LOGINGIANNA'S POVHis brow furrowed. "What do you mean?""I don't think I'm allowed to drink." My voice came out carefully neutral.The confusion on his face instantly morphed into concern. "Why? What's wrong?" His hand came to my face, tilting it toward the lantern light as if checking for signs of illness. "Are you alright? Gianna, talk to me. Is something wrong?""Calm down." I caught his hand, holding it between both of mine. "It's not what you think.""Then what is it?" His eyes searched mine, fear and worry mixing in their depths."You know how you forced me to go to the doctor yesterday?" I bit my lip, watching his expression carefully."Yes." He nodded slowly. "And you said the doctor told you it was just the flu.""Well..." I took a breath. "I sort of lied."His entire body went rigid. "Lied? Gianna, what...""Do you remember, about a year ago, that contract we signed?" I spoke quickly, needing to get it all out before I lost my nerve. "About children?"His expression shifted from
GIANNA'S POVI blinked my eyes open to find Dante sitting on the edge of the bed, silhouetted against the golden light of sunset streaming through the balcony doors."What time is it?" My voice came out groggy."Almost seven." His hand continued its soothing path through my hair. "You slept for three hours.""Three..." I pushed up, suddenly more alert. "Why didn't you wake me?""Because you needed it." He leaned down to kiss my forehead. "You look better. More color in your cheeks.""I feel better." It was true. The bone-deep exhaustion that had plagued me for weeks felt lighter, more manageable. "Much better, actually.""Good." His eyes searched mine, concern evident even as he smiled. "I had Lucia bring up a few dresses. For dinner.""Dinner?" My gaze traveled toward the balcony, noticing for the first time how the sky had turned shades of orange and pink. "Where are we going?""You'll see." His smile turned mysterious. "Get dressed. I'll meet you downstairs."He left before I could
GIANNA'S POVThe blindfold covering my eyes blocked out everything except the sound of waves and the salt-tinged breeze that brushed across my skin.Dante guided me forward across what felt like sand beneath my feet."Can I take this off yet?" I reached for the blindfold with my free hand."Not yet." His voice held that note of amusement I'd come to know so well. "Patience, pretty doll.""I'm not good at patience.""I'm aware." He squeezed my hand. "Just a few more steps."We walked for another minute before he stopped. His hands came up to the blindfold, fingers brushing against my temples as he slowly untied it."Okay," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear. "Open your eyes."The blindfold fell away, and I blinked against the sudden brightness. Then my breath hitched.We stood on a white sand beach, crystal blue water stretching endlessly before us. But it wasn't just any beach.Recognition slammed into me as I took in the private villa behind us, the familiar curve of the sho
GIANNA'S POVThe news of Mira and Bruno's engagement had shifted the energy for the rest of the evening, filling it with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings.By the time we said goodnight to everyone, exhaustion had settled into my bones.Dante helped me up the stairs, his arm secure around my waist, taking most of my weight without making it obvious.When we reached our bedroom, he guided me toward the bed, but I pulled away."I can undress myself," I said, reaching for the buttons on my blouse."I know you can." His hands covered mine, stilling them. "But you're not going to.""Dante." I tried for stern, but it came out weak. "I'm not an invalid.""No, you're exhausted." He brushed my hands aside and began unbuttoning my blouse himself. "And stubborn as hell.""I'm fine.""You threw up your dinner, pretty doll." His fingers moved efficiently down the buttons. "You're not fine.""It was just one time.""This week." He slipped the blouse off my shoulders. "You've been sick al
GIANNA'S POVWhen the worst of it passed, I sat against the cool tile wall, wiping my mouth with trembling fingers. Embarrassment heated my cheeks."Sorry," I whispered."Don't apologize." He sat beside me, pulling me against his side. "What's going on? Have you been feeling sick?""Just the past week or so." I leaned my head on his shoulder, exhaustion settling into my bones. "I think it's just stress. And I probably ate something that didn't agree with me.""We're going to the doctor." His tone left no room for argument. "Tomorrow. First thing.""Dante, I'm fine. Really. It's nothing.""It's not nothing." His arm tightened around me. "You've been working too hard, not eating enough, barely sleeping. Your body is telling you to slow down."Arielle appeared in the doorway, her face creased with concern. "Mom? Are you okay?""I'm fine, sweetheart." I managed a weak smile. "Just something I ate, I think.""Are you sure?" She came closer, kneeling in front of us. "You look really pale."
GIANNA'S POVOver a year had passed since my graduation, and I still remembered the circus Dante had made of the entire ceremony. He'd shown up with what felt like half his security detail, all of them trying and failing to look inconspicuous in their dark suits.My classmates had stared, and my professors had raised their eyebrows. But Arielle had cheered the loudest when my name was called, while Dante looked so proud of me that my heart filled with happiness.The celebration afterward had stretched into the early morning hours. There had been joy and laughter, the kind of peace I hadn't known was possible in this world.Everything felt different and lighter, like we could finally breathe without waiting for the next threat to emerge from the shadows.Working alongside Dante had become more than I ever could have asked for.He'd brought me into his businesses and made me his partner in every sense of the word. The respect I commanded now came not just from being his wife, but from
Gianna’s POVThe reception was in full swing.A live band played from the corner, classical and elegant. The music drifted through the hall, turning the evening into something otherworldly.The long table was draped in white silk and covered with elaborate floral arrangements. We were seated at the
Gia's POVI ran into the bedroom, tiny sparks coursing through every nerve in my body as I dropped onto the edge of the bed, my breath still shallow.My eyes darted to the closet door, expecting him to come bursting out at any second. Part of me wanted him to. God help me, I wanted him to.My heart
Dante's POV Gia couldn’t hide the sweet conflict in her stare, and it had me hard as fuck. But then her hands slipped back under her dress. She shifted in the seat, wiggling her hips as the fabric slid down her thighs. My eyes followed every move, every little twist of her body as she took her pa
Dante’s POV Seline closed the distance between us, her pleading eyes locked onto mine. “Please,” she whispered, “let this go. For Esmeralda.” “No.” My voice intensified. “You don’t get to tell me to let this go.” My palm slammed against the desk, the sound cracking through the room. “You weren







