would be another out-of-this-world question, then nodded to signal that she could go ahead and ask.

"My Barbies are so beautiful, but why don't they have underwear? Shouldn't they have them so no one can peek?" she asked with full curiosity, each word spoken seriously.

I knew it. Why does my child think like this? What did I feed her to make her like this?

"They're not real people, sweetheart. They're not like Mommy who has real boobs and, you know..." I tried my best to explain, but it seemed she still wasn't convinced.

"Boobs and what, Mommy?"

I shook my head. That's enough for today, Quiy. Any more, and I might take back what I said earlier about you being a stress reliever.

"Boobs and it's time for bed because it's late. I have work tomorrow, and you'll be left with Tita Heidi again," I said as I approached her to pick her up.

I'll clean up her things and toys later after I put her to sleep.

Heidi isn't even a relative. She just calls her Aunt's because, well, she's a woman, and calling her Uncle would be weird. Heidi is our neighbor who doesn't have kids, so she's delighted whenever she gets to watch Quiy. I don't even know how she handles taking care of my child, who's a handful with her mischief and talkativeness.

"Am I bad, Mommy?" She suddenly asked as we were heading to our shared room. Our apartment is small, and she refuses to sleep without me beside her, so we share a room. It's for the best because she often has nightmares and wakes up in the middle of the night.

"Why do you ask that?"

She let out a dramatic sigh, her lips forming a pout.

"Because I hit the kid that Aunt Heidi was watching yesterday," she said, which surprised me.

What? Why was there hitting involved? Heidi didn't mention anything to me.

"Oh no," I exclaimed in shock. "Why did you hit him?" I cringed as I imagined it. Just thinking about how she did it, I already felt sorry for the boy. With how heavy-handed this kid is...

I often can't believe she's only three years old.

"Because he tried to take my Barbie! He's a boy, and he's trying to take my toys, and I didn't even do anything to him," she complained.

I don't know what to feel anymore. I just hope I make it to at least sixty!

It's just a kid's fight, Paige. I reminded myself. I'll just scold her later because this child is really violent. I wasn't like that. So I'm sure she got it from my older sister.

She was violent. She used to hit me whenever she was laughing, annoyed, or even crying. She always used me as a punching bag for her amusement.

Oh no! I'm remembering it again. Now I'm on the

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

I snapped out of it when I heard Quiy's tiny voice calling my name. She sounded upset again.

"I've called you like ten times, Mommy." She pouted and crossed her arms.

"W-What is it?" I stammered, quickly wiping the tears from my cheeks.

"Why are you crying?"

"I just suddenly thought of something," I replied, fixing her position on the bed before tucking her in. "Go to sleep now, okay? I'll sing you a song," I added, which made her frown.

"No nee-" I quickly covered her mouth with my palm to stop her.

"Don't say anything. I know my voice is terrible and it might keep you awake. Just close your eyes and give your mouth a rest too. You've been talking all day; let others have their turn tomorrow."

She nodded before closing her eyes. I gently caressed her forehead, and after a few minutes, I was sure she was asleep, as her breathing had become steady.

I adjusted her blanket once more. I kissed her forehead before leaving the room to put away her toys.

While tidying up her scattered toys, I heard a knock. It was late at night, so I paused to think about who could be knocking at this hour.

Not coming up with anyone, I asked, "Who's there?" I asked, still not moving from where I was standing.

Could it be a drug addict or a drunk? The thought made me more anxious. Or maybe a cult member? Or worse, a ghost?

"It's Heidi," she replied, and I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

My goodness. I thought it was something or someone else.

I quickly walked to the door to let her in. She greeted me with a broad smile.

That's kind of creepy.

"It's late, isn't it? What's up?" I asked, puzzled.

"I just wanted to give you this ticket." She handed me a small piece of paper. "It's from the Governor. It's like an invitation to enter the venue for the event he's holding as a thank you for his election victory," she explained.

"Oh, Paige, I know you're wondering, but you know how the Governor is. Even without an occasion, he'll suddenly have one because he's that thankful. You know, even when he was just starting out in politics, he was already like that. This is also for his birthday on Sunday. We're invited because he owes us a lot, especially those who volunteered to pack relief goods that were sent to Tacloban after the last typhoon," she explained further.

"Ah... So, this is like an entry ticket, right?"

She nodded. "Exactly. It's one ticket per household, but you can bring your whole family. That's what I was told."

What? The whole family with just one ticket? Isn't that embarrassing? But then again... it's the Governor, not me. If he wants to spend a lot to feed the entire district, that's not my concern since it's not my money. It's his, and it's not even from the taxpayers, so all good.

"Thanks, Heidi. I'll think about whether we can go since we might be busy, but I don't think so since it's Sunday. It's good that it falls on my day off," I said.

"Oh, Paige! If I were you, I'd go, because we might get to see the Governor's handsome nephew!" She squealed, making me almost cover her mouth.

It's late, but she's still so loud, which is embarrassing considering our neighbors are probably resting by now!

"Hey," I scolded. "You're squealing like that, but don't you have a boyfriend?" I asked, recalling that fact. Her expression suddenly turned sour.

"We're not together anymore. I kicked him out of my house because he was just using me to support his mistress. The nerve of that guy!" she exclaimed, and I grimaced.

"But forget about that. I don't want to have a boyfriend for now, so even if the Governor's nephew is handsome, I'll let you have him," she said before squealing again. She even acted like she was giddy, making me cringe even more.

"I heard he's single, but his parents are already looking for someone for him to marry because they want grandchildren," she shared.

"Where did you hear all that, and why do you seem to know so much about the Governor's nephew? It seems like you're more interested in the nephew than in the food and giveaways," I remarked, noting her focus on the nephew.

"That's what the Governor's sister, the nephew's mom, said, so everyone knows. I'm surprised you don't know anything about this," she said. She leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms as she continued her stories.

How would I know about these things when I'm busy with work? And besides... should I even be worrying about that?

"You know, almost everyone around here with a daughter of the right age is going to the event not because of the food and invitation but just to catch the attention of the Governor's nephew."

She paused to roll her eyes. "Of course, they'd hit the jackpot if their daughter marries him because I heard their family is really wealthy," she continued, as if I was supposed to know all this.

"Oh, whatever! I'm really going to set you up with him. I haven't even seen his face yet, but I just feel like you two are a perfect match!" She squealed again, jumping up and down and clapping her hands.

Good grief. Even if he's handsome, if he's not kind... it's pointless. And besides... I don't even plan on getting married anytime soon. What matters to me is Quiy and her future.

"Okay, let's get some sleep so you can have your beauty rest. There's no doubt in my mind that the Governor's nephew will fall in love with you at first sight. I'll bet my brand-new frying pan on it!" She squealed before letting herself out.

I was left there cringing.

She's really crazy, that one!

Sunday came, and everything was a mess. How could it not be? The sun hadn't even risen yet when Heidi showed up at my house just to drag me to the Governor's event she'd been talking about.

She wanted me to go so badly that she practically did all the house chores I hadn't finished yet.

"Mommy, will there be food at the place we're going to?" Quiy asked while we were eating.

Look at this kid. She's eating, but she's still thinking about food.

I was about to answer when Heidi butted in again. She even put her hand in front of my face to stop me from speaking.

"There's going to be so much food there, goddaughter, so help me convince your mommy to come with us," she said to my daughter, trying to get her on board with her dark plan.

"Really, Auntie-Godmother?!" Quiy's face lit up even more. My shoulders slumped in defeat because I knew she had finally convinced my child.

Heidi nodded repeatedly while grinning. It was clear she had a hidden agenda, but since she was talking to a child, Quiy had no clue about it.

So, after we finished eating, we got ready to attend the event. Thankfully, we didn't need to wear anything fancy. As long as we looked presentable, that was enough. What mattered was that we honored the Governor's invitation.

"Don't get into any trouble here, Quiy, okay? This isn't our house, so behave..." I reminded my daughter when we arrived at the venue.

Actually, I thought it was going to be held somewhere else. That's what was originally planned, but it seems like it was changed at the last minute, so instead of being held at an auditorium, the event was held at the Governor's house.

If you ask me, I'm nervous because I can't ignore the dirt in the world of politics. The Governor's house is open to the public, and it's not far-fetched that someone might try something dangerous. But from what I've seen of the Governor's lifestyle and how well he treats his constituents, the chances are slim... though caution is still necessary.

"Yes, Mommy... I'm only interested in the food," she said. She even raised her right hand as if swearing while a wide grin spread across her face.

Her belly was already bloated because we had just eaten before coming here, but her mind was still on food.

I really need to put this kid on a diet before she just bursts.

"Later, okay? Let's hold off on the food for now," I cautioned her, alarmed by how her belly always seemed to grow bigger. "You can play with the other kids, but don't overdo it," I added, and she nodded repeatedly in response.

Not long after, the Governor came out at the entrance of their mansion. Beside him were two uniformed men, his wife, and another lady. He greeted everyone and thanked them for coming and reiterated the purpose of the gathering.

After his greeting, I thought that was it, but everyone was surprised when the Governor asked for a bit of silence because he had someone to introduce.

Even before he could say anything, I had a feeling I knew who it was, judging by Heidi's stifled squeal beside me. She kept pinching and squeezing me, so I tried to move away from her, but she kept pulling me back to use me as a shield for her uncontrollable excitement.

Seriously, is she really over her breakup? It doesn't seem like she even felt any pain.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

I felt like I was about to have a heart attack because of what my child had done.

After running up to the Governor, my child went on to hug Damien's legs with a wide smile! The excitement and joy were clear in his sparkling eyes.

Because of what he did, not only was I shocked, but everyone else there as well. My heart doubled its pace as I nearly rushed to close the distance between my child, the Governor's family, and me. Add to that the whispers of people around us, and I could almost feel my heart lodged in my throat.

At that moment, I just wanted the ground to swallow me up out of embarrassment, but I knew I had to stop my child since we were becoming a spectacle. If only I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have let Heidi convince me to come!

But then again, I can't blame her since she had no idea what would happen. Especially since she didn't know that my child and I had already met the Governor's nephew, whom she was talking about. Even if I wanted to be upset with her, I knew it wasn't her fault.

"I-I'm so sorry..." I said, bowing my head to the Governor and his family, who were still in shock over everything that had happened.

Even now, I'm already worrying that this might affect their family's image. And I'm terrified for my child and me because what if they get angry with us for ruining the celebration they had prepared?

"Quiy... come on, dear. H-He's not your Daddy, o-okay?" I tried to take my child, but he only tightened his grip on Damien's leg.

I swallowed hard at what my child did, especially when the whispers grew louder. My anxiety spiked as thoughts of the possible outcomes raced through my mind.

I felt like any moment now, the Governor's men would suddenly grab us and throw us out of the event. If that happens, how could I ever face the people back home? Would my child and I be able to leave without being ridiculed?

In the midst of my thoughts, I hadn't noticed the gathering returning to its lively atmosphere. When the Governor's laughter echoed, amplified by the microphone, I wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or even more anxious.

"So that's why they didn't want to proceed with the introduction-because my nephew already has a family to take care of," he said, further adding to my shock.

With wide eyes, I managed to glance around at the people in front of us. Some were clapping, while others laughed at the Governor's words.

Wait a minute?! What's happening? Why is everything moving so fast? Just a moment ago, they were all whispering, but now... it's as if nothing happened, and they just accepted what the Governor said.

Before I could recover, I saw Damien bend down and offer his open hand to my child.

"I'm sorry, baby. Come here," he said with a smile to my child. My jaw dropped even further when Quiy took his hand, and Damien easily lifted him, calling him "Daddy" even though he wasn't his father.

Now I'm not sure if my child is being ambitious or just really longing for love, care, and the presence of a father. I want to believe it's the latter because ever since he was born, he hasn't known what it's like to have a father.

But hold on... Don't I get a moment to recover from the shock? It would have been nice if things happened one at a time, but why does it feel like there's no end to this?

"I apologize for mentioning earlier that my only son is still searching for a wife. It's just that he's very secretive, and we were all surprised to find out... that he already has a family," the Governor added.

He even laughed as he raised his glass before announcing that everyone should enjoy the celebration, especially the food prepared.

He then excused himself, and the guests quickly shifted their attention to the food being served at their tables.

I was about to retrieve my child, who was still in Damien's arms when I felt the Governor's men guide me into their house. I immediately looked around to ask for help from those around me, but they were all busy. I couldn't even spot Heidi among the crowd.

"W-Wait a moment," I stopped the uniformed man guiding me. I could barely form the words because of the mixed emotions I was feeling.

Are they taking us inside to scold us for ruining their party? Will they threaten us to stay away from their son? Will they offer us ten million to disappear? Will they have us sent away or...

With all the questions racing through my mind, I lost track of what was happening. I only returned to my senses when I realized we were already inside the mansion.

The Governor's family sat on the sofas, staring at us. I was so nervous that I didn't know where to look because their expressions varied.

Deafening silence reigned between all of us after the Madam said that. They were smiling, but I was still nervous that something else might follow. But minutes passed, and nothing happened except when the Governor spoke again to say he was happy for his nephew.

When Damien's mother let go of me, she approached her son, who was still holding Quiy.

"You really are handsome, Daddy, aren't you?" she said while Damien's face was cradled in her small hands. "Aunt Heidi is absolutely right because I also feel that you and my Mommy are perfect for each other," she added, making me want to sprint the distance between us.

"Hey, Quiy!" I scolded her, but my voice was drowned out by the laughter around us. I felt a strange electric shock rise from my back to my nape.

"You're right, little kid. I think my son and your Mommy are a perfect match," Damien's mother chimed in, agreeing with my child. My cheeks flushed even more.

If the Governor hadn't interrupted to call Damien for a discussion, I might have melted away from embarrassment. If the ground suddenly opened up, I would dive in to be swallowed whole.

Damien excused himself, and I was surprised that Quiy didn't even protest after being whispered to by him. When they finally left, Quiy immediately approached me and looked up at the Madam in front of us.

"Do we know her, Mommy?" Quiy asked me while holding the hem of my dress. I winced at how she asked that question.

Why does she always sound so tough?

"Uh..." I let out a fake laugh because I couldn't find the right words. "N-No, baby... but um," I couldn't even speak properly because my mind was blank. "She's Damien's Mommy, the one you call Daddy but isn't really your Daddy..."

I secretly exhaled in relief after saying that. It felt like a huge thorn had been pulled from my throat.

She probably had no idea what had happened earlier because all her attention was on Damien.

"Daddy said it's okay to call him Daddy because I'm aboradle, right, Mommy? That's what he said," she said proudly.

"Adorable," the Madam corrected her with a wide smile. I could sense how much she wanted to pinch my daughter's cheeks but was holding herself back.

"Oh... okay!" My daughter replied cheerfully. I thought she was done, but she wasn't. "Mommy," she called out to me. Before I could answer, she continued, "If she's Daddy's Mommy, what does that make her to me?"

My jaw dropped at that question. I tried to answer, but I was so shocked that no clear words came out of my mouth.

"Lola, little kid. You can call me Lola," Mrs. Salvatore answered for me, but I still didn't expect her to join in on Quiy's playful mood. "Your daughter is so cute..." the Madam said, clearly delighted. She even slightly bent down to gently pinch Quiy's cheek.

"Her hand smells nice, Mommy... like perfume and food," she said. "I'm really hungry, Mommy... is there food here?" she added while looking around, making me even more embarrassed.

Geez, child. I'm not going to deprive you of food, but...

"We actually have a lot of food here. Come on so my cute grandchild can eat," the Madam said eagerly, but I quickly declined because I was really embarrassed, especially with all the things my daughter was saying.

Maybe I had a part in why she's so open about expressing whatever she wants. I also want her to grow up being able to say whatever she wants freely so I don't have to guess.

But now, I've realized that maybe I need to remind her that it's okay to hold back sometimes.

"Oh, Ma'am... no need," I declined, but she immediately grabbed my arm as if that was her way of convincing me.

"Come on, dear, please? I just want to be with my son's friend for a bit longer. You know, when you get older, you tend to have fewer people around you because most of your friends are busy. So I really appreciate meeting-"

"Mom," Damien suddenly interrupted as he approached. His serious eyes moved back and forth between his mother and me as he finally reached us.

"What's happening here?" he asked, and since his gaze settled on me, I thought I should be the one to answer, but the Madam did it for me.

"I was just trying to invite them to eat and have, you know... a little chitchat about life. Please allow me because I'm bored of only talking to the household staff or your father. I can't even talk to you for long because you're always busy with work," she explained to her son, almost pleading.

I felt guilty, so I agreed... I guess it's okay to give in since it's not every day, and besides... she really does seem lonely and just wants someone to talk to.

"Will that be fine with you?" Damien asked me, and I quickly turned my head to him after glancing at his mother, who was still holding my arm.

I was about to answer when my little one spoke first again. "Yes, Daddy. Mommy will agree because I'm really hungry. My stomach might shrink if we don't eat soon," she said, making me close my eyes in exasperation.

Didn't I feed her before we left the house? Why does she get hungry so quickly?

I heard Damien chuckle before he crouched and gently pinched my daughter's cheek.

"Okay, little kid. You can eat anything you want, but let's ask Mommy first," he said to the child before standing up straight.

I let out a weak laugh while slowly nodding in agreement. When I did that, I heard his mom clap with glee. She almost jumped in joy.

"Let's go, baby... what do you want to eat?" she asked my daughter, who immediately let go of me when she heard that from the Madam.

I felt that if she could carry my daughter, she would, but since my child is heavy, she just held her hand.

"I'm really sorry for my child's antics, okay? Maybe she's just missing her father, but I'll talk to her," I apologized.

"It's fine, though. She's cute," she replied as if it was nothing to her. If I had to note it, I'd say she was too attentive to Quiy. When the two of them were together, it was as if they had their own world.

"Mom seems to adore her, too. It looks like she doesn't want to let her go," he said. His eyes followed the direction where my daughter and his mother were. Some of the household staff were now assisting them as they headed to the table full of food, along with some of their relatives who had left earlier.

But that can't happen, especially since I have work tomorrow. I need to work because if I don't, Quiy and I might end up in dire straits.

"Maybe it's just because she sees you... but when you're not around, she might forget," I added, but at that, I saw a flash of irritation cross his face.

"I don't want her to forget me," he said, and I wanted to think it was just my imagination, but it was confirmed now.

"H-Huh?" I asked, confused. I couldn't fully grasp his point.

"What do I have to do to be a part of your lives?" he asked, without any hint of joking.

W-Was he serious?!

To Be Continued...