The Mafia's Secretary

Family Dinner

The long dining table in the Valtoris mansion hadn't hosted a full family dinner in years but tonight, felt different.

Cassiel sat at the far end of the table, with a straight posture. He was surrounded by family members who felt more like strangers to him now. He made his expression unreadable because he knew he didn't belong here and he wondered why he even came. The food smelled good but he had barely touched it, his eyes fixed on it like it was the only thing keeping him from leaving.

"It's been a while since we've all been together," Ava, his mother said softly breaking the silence. She looked beautiful as always— a spitting image of Cassiel, but she also seemed like she had been rehearsing how to make this night go perfectly.

She gave Cassiel a soft smile, which he didn't return. His attention was solely on the steak he was cutting with precision.

His brother, Marco chuckled. "It doesn't matter that we're doing it now. Some things just never change, " he said, giving Cassiel a knowing look. He was as loud as ever, smiling and laughing. He felt like he was the star of the night because he just got engaged to Lillian, a pretty blonde who sat by his side. Cassiel didn't look at either of them.

"So," Lucas, their father began. He placed down his wine glass on the table, directing his gaze at Cassiel. "Cassiel, you're not getting any younger. Maybe it's time you finally considered settling down. We're expecting to see you with someone soon."

Cassiel still didn't look up. He took a bite of his steak, looking calm and unbothered like none of these mattered to him.

"Maybe he just hasn't found the right person yet," Ava added smiling softly at Cassiel.

"In fact," Lucas continued. "As a congratulatory gift, I'm giving Marco thirty-five percent of my company's shares. I was going to give them to you, Cassiel, but since you show no interest in building a family... "

Marco smirked.

Cassiel's fork paused mid-air and the room went silent. He slowly set down his utensils, and slowly turned to Lucas with a cold look in his eyes.

"So you're handing over my legacy because I don't have a girlfriend?" He laughed bitterly.

"You know what?" His face contorted with anger. "You can give him all the shares. Hell! Give him the house too!" He slammed the table, standing abruptly. The plates rattled, the wine glass, and every other thing on the table shook.

"Cassiel, please let's not do this tonight," Ava begged, reaching out to him.

He looked at her, his expression softening a bit before hardening again. "Stay out of it," he told her, calmly.

Lucas seemed angry, but no one dared to say another word.

"I think I'm done here," Cassiel added, pushing back his chair. He couldn't even hide the disgust in his eyes. He just turned and then walked out without saying another word.