But then a voice answered, dripping with sadistic glee.
“Well, well, Alessia. Look at the pathetic state you’re in. Vito should have taught you to obey a long time ago.”
It was Vito’s sister, Gianna.
I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Gianna, please, let me out. The baby’s coming. I can’t hold on.”
Gianna pushed open the door and stared down at me, her face a mask of pure contempt.
For a fleeting moment, I thought she might help.
The next, she slammed her foot into my ribs. The blow stole my breath, and black spots danced in my vision.
Her voice was as sharp as a razor’s edge.
“Let you out? So you can ruin Scarlett’s delivery? Just stay put, Alessia. Vito sent me to watch you.”
“You’re not fit to be Vito’s wife. He wanted me to make sure you stayed put and reflected on what you’ve done.Vito has enough on his plate without you causing more trouble.”
“Scarlett’s child will be the heir to this family. Your little tricks won’t change that.”
Another violent contraction ripped a scream from my lips.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I gasped, “My child won’t be part of the family business. I’ll give up everything! Get a message to Vito. Let me go. I will vanish from this family and never look back. I swear on it.”
My screams seemed only to infuriate her.
She scowled. “Slut. Who do you think you’re seducing with all that noise? Pathetic.”
Then she keyed her walkie-talkie, contacting Vito.
The combined agony of the drug and the impending birth was tearing my soul apart.
“No problem, Vito, don’t worry. I’ll keep a close eye on her,” she responded.
When I heard Vito’s voice, a flicker of hope ignited within me. He had to care about me. He had to care about our child.
I screamed with all my might, “Vito! The baby is coming! Right now! Please, have Gianna take me to the hospital! Now!”
I cried out, my voice a weak, uncontrollable tremble.
Gianna hesitated. I heard her whisper into the walkie-talkie, “Vito, I’m starting to think this is true. The way she’s screaming… I don’t believe she’s putting on an act.”
“Maybe I should take her to the hospital. He is your only child, after all. If something happened…”
Vito paused for a few seconds, as if considering it.
Then his tone softened. “Fine then, you can take her…”
Just then, a delicate voice purred from his end. “Vito, darling, I’m thirsty. Could you bring me some champagne? The doctor says I need to relax if I’m going to have the strength to deliver our little prince.”
“Oh, is Alessia in labor? It’s nothing, darling. It doesn’t even hurt. Honestly, I feel like I could train for a marathon. Alessia is a strong woman. She’ll be fine.”
Of course it didn’t hurt for her.
The family’s entire medical team and resources had been diverted to her lavish, state-of-the-art private delivery room.
She was being treated like a queen.
Scarlett’s few words were all it took to change everything. To change Vito’s mind.
His voice turned to ice.
“What could go wrong? It’s an act. She’s trying to trick you into letting her out. Don’t believe it.Trusting her will only make you look like a fool. ”
The walkie-talkie clicked dead.
Stung by Vito’s rebuke, Gianna turned her fury on me.
She reached into a leather case and pulled out a snake, advancing on me.
