3

EMILY'S POV

For days, after I was unceremoniously sent out of the Ferrari mansion, I had been at my maternal cousin, Agatha's place.

I was finally pulled out of my hiding place, when I saw the recent news flying everywhere on the internet.

My father had officially announced my marriage to Marco Russo, without my consent.

As I walked into the living room, my father looked up at me in disappointment. Very much expected.

"The prodigal daughter finally returns home." Alina dramatically clapped, and I watched in silence as my stepsister; Laura, glared at me.

"You published news of my marriage to Marco?"

I found the courage to speak, my anger overriding my fear. This was the first time I was standing up to them about anything.

"That's because you are getting married to him." Alina nodded, standing from where she had been sitting.

"I will not marry him."

My head suddenly flung to the side, under the impact of her palm. She had slapped me..... and it hurt sooooo bad. I fought the urge to tear up.

Meanwhile, my father just remained on his seat, acting like I didn't just get hit by his wife.

Couldn't he stand up for me? Didn't I deserve that much?!

Tears eventually stung my eyes, when I saw Laura smiling to herself.

"11 years ago, when my husband brought home his bastard daughter, unlike every other wife, I accepted you in my home. Your junkie mother never cared about or wanted you, but I....."

"You never cared for, or wanted me either." I flatly cut her off, making her eyes go wide in shock.

"How dare you speak to my wife like that....?" My father was still speaking, when I cut him off.

"So what do I stand to gain?" I asked.

"Meaning?" He scowled.

"You hate me. You have never regarded or treated me as your daughter. You make me feel privileged for every single thing you have done for me."

"I never chose to be born by you, neither did I make you cheat on your wife. But you have only ever treated me with disdain. I have nothing to gain from this marriage, so I wouldn't go ahead with it."

I finished, looking at him in the eyes.

I had made the tough decision, and I knew what that meant. I may no longer answer the Collombo family name, after today.

But I was ready. My mind was made. I wouldn't let them shove me around anymore, all for that one surname.

"Oh?" He let out a dark chuckle. "You've suddenly grown wings, huh?" He asked. "Who gave them to you? That Ferrari lady you hang around?"

It was even more painful that I lost my only friend because of all these. Because of them!!

"Since you so badly want Russo's vote, why not let him marry Laura? She's your daughter as well." I challenged.

I hadn't expected he would give me a second slap on my other cheek.

My face went hot in pains.

"Only if she were as worthless as you are." Came his response, and the tears eventually fell from my eyes, while Laura cackled behind me.

I couldn't believe he'd actually say that to me. I always knew he felt that way, but saying it was a totally different thing.

"Yesterday, a call came in from the metropolis police station." He informed, effortlessly ceasing my attention.

"Your shameless mother has been jailed for battery and assault against the wife of one of her numerous boyfriends. Asides that, some hard drugs were found in her possession."

"What?" I whispered. No!

"For the battery and assault charges, she could be bailed with a fine. Money that she most certainly doesn't have."

He mocked, a smirk on his face.

"But for possession of hard drugs, trust that your mother would be in jail for a minimum of six years."

Oh God!

"I have always saved her sorry ass, but not this time. If you want your mother to survive this round, then you do as I say."

**************

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DANTE'S POV.

I strolled into Alexa's room to see her laying on her bed. She seemed to be so taken with whatever she was watching on her phone, that she didn't notice I was in.

I came closer and caught a glimpse of what she was looking at. I wasn't surprised.

It was a picture of that Collombo witch and Marco Russo, together in a mall. Probably posted by one of those blogs.

"You need to forget about that lady." I said. "She has shown you whom's side she's on, and it's definitely not ours."

"I don't think she willingly wants to marry him, Dante."

"Enough of this, Alexa. I have somewhere to be this morning, and I only thought to keep you abreast of my most recent plans."

"You're finally getting married again?" She blew a raspberry, looking bored.

"Stop it." I bit out, not the least bit amused.

"I'm sorry." She sighed, her shoulders slumping.

The place went silent for a while, before I spoke again.

"You're not really far behind though. I may never have plans of remarrying, but I still do want an heir."

She slowly locked gazes with me, a small smile appearing on her face.

"I was afraid you might have given up on that."

I was also afraid I had given up.

As a result of prostate cancer years back, I underwent a surgery which reduced my chances of naturally impregnating a woman, to zero.

Luckily, my doctor had stored up some of my sperm for the future, when I was ready to have a child.

After the last failed insemination, which was also the sixth by the way, I decided to give it a break.

"I want to give it another try, Alexa." I sighed. "The doctor has adviced we make use of younger surrogate this time. He claims it increases chance of fertilization "

"That's true. Research has shown that fertility declines with age." She nodded in agreement. "So, when is the next procedure?"

"Not sure. But I'm supposed to meet up with the selected surrogate today, in about.... an hour."

"Ohh? Get going already, so you don't be late." She softly pushed me away.

"Eager for a nephew, huh?" I teased, and she released a chuckle.

"Go already."

********

As I stepped into the doctor's office, my eyes fell on the reserved looking lady by the corner.

"Good morning Mr Ferrari." Doc stood to greet me, and I eagerly shook hands with him.

"Is this she?" I asked, going straight to the point.

"Yes, that is she." He nodded. I stared at her for a while, a bit bothered she wasn't saying a word.

"Doesn't she speak?" I asked at some point, and the Doctor released a chuckle.

"Of course, she does."

"I.. I sp..... speak!" She rushed out, stuttering as she did. "My name is Elizabeth Collombo." She stretched her hand for a shake.

"Miss Collombo..." I called, her name sounding annoyingly familiar. Collombo was such a common surname here in Italy.

"I'm guess you know who I am already. And I'm sure the Doctor also briefed you about the non disclosure agreement?"

"Yes, he did." She nodded. "I signed them already."

"Good then." I nodded. "But why does it seem like you're unsure about this?" I asked, and she looked away, confirming my suspicion.

"If you're uncomfortable with this arrangement, then it's better we canc...."

"Not at all!" She rushed out. "It's just the nerves. They would be gone before you know it. It's my first time doing this, and..... I guess it's normal to feel nervous."

"Miss Collombo....."

"I promise, you have nothing to worry about." She cut me off. "I really need this money, sir." She pleaded, making me release a sigh.

After a moment of thought, I nodded in agreement.

"So Doctor, has a date been fixed for the procedure?"

"Yes sir. In two days time. She had her reproductive health check last week, and is supposed to have begun her ovulation by now."

"Great." I nodded. "Would I be required to show up for the procedure?"

"Not at all. Except you want to."

"Alright Doc. Is there anything more?"

"None for now. We would contact you after the procedure is done, and when the results are ready. Congratulations in advance sir."

"I hope so."