Sofia's point of view.
"How can you be so heartless, Vincenzo? What do you mean you sacrificed all of Sofia's kids in exchange for Viola to stay alive?" George's voice boomed from Vincenzo's study, and my legs stopped abruptly in their tracks.
"You must be out of your mind. Those were your flesh and blood!"
"I have no other option," Vincenzo replied. "Viola's heart keeps failing, and the doctor said only the blood of a fetus can keep her alive."
My heart stopped when I heard Vincenzo, my mate whom I had loved wholeheartedly, utter such words. George's frustrated growl vibrated through the walls; I could hear disbelief and disappointment in his voice.
"But those were your children, one of them could have been your heir. How could you be so cruel to those innocent children? Heck, which doctor in their right senses would demand the blood of a fetus for treatment?"
Vincenzo let out a dry laugh. "I can't watch the love of my life die, George," he said.
"The love of your life... Then why are you still with Sofia? Why not send her away?" George asked, sounding pained.
"I can't send her away because she's my mate, and you already know that only my mate can bear my heir since Viola's womb can't carry children. That's the only reason I'm keeping her around, to give birth to my heir after Viola's recovered and we're happily married."
My whole world shattered at this moment. I couldn't bring myself to believe that my loving mate would say or do something so cruel to me and my unborn babies.
Vincenzo's the alpha of Ironclaw pack; we've been living together for the past five years after discovering we're soulmates. He loved and cared for me greatly; he pampered me and worshiped the ground I walked on—but all that was just pretense.
We've been trying so hard to have a baby these past years, but to no avail. I kept having miscarriages and wouldn't stop blaming myself for having a weak body, unbeknownst to me, he was the cause of all my miscarriages.
"She desperately wants to be a mother, and I'm not going to stop her because the sex is good." He chuckled after saying those words.
"But Vincenzo..."
"Enough!" Vincenzo interrupted George. "I'm your alpha, and you shouldn't address me by my given name. As for Sofia, as long as she continues bearing Viola's life support, she won't suffer!"
I couldn't believe he's referring to our kids as his mistress's life support. Tears flowed down my cheeks as I squeezed the test results in my hand, recalling the doctor's reassuring words earlier. "Congratulations, Luna, after our thorough check-up, I'm pleased to inform you that this pregnancy will develop to maturity."
He can't find out about this pregnancy; I mustn't let him have his way this time. I quickly shoved the squeezed papers into my pocket, wiped my tears, and pushed the doors open, then pretended like I stumbled on the doorstep.
Vincenzo noticed me; he looked shocked at first but quickly regained his composure and rushed forward to help me gain balance with a concerned and worried expression—which I now know is fake.
"Are you alright, my love?" he asked, to which I replied simply with a nod.
"When did you get here? Did you hear me talking to George?" There was a hint of panic in his voice.
"No, I..."
"What happened to your face? Why is it so red?" He paused as he narrowed his eyes, trying to figure something out. "Have you been crying?"
"No," I answered, almost too fast. I took a deep breath and wore a fake smile.
"I was trying to recreate a makeup I saw online, but apparently, I'm not skillful enough." I lied smoothly.
He laughed playfully.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon." He reassured me sweetly. Lies—I screamed mentally.
George gave me a pitiful look, but I pretended not to see him. Vincenzo glanced at the wall clock, then faced me with a broad smile.
"It's almost dinner time; let's go make dinner," he said. I nodded simply. He faced George with a stern expression. "Reply to Alpha Micah and tell him to arrange the meeting hall properly!"
My brows furrowed when he emphasized on "the meeting hall," and I couldn't help but wonder what he was planning.
"Let's go, my love," he said, grabbing my hand, and we left.
******
Dinner was ready, and we were at the dining table. None of us spoke a word; silence hovered around for a moment until he broke it.
"My love, I'm going on a business trip in three days," he said. I almost rolled my eyes at his obvious lie. "Alpha Micah is having some issues. He said there have been some rogue sightings at his pack's border lately, and he wants me to come over and see if... "
I tuned out whatever he was saying because I knew he wasn't going on any business trip; he was only going to keep his sick mistress company.
"...not so long. Can you cope without me for three days?" he asked. I didn't listen to everything he said, but I nodded anyway.
Just then, his phone beeped, and a notification popped up. I took a quick glance, only to read a heartbreaking message.
[Baby, when are you coming back to Las Vegas? I've booked a wedding planner already!]
Wedding planner? Was that the business trip Vincenzo was going on? Just then, another message popped up.
[My doctor said I need more fetus's blood. Can you bring more while you're coming?]
My blood ran cold instantly.
