Chapter 2

I stood in the shadowy corner of the sprawling driveway, the cool night breeze doing nothing to ease the burning pain in my stomach.

I watched Julian wrap his large hand around Alessia's waist as they walked out of the ballroom.

The sight of them together completely shattered the last shred of affection in my memory.

My hands trembled as I pulled out my secure burner phone.

I opened a text thread with Lucian, Julian's adopted brother and the syndicate's consigliere.

I typed out an SOS message as the flickering lights on the driveway blurred into streaks, another cramp hitting me hard.

No, I deleted the text. I had to endure this alone. I had to see exactly how far Julian would go.

I was an adult and had to pay the price for my own choices.

Before completely admitting defeat, I didn't want anyone else to see me in such a pathetic state.

The heavy oak doors of the estate swung wide open.

Alessia clung tightly to Julian's arm, burying her face in his shoulder.

"Julian, my penthouse was broken into," Alessia sobbed quietly. "I don't feel safe going anywhere else. Please, let me stay here, under your protection."

Julian didn't hesitate for a second. He nodded, his jaw tight, putting on an air of unquestionable authority.

He looked up and spotted me half-hidden in the shadows.

"Sienna," Julian barked, pointing to the armored SUV parked in the driveway. "Get in the driver's seat. You're driving us to the private quarters. Alessia is staying with us."

"You're bringing her into our private sanctuary?" I was appalled by his audacity.

"Do not question my orders," Julian snapped aggressively, completely ignoring my words. "You are being paranoid, selfish, and bitter. She is in danger."

I took a deep breath, one hand involuntarily coming to rest on my lower abdomen.

"Julian, I have something important to tell you," I began, desperate to reveal my pregnancy, hoping the mention of his miracle child would snap him out of this madness.

"Stop," Julian interrupted roughly. He took a step closer, his shadow looming over me. "I'm sick of your complaining. If you're mad about what I said inside, get over it. I was just joking when I said I regretted marrying you. You're overthinking things."

"Joking?" I repeated, a bitter taste rising in my throat.

"Alessia is pure, and she needs my protection," Julian defended her firmly. "Stop throwing a fit like a crazy woman."

A violent wave of nausea hit me, hot and sudden.

"If she's so pure," I said, "then translate exactly what you were just whispering to her in Italian. Tell me what you said."

Julian's lips formed a tight line.

A flicker of panic crossed his deep eyes, instantly turning into fury.

"I am not indulging your delusions," Julian sneered. "You don't understand mob business anyway. Get in the car."

I didn't move. I stood my ground, facing the most dangerous man in the city.

Then, I spoke in flawless Italian.

"My wife is a cripple, completely useless, Alessia. You are the only one who can bring a healthy heir to the Rossi family."

Julian froze.

A muscle in his jaw twitched violently. The blood instantly drained from his face, his skin pulling taut over his cheekbones.

I repeated every single insulting word he had used.

My pronunciation was impeccable. My tone was entirely lifeless.

Julian stared at me, his face turning deathly pale as realization struck him.

He knew I had heard everything.

I met the Don's deadened eyes.

"I'm tired," I said. "Julian, I want a divorce."