Chapter 8

Carlo's injuries weren't severe, and he was discharged from the hospital in just a few days. Our wedding date was officially set for ten days later.

That day would be when Lucaro's spirit would fade, the day he would ascend to heaven.

It was also the day I would truly say goodbye to this world and everyone in it.

Carlo intimately wrapped his arm around my waist and whispered in my ear, "Wen, a few of my friends are coming over later. Make sure the housekeepers know about their dietary restrictions."

Carlo disliked the smell of hospital disinfectant. Once his injuries were treated, he came home to recuperate, and I naturally began taking care of him.

I couldn't help but say, "The doctor said it's best for you to rest right now."

Hearing this, Carlos didn't get annoyed. He just chuckled softly. "What, are you starting to boss me around already?"

I quickly shook my head, wanting to explain, when Enzo stepped forward and handed Carlo his phone.

Carlo glanced at the caller ID, picked up the call, and walked away while speaking.

"Mia, how's your recovery going? Have you been listening to the doctor?

"Marriage? That's a long story. I'll explain it to you slowly."

I could only catch a few scattered words of what Carlo said next. Well, they weren't important to me anyway.

After giving instructions to the housekeepers, I noticed that it was still early and decided to take a walk in the garden. I only returned home when it was almost time for the gathering.

When I reached the manor gate, I saw several sports cars parked at the entrance.

A few people had gathered there, chattering excitedly.

"What? Don Altieri is really going to marry Wendy? He's truly going to love only Wendy from now on?"

"Of course. The wedding invitations have been sent. The story of Wendy risking her life to save Don Altieri is everywhere. If he backs out now, it would make him look bad."

"But isn't Mia pregnant? How could Wendy accept her newlywed husband bringing an illegitimate child into their home?"

At this point, Enzo came forward and coldly warned, "Don Altieri has already said that Mia's pregnancy must absolutely not be known to Ms. Santoro. Otherwise, you'll bear the consequences."

The group quickly fell silent.

I stood waiting around the corner. Only after everyone had gone inside did I walk out calmly.

Mia was pregnant? Did Carlo not want me to know because he was afraid I'd be angry? Or was he worried I'd hurt Mia?

I didn't know, and I didn't want to think about it. After all, in ten days, none of this would have anything to do with me.

I looked up to find Lucaro standing in front of me. His spirit was almost transparent in the setting sun, and his expression held deep disappointment and indignation on my behalf.

I felt as though someone had squeezed my heart.

Lucaro was disappointed that my love for Carlo had made me abandon all my principles, and he resented me for the needless suffering I'd brought upon myself because of it.

But no matter what Lucaro thought of me now—whether he doubted my sincerity or felt hopeless about me—I would still send him safely to heaven.

My steps didn't falter as I walked right through his spirit. In that moment, a sudden, bone-chilling cold made me shiver.

In the living room, Carlo and his friends were playing pool. Seeing me return, he put down his cue stick and walked up to me.

"Why did it take so long? Was someone causing you trouble?" he asked.

I smiled gently. "It's fine."

The people on the couch stood to greet me. "Ms. Santoro is so considerate. We're all jealous of Don Altieri."

"Exactly."

I listened to their teasing with a faint smile, my expression still calm.

Just then, the doorbell rang, and Carlo went to answer it.

When the door opened, and everyone saw who had arrived, they fell silent.

It was Mia. Her face was pale, and tears glimmered in her eyes. She pointed at me and looked at Carlo, demanding, "Carlo, you have to choose between our baby and her."

Carlo didn't answer immediately, but I could see his gaze lingering on Mia's stomach. The longer he stayed silent, the more panicked I felt.

After a long moment, he looked at me and reached out to take my hand.

I grabbed his hand in return and said firmly, "Carlo, our wedding cannot be canceled."

Lucaro couldn't wait any longer. I had to get married!