Chapter 2

The next morning, I headed out to meet Mr. Mancini, my lawyer.

But the second I hit the bottom step, there she was.

Carmela.

Parked on the couch like she owned the place, draped in some flowy white dress, casually peeling fruit like this was her summer villa.

Rafe didn't waste a beat. "Carmela's place got broken into. I'm worried someone might target her. My brother was killed by a rival, remember? She's in danger. She'll stay here till I sort it out."

I swallowed every word begging to come out.

He glanced over, all casual. "You can stay in the guest room. Carmela needs quiet."

I nodded.

That was when it hit me—this wasn't my home anymore.

Even the air reeked of her.

"Okay."

Rafe blinked, like he expected a scene. Then he smiled, smug as ever. "Good girl. Move your stuff today."

I didn't say a word. Just turned and headed upstairs to pack.

"Mia!" Her voice rang out, sugary sweet. She walked over, all fake concern, gripping my hand like we were tight. "I'm so sorry for taking your room. Don't blame Rafe, okay? I'll move out once the baby's born."

I kept my eyes down. Not playing.

She paused, studied me, then leaned in close, her breath brushing my ear. "Mia, drop the calm act. I know you saw the ultrasound."

My stomach flipped. I shot her a glare.

She smiled, just barely—then hurled herself backward like a B-list actress.

"Ah!"

Fruit hit the floor, and she collapsed in a perfect mess of fake tears. "Mia, why did you push me?"

Rafe's face went pale. He shoved past me like I was the villain. "Carmela!"

I staggered, my stomach smashing into the table's edge. Pain ripped through me, my face going ghost-white.

Rafe didn't even glance my way.

Just wrapped her up in his arms, eyes cold as ice. "You knew she was pregnant and still pushed her?"

I doubled over, clutching my stomach. Couldn't even breathe, let alone talk.

Between sobs, Carmela whimpered, "She didn't mean to... She just wants a baby so badly. Seeing me like this probably broke her."

Rafe's face darkened.

"Mia, you've really disappointed me. I didn't think you'd stoop to this."

Every word hit like a punch.

And that was when I got it—

You didn't need proof to be condemned. Just one person willing to believe the lie.

Rafe lifted her up and bolted. "We're going to the hospital!"

I stood there, frozen, watching him vanish with her in his arms, cold creeping in like frostbite.

Then I felt it—warmth.

I looked down.

Blood was soaking through my white dress.

"Signora Morello!" The house manager rushed over, panic in his voice. "What happened? You're bleeding!"

Pain exploded. Everything spun.

My knees gave out.

Somewhere through the haze, I heard him yell—

"Call an ambulance! Signora Morello is bleeding!"

I tried to speak. Nothing came out.

Right before the darkness swallowed me, my hands curled around my belly.

The baby... I had to protect my baby.