“You’ll never be good enough for them,” Bianca’s voice was low and venomous. “Not for Raffaele. Not for Vincenzo. They’ve always been mine.”
My cheek burned, but before I could react, Bianca suddenly grabbed my arm and threw herself to the ground.
She curled up on the floor, tears welling in her eyes as she bit her lip.
“I wasn’t saying your photos were bad. I just want to suggest you to try a different angle,” her voice wobbled as her gaze flicked toward the door. “But why you… never mind.”
The door burst open.
Vincenzo stormed in, dropping a water bottle to the floor. His eyes flared with rage as he rushed to Bianca’s side.
“I’m okay, Vince,” she murmured, voice trembling. “Please, don’t blame Sandra. I... I just trip.”
“You don’t need to cover for her, Bianca. I saw everything,” Vincenzo said darkly. He helped Bianca to her feet like she was made of glass, his touch tender and careful. Then his gaze sharpened, cutting into me with icy fury.
“Apologize, Alessandra!” he barked. “Have I been too soft on you, letting you think you can get away with hurting your own partner? Do you have any idea what’ll happen to the business if she gets hurt?”
I returned his gaze with the same coldness.
“She should be the one apologizing,” I said calmly. “She insulted my father. And didn’t you promise you’d always stand by me, husband?”
A flicker of panic flashed in his eyes.
“Why bring it up now? I did promise your father I’d protect you,” he said. “But not when you hurt Bianca.”
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. Finally, I saw him for what he truly was.
Then, a wave of dizziness struck me. My legs gave out beneath me and everything faded to black.
***
I woke up to the sterile scent of disinfectant stinging my nose. A family doctor stood beside the bed, packing up her instruments.
“Congratulations,” she said brightly. “You're pregnant. You're in good health, but you’ll need to take care of yourself and avoid stress.”
My hand drifted to my stomach.
For five years, I had dreamed of having a child with Vincenzo. I just never thought it would happen now—of all times.
My private phone vibrated. It was a message from Vincenzo:
[The doctor said you just need to rest.]
[Once you apologize to Bianca, I’ll send someone to pick you up.]
I smiled bitterly and powered off my phone.
“Madam, the Don has arranged for another check-up. Please come with me.”
As I followed the doctor toward a side room, I felt a strange sense of unease.
Bianca’s voice suddenly echoed from behind me, “I heard you’re pregnant? Looks like I underestimated you.” Her tone was laced with venom. “Do you know why you haven’t been able to get pregnant these past five years?”
I turned around and met her smug gaze.
“It’s because I told Vince that a child of yours would threaten his position in the mafia.”
“Those calcium supplements he’s been giving you every day?” Bianca leaned in closer, her voice dripping with malice. “They were birth control pills.”
She watched me carefully, waiting for me to break. But I didn’t give her the satisfaction.
With a void expression in my face, I said, “Whatever.”
I turned to leave, but suddenly, a powerful force struck me from behind. I tumbled down the marble steps, completely unprepared for the impact.
Pain exploded through my body as blood pooled beneath me, staining the expensive carpet. I lost our baby.
After the surgery, I left the divorce papers on the nightstand. Without looking back, I walked out of the family’s private hospital and headed straight for the airport.
Just before the plane took off, Vincenzo’s last text came through:
[I didn’t think you’d have the nerve to offend Bianca. You’re completely lacking the grace of a Don’s wife.]
[Swallow your pride and apologize!]
I crushed my SIM card and tossed it into the airport trash can.
