Chapter 2

The drug felt like it was shredding my nervous system.

Every heartbeat felt like an explosion in my chest.

"Continue to monitor her condition," Darren said, adjusting his cufflinks, his voice cold.

"If the effects wear off, give her another dose immediately. Under no circumstances is that bastard to be born before Angelina's."

“The heir to the Falcone family must be Angelina’s son, a pure-blooded Falcone.”

"Yes, Boss," Dr. Russo replied with a respectful bow.

They were preparing to leave.

I bit my tongue, the taste of blood shocking me into a moment of clarity.

With my last ounce of strength, I cried out, "Darren! He’s your son! I can prove it with a blood test!"

He stopped and slowly turned around.

"You think I don't know that?" he sneered. "You're a clever one. Forging evidence is what you do best, isn't it?"

The door slammed shut.

The drug made my limbs feel like lead weights.

The baby in my womb seemed to sense the danger, its tiny fists kicking urgently against my ribs.

It was as if he were asking, Mommy, why can't I come out?

Footsteps echoed again. A woman's high heels.

Angelina pushed the door open.

She wore a white silk dress, gently caressing her own swollen belly.

She looked so pure, so harmless.

But I knew she wasn't. No one else believed me.

"Poor Scarlett," she said softly, walking slowly toward me. "You look like you're in so much pain."

Her voice was as sweet as honey, but she didn’t even bother to hide the malice in her eyes.

I struggled to lift my heavy eyelids to look at her.

Her pregnancy wasn't as far along as mine, yet her belly seemed even larger.

Her cheeks were rosy and her face glowed with vitality. She was clearly receiving the best medical care.

"A loyal mother is willing to endure any pain for the honor of the family," she said, crouching down in front of me.

"Scarlett, you always wanted to prove your innocence, didn't you? This is what you must endure."

I wanted to scream, but my tongue felt anesthetized.

I could only force out broken syllables. "It was you… You framed me…"

Angelina leaned in close to my ear, her breath warm. "Yes, it was me. So what?"

She smiled sweetly. "But Darren, he believes me."

"Don't worry. I'll give birth to the true Falcone heir. The one whose blood is pure."

Her hand caressed my cheek with a gentle touch.

But her next words made my blood run cold.

"And you, and your bastard, will be forgotten together."

“Forgive me," she said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. "I'm carrying the future of this family. I can't linger in a place this filthy."

Angelina turned and left, leaving me on the cold floor.

I was like a living corpse, unable to even move a finger.

But I could still feel the stirring in my belly. My baby hadn't given up.

Don't be afraid, Mommy will protect you.

Soon, I heard Darren's voice from outside the door. "Inject her every four hours."

Dr. Russo's voice followed. "Boss, at this dosage, it could..."

"I said, I don't care about the side effects," Darren cut him off. "That disgrace must not be born."

"Double the dose. I don't want to hear another sound out of her."

Dr. Russo nodded respectfully.

"Understood, Boss."

Silvana was practically vibrating with excitement, her voice filled with unconcealed glee.

"Let me watch this bitch, brother."

"Do as you wish. I need to ensure Angelina gives birth safely."

Having received her orders, Silvana swaggered in.

The smile on her face was impossible to hide.

She held a stack of letters, still scented with a man's cologne.

"Look at these, my dear sister-in-law." She knelt before me, spreading the papers out. "Angelina found these little treasures in your vanity."