The Mafioso Wanted My Heart Back After Breaking It

Colleen Homer, my husband’s ex, posted an ultrasound photo on Facebook with the caption: "Grateful to my sperm donor. I thought all hope was lost, but now look—I’m having a baby!"

That donor? My husband, Alexander.

I forced myself to hit the like button and comment, "That’s great, happy for you!" Inside, I felt anything but happy.

Moments later, Alexander called, frantic. “Veronica, please don’t overreact! I was just helping Colleen out, okay? Don’t make this worse!”

I ended the call, too numb to respond. For the first time, divorce felt like a real option.

***

I gently stroked my belly, taking a deep breath as a profound sense of regret consumed me. I wanted to apologize to the tiny life within me, explaining that "your father does not seem to accept you". However, as soon as the words formed on my lips, tears welled up, soaking my cheeks.

I had intended to surprise Alexander with the news of my pregnancy on his birthday. I was two months along, and this has been a long-awaited moment. Unfortunately, Alexander had shown little interest in intimacy and had always expressed aversion to the idea of children, considering them a burden. He even urged me to use birth control.

Given our similar backgrounds in a dangerous, illegal environment, I could empathize with his belief that children could be a source of vulnerability.

Then, just the other day, I saw him researching baby things, creating spreadsheets for expectant moms and newborns. Foolishly, I believed that he was finally accepting our future and warming up to the idea of having a child together.

Now I realized he wasn’t preparing for me at all— he was doing it for Colleen.

That evening, Alexander came home earlier than usual. He called for me from the hallway, but I stayed silent in the bedroom. After a while, I heard the shower, then felt him slip into bed beside me.

I felt the warmth of his hand as it crept onto my waist, the first time he had taken the initiative to be affectionate towards me. He pressed closer, nuzzling my neck as he tried to mend our relationship. It was as if he were trying to reignite the passion that had dwindled between us.

But I ignored his advances, turning away and closing my eyes. He leaned closer, whispering sweetly in my ear, "Nothing happened between us, sweetheart. It was purely science. We didn't even touch each other during the process."

"Does it have to be you?" I asked, trying to stay calm. "Couldn’t someone else do it?"

"It had to be me," he sighed. "But once the baby’s born, I won’t have anything more to do with her. You understand, right?"

My silence must have seemed like acceptance because he moved closer, trying to be intimate. I pushed his hand away, harder this time.

"What more do you want, Veronica?" he snapped. "This alliance is important! If this is what it takes for security between the families, then I’ll make the sacrifice. Why can’t you understand that?"

I sat up, my voice steady but pained. "Do you really think I don’t understand? There are other ways to secure this connection. Isn’t her father your godfather? Isn’t that enough?"

"It’s not enough," he said sternly. "You know the rules, Veronica. We need more reassurance."

I smiled sadly, shaking my head. "Or maybe this isn’t about reassurance. Maybe it’s about her. After all this time, do you still—"

He slapped me before I could finish. "Stop acting like a jealous wife! I could’ve kept this from you, spared you the pain, but I was honest because that’s what a husband should do! And now you’re making me the bad guy?"

I touched my stinging cheek, shaking. "You hit me?"

He grabbed his coat, clearly ready to leave. "Where are you going?" I asked, following him to the door. "We’re not done talking. Are you going to see her?"

He pulled away from me. "Didn’t I choose you after all these years?"

"W-what do you mean?"

He didn't answer, just gave me a sneer. Dread washed over me as I reached for him, but he pushed me away, harder this time. I stumbled onto the edge of the cabinet, the sharp pain jolting through me.

Alexander didn't help me. He just looked at me—maybe there was guilt in his eyes—but then he slammed the door behind him, leaving me alone.

I laughed bitterly at the mess my marriage had become, at how blind I’ve been. Apologies meant nothing to him—they were just words to get me to forgive him. And I always did it because I loved him.

But now, I’m paying the price for that love.

As I struggled to my feet, a dull ache radiated through my body. My thoughts were clouded with the weight of all we've been through, the lies, the betrayal. But then, something pulled me back to the present—something warm and wet. I glanced down, and my breath caught in my throat.

Blood.

Everything around me blurred, the room spinning as panic sets in.