Chapter 1

After I sent it, he didn't reply.

My husband, the father of the baby I was carrying, never once asked whether I was cold or whether I could even get a cab.

Then Ivy posted again.

In the video, Chris, who was usually so proud, was down on one knee, gently cradling her pale ankle.

"It's just a twisted ankle. Do you really need to be so careful? Aurelia isn't home yet, and there's a blizzard. Aren't you worried about her?"

He didn't answer. He just stood up and handed her a steaming cup.

"I made you hot chocolate. Light on the sugar, the way you like it. Drink it while it's hot so you don't catch a chill.

"I'll get the first aid kit. Don't move."

Ivy complained, "Fine. You nag like my mother."

Chris gave a helpless smile.

"That's because you always make me worry. Finish your drink. I'll make your favorite steak tonight."

His footsteps faded, and the video ended.

It had only been up a few minutes.

There were already plenty of comments under it.

Every one of them said how thoughtful Chris was and how perfect the two of them were together.

Reading them, I went as cold as the storm outside.

Then Ivy replied to someone who'd asked who Aurelia was.

"Aurelia Marchetti? Just some woman who threw herself at Chris and won't take a hint. A man as popular as Chris is bound to attract clingy women."

"Aurelia should thank God that Chris is so easygoing. Nobody else would put up with a woman that shameless."

I could picture her smug expression just from that comment.

Even as the Bellini family's little princess, she wouldn't dare post that video or those comments without Chris's silent approval.

Was this what Chris really wanted to say to me?

I scoffed and typed back with fingers I could barely feel.

"In that case, tell Chris I won't bother him anymore."

"I agree that the two of you are perfect together."

I closed her page and sat staring at Chris's name.

Thank God?

There was a time when I'd thanked God more times than I could count for bringing Chris into my life.

We met when I was 16.

I was visiting a friend's school that day. Chris's class was having its photo taken, but something had come up for the photographer, so I offered to take it.

Chris fell for me on the spot and found endless excuses to turn up wherever I was.

For three years straight, he brought me breakfast every single day and a gift on every holiday.

Once we were together, he was even better to me.

He told me where he was going without being asked. He'd check with me before playing games with his friends. The moment we started arguing, he'd back down and soothe me. Whenever I needed anything, he was there in no time.

Even a mild cold was enough to make him worry.

And now all of that care went to somebody else.

Outside, the wind howled and the snow grew heavier, turning everything white.

The hospital hallway was empty except for me.

It was so quiet I could hear myself breathe.

A low-battery warning appeared on my phone. I turned off the screen and dug through my bag for a charger.

Then it lit up.

Chris's name appeared on the screen.

My heart jumped, and I answered without thinking.

Instead, he accused me.

"Aurelia! What was that reply you sent Ivy supposed to mean?

"We're in the same family, and we're friends. She's hurt. What's wrong with me taking care of her?

"And the snow out there is brutal. You want me driving home in it? Did you even think about what could happen to me?!"

I opened my mouth, but the words caught in my throat.

I wanted to ask why Ivy needed him when she had parents and staff at home.

I wanted to ask whether it had crossed his mind that the same snow made it hard for me to get home.

But those questions seemed pointless now.

Chris was the Bellini family's consigliere, the Don's adviser. He was a brilliant man. How could he not understand?

Unless he didn't want to.

I was so tired and so cold, and my belly had started cramping.

Something was wrong...

The hospital had central heating. Why was I so cold?

But the cold I felt was real.

Panic took over. Arguing with Chris no longer mattered.

I gripped the phone, my voice trembling. "Chris, I'm still at the hospital. I can't get a cab. The heating's broken down.

"It's so cold. I feel awful. Please, Chris, find a way to help us. Please save me and our baby."