My Mafia Husband Owes His Sister-in-Law a Child

At the grand Falcieri Derby, my husband Caius held his brother’s widow, Livia, nestled against him. Her swollen belly carried the heir he was commanded to give her—the product of nights spent in her bed, not mine.The air was thick with the scent of leather and whiskey. A few of Caius's men stood at a respectful distance."Caius, look how gentle she is," Livia cooed, stroking her stomach, "Our baby will love her."The horse was our wedding gift.My gift.Named after me—Alessia's Vow.Caius's arm was wrapped tightly around Livia, just as he used to hold me.I leaned against the oak fence, a silent spectator to this woman's theater in my husband's arms.The Madre, Caius's mother, stood nearby, the diamond on her hand glinting in the dim light. "Don't be sentimental. You carry the Falcieri heir. The next Don. This horse was always meant for his mother."Only then did Caius notice me standing in the shadows of the stable entrance.He slowly released Livia and walked toward me."The doctor

The next morning, before the sun had fully bathed the estate in light, I heard a sharp knock on my door."The Madre requests your presence in the living room. Immediately," a guard said, his tone leaving no room for refusal.I had just stepped out of the shower, my hair still dripping.But the matriarch of the Falcieri family doesn't wait for anyone.I dressed quickly and descended the spiral staircase.In the living room, Caius was feeding imported cherries to Livia, one by one. She was half-reclined on the leather sofa, her pregnant belly prominent.As if she were already the Donna of this house.Caius's hand froze mid-air when he saw me enter."Alessia, you look pale," he said, rising and walking toward me, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Didn't you sleep well last night?"The Madre scoffed. "Why wouldn't she look rested? She bears none of the weight. Unlike our Livia, who barely slept, worrying over the little Don in her womb."Her gaze was as sharp as a knife. "Alessia, after you

Caius shot out of his chair, the sound he made less a word than a roar. "What the hell did you say?"He lunged at Tony, grabbing him by the collar."You're lying!"The bodyguard trembled. "We just got the call from ATC. Alessia's plane went down over the mountains. Hit severe turbulence... they said the fuselage just disintegrated. Search and rescue is heading out, but the crash site is in rugged terrain. Sir... the plane fell from three thousand feet. There's almost no chance of survival."Caius's grip went slack, and he collapsed back into his chair.The world spun, his vision tunneling to black. "No… Alessia!"It was his fault.He had let her go alone.On her birthday.He scrambled to his feet and bolted for the door."Caius!" The Madre rushed in, Livia trailing behind her. "You can't leave! This is obviously a plot by a rival family!""Don't you dare go! This is her own damn fault. Running off alone. What do you expect from a soldier's daughter? All steel, no sense. A woman running

Caius's hand moved slowly to the gun at his waist.The metal was cold and unforgiving."Caius!" The Madre cried out in terror. "What are you doing?""What I should have done a long time ago."His voice was terrifyingly calm.Livia saw the movement, and her face went chalk-white."You wouldn't dare! I have evidence on the entire Falcieri family!""You think I care about evidence?" Caius laughed, a dead, hollow sound. "Alessia is gone. There's nothing left to lose."Just then, Tony burst into the room."Don! A convoy of FBI vehicles is approaching the estate!"Caius's hand froze.He looked at Livia's triumphant smirk and slowly withdrew his hand."You've won," he said. "But it won't last.""Take her away," he ordered the guards. "Give her some money and get her the hell out of New York.""And make sure I never see her again."Livia, clutching the child, was escorted out of the estate.Before she left, she looked back at Caius."You'll regret this.""I'm already living with regret," Caius