Chapter 2
Elena’s POV
“Baby, you’re not swimming?”
Matteo hurried over, grabbing his phone without knowing I had already seen the message from his lover. Water dripped from his body, but all I could focus on was the truth—I was nothing to him. He still wanted to kill my baby.
I swallowed hard and forced a small smile, nodding. My chest tightened with anger, but I kept my face calm.
I watched him, wondering how I had been so blind. How did I not see the kind of man he really was? The thought made my chest tighten, and before I knew it, the tears spilled over.
The moment he noticed, his face twisted with concern—fake, just like everything else. He quickly knelt beside me. “What’s wrong, my love? Why are you crying?” His voice was gentle, but I knew better now. Before, I might have leaned into his touch, let him hold me. But now? I could barely stand him.
“Please, talk to me,” he pressed, reaching for my hands. “You know it hurts me to see you like this.”
I pulled away, wiping my face. “I’m fine,” I whispered. Then, after a shaky breath, I added, “I just… I feel useless. My body is too weak to give you a child. I’m so sorry.” The words felt heavy, but not because they were true. I wasn’t apologizing for my body—I was apologizing for ever believing in him.
He let out a soft chuckle and brushed a tear from my cheek. “You don’t need to be sorry,” he said, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “We’ll keep trying. We’ll get through this together.” His voice was smooth, comforting—just like always.
I almost laughed. We? There was no "we" anymore.
“Baby, I promise things will get better,” he said, reaching for my hand. “I’ll talk to a health expert and see how we can improve your diet. Also, don’t forget to meet with the gynecologist for your checkups.”
I simply nodded, gently pulling my hand away. “I feel cold.”
He said playfully. “Are you sure? We haven’t had enough fun.”
“I don’t have the energy for that anymore. I’ll just take a shower and sleep.” Without waiting for his response, I stood up and walked inside.
“Alright,” he called after me. “I’ll just check the shipping details and join you soon.”
I scoffed silently. Check the shipping details or reply to Camila’s text?
Once inside the bedroom, I shut the door and let out a slow breath. My body felt heavy, weighed down by the truth I could no longer ignore. I walked over to the closet, searching for a sweater when my fingers brushed against something hard behind a stack of neatly folded shirts.
A laptop.
I pulled it out, hesitating for a moment before opening it. The screen lit up, revealing an unlocked gallery. My chest tightened as I clicked on the most recent album.
The first image stole the air from my lungs.
Camila. Matteo. Their lips tangled in a deep kiss.
I scrolled through more photos—different places, different moments. The truth played out before me in stolen glances and secret touches.
So while he claimed he had to meet with overseas clients to strengthen business ties, he was busy with Camila.
***
Matteo walked into the room with Chef Liang trailing behind him, carrying a tray of steaming Peking duck.
"Baby, you need to eat," Matteo said, setting the tray down beside me.
I shifted uncomfortably on the bed, my stomach twisting at the sight of the food.
"Tomorrow is my parents' wedding anniversary," he continued, picking up a spoonful of Peking duck and offering it to me.
“Baby, you know your duties and you know…”
"I'm just going to be your personal housekeeper," I cut in.
All these years of our marriage, that’s all I had been—his housekeeper at family events. Because I wasn’t from an influential family, and his Mafia father wouldn’t love to hear that.
Matteo sighed, rubbing his temple. "Baby, you know in a Mafia family, we marry influential people. My father wouldn't like to hear I settled for you, but I'll handle that. I love you so much,” he added, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
Irritation boiled inside me.
“Baby, are you sure you are not pregnant?”
I hesitated, nausea creeping up my throat.
"No, baby, I'm not sure I want to eat this," I muttered, turning my head away.
Matteo’s lips curled into a small smirk. "Elena, I know you too well. When you're pregnant, you don’t eat Peking duck. And you also refuse to swim—just like yesterday."
My whole body stiffened.
“No, it's just the weather, baby,” I said quickly.
He leaned back against the chair, sighing dramatically.
Right then, his phone buzzed. He barely glanced at the screen before standing up.
"It’s a call from Dad." he said quickly, already heading for the door.
I scoffed internally. Right. A business call. While he claimed he had urgent meetings overseas to handle family affairs, he was busy entertaining Camila.
As soon as he left, I turned my gaze to the untouched food. My stomach churned again, but this time, it wasn’t just from the nausea.
I needed to get out of this mess.
