My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin-Chapter 76: I don’t like it when you cry.

[Flashback]

Eighteen-year-old Ashley winced as she touched the side of her forehead. The fresh cut still stung, along with the other visible bruises — both fresh and old — scattered across her body.

"Damn it," she hissed, glancing at herself through the side mirror from the front passenger seat.

Behind the wheel, Scott slid his eyes toward her. "Miss, you should go straight to the hospital," he advised, shifting his gaze away from the bandage wrapped around her arm and back onto the road ahead.

"Some of your injuries look serious."

Ashley raised her brows as she looked at him.

"After I meet him," was all she said, snapping her attention back to the flashing city lights outside her window.

"He already knows the mission was a success and that the other party has been dealt with," Scott remarked. "There’s no need for you to go home."

But Ashley didn’t respond anymore.

Not long ago, Marshal had sent her on a deadly mission with a few of his men to deal with a group that had been challenging the Di Carpios. After three weeks, the mission was a success, and Ashley was picked up straight from the pier where she had smuggled herself back.

The ones she was with were left behind for cleanup. Scott had been the one to retrieve her.

As silence filled the vehicle, Ashley lifted her gaze to an electronic billboard featuring one of the hottest models of the moment.

So pretty, she thought, biting her inner lip as her eyes drifted down to herself.

Unlike the beautiful model, here she was — reeking of dried blood, sweat, and dirt. The bruises from before hadn’t even faded yet, and new ones had already been added to the collection.

"I’ve booked you a place for tonight," Scott broke the silence. She turned to him, though he kept his eyes on the road. "You may stay there and rest for a while."

Her brows knitted. "Why? Something wrong back home?" 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"No," he replied, his voice still stern yet naturally polite. "There are guests in the mansion, and from what I know, some will be staying for a few days."

"Is there an occasion?"

Ashley should have already known the reason Scott would go out of his way to book her a hotel room. That only happened when she wasn’t needed.

When they arrived at the Di Carpios’ grand mansion, the reason became clear. The family of three was hosting yet another lavish party — this time to celebrate Isabella’s graduation.

Warm chandelier lights sparkled inside, lively chatter filled the halls, and beautiful dresses and meticulously tailored suits moved gracefully through the space.

And outside the window, Ashley stood in tattered clothes and watched it all unfold.

"Hah..." A weak laugh escaped her lips as her eyes found Isabella.

Isabella wore a stunning dress, looking like a doll that stood out even from a distance. Meanwhile, Ashley hadn’t even showered. She reeked of oil from the cargo she had ridden in, mixed with the scent of dried blood and a few days’ old sweat.

Standing beside Isabella were her proud parents, Carmella and Marshal, laughing warmly with their guests.

Ashley’s face twitched as she tried to smile, but failed miserably. If anything, her expression threatened to crumble into tears.

"... fucking idiot," she muttered under her breath, exhaling deeply. But the heaviness in her chest didn’t ease. "What did you even expect?"

She knew Marshal had already heard the mission was a success. One of the thorns in his side had been removed.

And yet, she still rushed home. She ignored her body’s need for treatment because she wanted to deliver the news herself.

Even if she didn’t want to admit it, somewhere deep inside, a part of her still sought his approval. Just once, she wanted him to be proud of her. With how dangerous the mission had been, she thought it might finally be enough for him to recognize her efforts.

But this?

This was more than a slap in the face.

While she had been out there risking her life, the people inside were celebrating — enjoying a world she was never truly part of.

It was proof.

The final confirmation.

A bitter truth forced down her throat that she would never belong there.

That even if she walked the thin line between life and death for the Di Carpios, no one would care.

Why?

Because... it was her.

In here, she was nothing more than a ghost in a place where no one wanted to see her.

Ashley drew in a deep breath and forced a smile, even as the corners of her eyes burned red. She raised her hand over her shoulder, swallowing the lump in her throat, and awkwardly patted herself on the back... slowly... and firmly.

As if trying to hold herself together, even when each pat couldn’t stop the pieces of her heart from falling.

"Still..." her voice cracked, her lips trembling as she lowered her head. "... proud... of you. Happy birthday... you."

*****

"Still... proud... of you."

Ashley whispered in her sleep, clutching the fabric tightly as a tear slid across the bridge of her nose.

Unbeknownst to her, Lucian had slipped his arm beneath her head, holding her close as she murmured softly in her sleep.

He wiped her tears with the back of his curled finger, his other hand gently patting her back. Pulling her closer, he held her securely, resting his chin atop her head.

He didn’t know what had made her cry like this in her sleep. But whatever it was, she better find better ways to hide it from him.

Otherwise, wiping her tears wouldn’t be the only thing he would do.

He might wipe out whoever was haunting her.

After all, in the months since they married, she had never shed a single tear for him — or because of him.

"Don’t cry," he whispered, his hand continuing its steady rhythm against her back. He kept patting her until he felt her slowly relax.

Looking down, he saw her bury her face into his chest, still clutching his shirt. He let her, pulling her even closer into his embrace.

And only when she was fully caged in his arms did she truly relax, drifting into a deeper sleep.

As for Lucian, he remained awake, listening to the rhythm of her breathing, his hand still gently patting her back.

When he finally closed his eyes, he let himself drift into sleep with one thought lingering in his mind.

I don’t like it when you cry.