Chapter 3

That evening, Tony came home carrying a box of my favorite strawberry cake.

The bakery was across town, a long drive away.

I'd mentioned it in passing the night before, and today he'd gone and bought it.

I caught a glimpse of his cuffs. The same ones from Clara's photo earlier that day.

I couldn't help a bitter laugh. The man was quite the schedule master, seamlessly juggling two women.

"Home early today? No overtime?"

He scooped up a spoonful of cake and held it to my lips.

I forced it down, fighting the nausea. "Mm. Finished up early."

"Oh, by the way, where did we put our marriage license? Everyone's showing theirs off online. I want to do it too."

I asked as casually as I could, watching his reaction closely.

Tony's guard went up. He froze for a few seconds, then forced a smile that was meant to look natural.

"I burned it the day we got it."

He pulled me into his arms and nuzzled against my ear, his voice soft and soothing.

"You only need a marriage license for a divorce. And there'll never be a divorce between us. Only 'til death do us part."

That's right. Tony and I would never divorce.

I dug my nails into my palms and forced my rigid body to relax before he noticed anything off.

Before bed, he brought me a glass of warm water as usual, a white pill resting in his palm.

I held it between my fingertips without putting it in my mouth.

"My stomach's been bothering me lately. Can I skip it?"

He frowned, but the smile returned quickly. He stroked my hair.

"It's a multivitamin. Specially prescribed by a doctor. Stopping would be worse for you. Be good."

He pried my fingers open, took the pill, and pressed it to my lips.

He hadn't touched me, yet he was desperate to keep me on the birth control.

Tony Mercer, just how scared are you of me getting pregnant with your child?

I opened my mouth, tucked the pill under my tongue, took a sip of water, and pretended to swallow.

Satisfied, he drew his hand back and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

"Good night."

He stepped out to put away the glass.

I hurried to the bathroom, flushed the pill down the toilet, and rinsed my mouth three times.

I sank down against the cold tiles, my forehead pressed to my knees, perfectly still.

The pill had been in my mouth for barely ten seconds, but something in my belly seemed to clench.

I rested my hand gently on my lower abdomen and whispered a silent promise.

Don't worry, little one. You're Mommy's treasure. I will never let anyone hurt you.

Tony pushed the door open without warning.

"I thought I heard you throwing up. Are you okay?"

His expression was tense, his eyes darting to my stomach before he could stop himself.

I steadied myself and managed a weak smile.

"Probably just the cake. Too rich for my stomach."

Tony started to press further, but the doorbell rang.

He frowned and turned to leave.

I let out a breath of relief, walked out of the bathroom, and noticed my phone screen lighting up.

My brother had texted back.

[I told you before you left. You will always be my sister. The doors of the Romano Family are always open for you. Come home whenever you're ready.]

My eyes stung with tears.

My brother...

A muffled scream, quickly stifled, pulled me back to reality.

I crept to the bedroom doorway and heard Clara's voice.

"I gave you time to come clean to her about our engagement. Why haven't you said anything?"

Tony kept his voice low, trying to calm her. "Everything is on track. Stop making a scene."

"Who's making a scene? Are you going to treat our families' $1.5 billion partnership like a joke?"

Clara burst through the door, her eyes locking onto mine.

She lifted her chin with cold superiority and smirked.

"Bianca, did you see my post? I'm sure you've figured out who my fiance is by now."