My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin

Soon, silence filled the family room as Ashley finally grew tired of shooing Lucian away. In the end, all she could do was pull Primo between them as protection. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

As for Lucian, he had planned to sleep as well, but somehow, even when he felt like he might drift off soon, he couldn’t. But this wasn’t like his usual sleeping problems. Rather, he just... didn’t want this to end.

Turning his head, the first thing he saw were Primo’s and Ashley’s peaceful sleeping faces. Before she fell asleep, she had been glaring daggers at him, hiding behind Primo. Now, she was fast asleep, hugging Primo like a pillow.

Slowly, Lucian turned onto his side, facing the boy and his wife.

He raised a hand, reaching over until he could brush her hair away with his fingertips. His eyes softened, his lips curving into a subtle yet genuinely warm smile before he withdrew his hand.

At the back of his mind, this felt like a dream.

He had always thought something like this only happened in dreams or in one’s imagination—having a family... having one simple night of playing the most boring games in the world and then falling asleep together in the same space.

But this?

Having Ashley and Primo sleeping right beside him—as if the violent world they lived in didn’t exist—left an inexplicable softness and warmth in his chest.

He hadn’t known something like this was even possible.

Family night, he thought, his eyelids growing heavier as they slowly closed.

We should have more of this... more often.

*****

Days later...

The atmosphere in the plantation, the soil-packing section, and even the garden felt more somber than before. Everyone still worked, but no one talked. Usually, people would chat while working. Some even shared laughter.

In the break rooms or designated smoking areas, workers would casually converse.

But now, even those on break remained quiet.

Betty arrived at the plantation and was instantly struck by the heavy atmosphere. Looking around, she tried to smile, but failed.

"I guess... it’s just sad," she whispered, feeling the weight of what was to come.

She walked further in and approached Nelly’s station, tilting her head and offering him a smile. "Hey, there."

Nelly paused for a second and glanced at her.

"Ah, Miss Betty," he cleared his throat and straightened, stepping back from the stand where he had been checking the pots for final inspection.

"How are things going?" she asked as an icebreaker, even though she knew Nelly’s work was never something she needed to worry about.

Nelly smiled, but it was brief. "I’m just doing some final checks and taking care of everything before they’re transported," he said, turning back to the pots.

However, his facade quickly faded as the situation weighed on him. When he could no longer hold it in, Nelly turned back to Betty.

"Miss Betty," he called, "have Boss Castor and the Madam spoken already?"

Betty pressed her lips together. "I already brought it up to the Madam, but it’s up to them to talk."

"Did she say anything?"

The moment the question left Nelly’s mouth, everyone subtly turned their heads. With how quiet the plantation was, even normal conversation was heard clearly.

"Uh..." Betty glanced around, noticing the expectant looks on their faces.

After all, the silence in all three divisions wasn’t because of conflict. If anything, it was the opposite. Everyone had grown closer. They were like a big family.

Even the maids, who were only meant to assist temporarily until Ashley hired permanent staff, had already expressed their desire to stay.

The problem was... the garden was nearing completion.

They were only working on the final touches.

Meaning Castor’s contract would soon end, and everyone on his team would have to say their farewells.

Hence, the heavy atmosphere.

Betty forced a smile and lowered her head slightly. "I’m sorry, but the Madam hasn’t said anything yet."

She had tried asking, but Ashley had only told her one thing:

Don’t worry about it.

It wasn’t that Betty didn’t trust her. She believed Ashley had a plan. What worried her was everyone else and how saddened they had become.

"Ahem!" She cleared her throat, lifting her chin as she faced them. "Even if the Madam hasn’t said anything yet, I’m certain she already has plans."

Betty smiled brightly, even if it was a bit forced. "I trust the Madam," she said proudly. "We’ve all been working here, and I’m sure you’ve seen how much things have changed since the beginning."

Everyone fell silent, watching her, gradually reassured by her confidence.

"So let’s trust her," Betty urged, nodding firmly. "I’m one hundred percent sure she’s already thought this through."

She studied their reactions until her gaze landed on Nelly. When it did, she caught a small smile forming on his face.

"You’re right," he nodded. "We don’t have to worry. I’m sure the madam already has a plan."

"Haha!" others began to chime in. "Of course! The Madam cares for us just as much as Miss Betty and Sir Castor. I’m sure they’ll work something out!"

"Besides, even if things turn out differently, I’m still grateful for everything I’ve learned from you," another worker added, looking at the experts who had patiently guided them.

The gardeners laughed. "We were just doing our job. If anything, things were easier because everyone here put in the effort."

One after another, they began voicing what they had been holding back under the weight of the gloomy mood.

After hearing Betty’s words, they reminded themselves that this was still business. This was still work.

They trusted Ashley—though they weren’t sure when that trust had begun—and they respected Castor just as much. So all they could do was hope the two would come to an agreement.

And if not, then at least they would cherish this project.

Seeing the atmosphere lighten even just a little, Betty glanced at Nelly and chuckled. He chuckled back before both of them turned their attention to everyone again.

*****

Meanwhile, Ashley stood near the garden, smiling as she looked over what was nearly complete.

From what she heard, they were only working on the finishing touches. Everything had already been set. Dominion now had a small forest instead of just a garden of flowers. Even the calming scent of trees lingered in the air.

"Madam."

A voice suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

When she turned, she saw Castor approaching. He stopped a few steps away, offering her a smile.

"The garden and everything will be finished in a day," he said. "And since its completion marks the end of our contract... I want to thank you for everything."

He paused and lowered his head.

"Thank you, Madam. It has been an honor to work on this garden."