Chapter 3

After I was discharged, Antonio claimed he was tied up with casino operations and never showed up again.

As for me, I went to a church and asked a priest to say a Mass for the child I had lost. I wasn't religious, but I still hoped my baby was at peace.

When I pushed the door open, I saw Silvia at the piano, accompanying the children's choir.

The last chord rang out, but it hit a wrong note, jarring against the melody.

Before I knew what I was doing, I stepped forward, pressed the right key, and said, "It should be played like this."

Silvia didn't know who I was. When she looked at me, her eyes were bright with innocence.

"You play the piano?" she asked. "No wonder… I always mess up at this part."

A faint smile touched my lips, and Silvia fell into easy conversation with me.

As soon as she learned that I had come for the child I had lost, tears welled up in her eyes. Then, she dropped to her knees at the altar and prayed with all her heart.

"Please, let this child's soul find peace. Watch over this mother who has suffered. Keep her safe and healthy."

I stood rooted to the spot. Suddenly, a thought surfaced in my mind.

I wanted to warn Silvia to stay away from Antonio. After all, he was a heartless man. His gentleness was nothing but poison beneath a layer of sweetness.

But when my gaze fell on her pregnant stomach, the words caught in my throat.

If Silvia learned who I really was, she would break things off with Antonio without hesitation. And when that happened, he'd come after me like a madman.

The memory of Paolo's brutal death in my past life came rushing back, and I shuddered violently. There was only one day left. I couldn't gamble with my life or his.

Using confession as an excuse, I slipped into the confessional booth.

After I had collected myself, I stepped back out, only to feel a cold gun barrel pressed against my temple.

I turned around and saw that Silvia had already slumped to the floor.

Just as I was about to make my move, someone slammed their gun into the back of my neck, and everything went dark.

…

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in an abandoned warehouse. Both Silvia and I were tied to a pillar.

"Who are you? Why did you abduct us?" Silvia asked, sobbing softly.

In the next instant, someone struck her hard across the face.

The leader, a man with a scar on his face, grabbed Silvia by the hair and forced her to look up. He snarled, "It's all because of your fiance, Antonio! He took over my turf on the east side and killed my income! Aren't you the one he cares about? I'm going to make you suffer, little by little!"

So, they were from a gang on the east side. Antonio had only recently acquired that territory using my settlement agreement.

Fortunately, they didn't recognize me. But Silvia, who had been at his side lately, became their target.

I subtly flexed my wrists, using the tiny blade hidden beneath my nail to cut through the ropes. Having lived for years on the edge of danger, I always made sure to leave myself a way out.

When he saw that I was awake, Scarface spat at me. "You picked the wrong woman to be around. Call your family and tell them to bring 800 thousand Artherian dollars. If not, they can come collect your body."

Tears streamed down Silvia's face as she choked out, "I-I'm so sorry, Ms. Romano. I got you involved. But don't be afraid. My fiance will come and save us soon!"

Her eyes shone with trust, as if Antonio were her savior.

I didn't respond. Instead, I quickened my pace and cut the ropes faster.

Out of nowhere, Scarface lashed out. He kicked over an oil drum and bellowed, "Antonio doesn't believe me? Fine! I'll send him something he won't forget!"

As he spoke, he drew a knife, his cold and vicious gaze lingering on Silvia's belly.

"Get over here!" Scarface barked. "Cut that bastard out of her and send it to Antonio! Let him see it for himself."

My heart sank at once. If Silvia died here today, Antonio would make sure I paid for it.

Silvia shrank back in terror, pleading, "N-No… Please, don't hurt my child!"