~Valeria’s POV
The scent of a warm breakfast filled the Ricci mansion. I stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, my hands steady despite the storm brewing inside me.
I had spent the last hour preparing every dish he loved, laying it on the dining table. However, behind the facade I put up, was a woman unraveling.
The night before had stolen my innocence, shredding the last remaining of love I had clung to.
But today, Lorenzo wouldn't see my pain. He wouldn't see the fury burning beneath my skin, the cold resolve tightening around my heart.
Lorenzo entered the dining room with his usual effortless grace, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at the table. "Someone's in a good mood."
I turned to him, my expression warm, as if last night's betrayal had never happened. "I wanted to do something special for you." I moved closer, slipping my arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
He chuckled, "My sweet wife. Always taking care of me." His hands rested on my hips.
I looked up at him, eyes soft but unreadable. "Of course. You're my husband."
For now.
We sat together and I barely touched my plate, watching him eat. I didn't have the appetite to swallow anything anymore.
"Are you not eating?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.
"I had a big meal earlier." I smiled, shaking my head. He nodded and continued with his breakfast while I sat across him.
"Honey, there's a meeting with all the owners of the clubs tomorrow—-"
"And I need to be there to note down everything about them." I cut him off. Lorenzo's smirk deepened as he stood, pressing a lingering kiss against my forehead. "I'll be home late tonight. You know—business."
My stomach twisted. I already knew what that meant. I leaned up, brushing my lips against his. "Be safe."
And just like that, Lorenzo Ricci walked out the door, and as soon as the doors shut, my smile disappeared.
I sat in the driver's seat of my black Mercedees, gripping the wheel tightly. My fingers trembled slightly as I stared at the contact on the phone.
Santino De Luca.
I had spent the entire night thinking. There was no other choice. If I wanted to uncover everything, I had to take this deal.
My thumb hovered over the call button for only a second before pressing it.
The line barely rang before his smooth, amused voice came through. "I thought you'd call sooner."
"I accept your deal." I swallowed.
There was a long pause, then a slow chuckle. "Smart girl."
"Where do we meet?" I asked, my voice steady despite the way my heart pounded against my ribs.
"Pier Four. One hour." The call ended without another word.
~An Hour Later
The docks were nearly empty when I arrived, isolated from prying eyes—exactly the kind of place a man like Santino De Luca would choose for a meeting.
I spotted him standing near a sleek black car, dressed in a tailored suit that did nothing to soften the threatening aura surrounding him.
"Valeria Ricci." He greeted smoothly, his gaze lingering on me. "Or should I say, the woman who doesn't really know who she's married to?"
I clenched my fists, forcing myself to meet his gaze without wavering. "Tell me what you know."
Instead of answering, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a thick, confidential-looking medical report.
My breath hitched when he handed it to me.
My fingers trembled as I flipped through the pages—my stomach twisting violently as I reached the final section.
"Birth Record: Male, born premature but alive."
My hands were cold. The air around me disappeared.
"That's...." My voice cracked as I gripped the paper tighter. "That's impossible."
Santino leaned against his car, watching me like a predator. "Your last pregnancy, Valeria. The one you thought ended in another miscarriage?"
My heartbeat roared in my ears. "The baby was born alive." My body started shaking. "It was a boy. Someone took him from you." Santino spoke with a calm voice. "And I think you already know who."
Seraphina.
A sob tore through my throat, but I swallowed it back. "Where is he?"
Santino shrugged, watching me carefully. "I don't have that answer."
I had been grieving a child who had never died. My hands trembled as I forced myself to breathe. "Why are you telling me this?"
Santino tilted his head. "Because he needs his mother," his gaze darkened. "Search Lorenzo's study. That's where the real truth is."
~Back at home
I forced myself to act normal when Lorenzo arrived, pretending to be tired to avoid raising his suspicion.
After a moment of discussion, Lorenzo finally gave in and listened. He didn't suspect a thing.
That night, as soon as he fell asleep, I sneaked into his study. I rummaged through drawers, flipping through files, searching—
And then I found it.
A file labeled with my name.
Inside was the confirmation.
My last baby boy was given to Seraphina as an heir to the Ricci family. My sixth pregnancy was also mentioned.
My breathing slowed when I realized there was going to be a sixth attempt too. My vision blurred as the truth crashed onto me.
But then—
A shadow loomed behind me. Lorenzo's voice was like ice.
"What are you doing here, Valeria?"
