I'm talking about and merely nods. "Yes, I was there. And I will forever regret not stopping the boat."
"Why?"
"When I saw you. I knew I’d made a horrid mistake. Then Vitto and Luigi…" Her whisper fades away. "They killed that guard and my maid, Eleanora. They didn't even give them a chance. Just shot them right when we arrived at the property where they were staying."
"Eleanora's gone?"
Marzia nods.
"I'm sorry, bambina. I know how much you cared for her." I can do nothing to fix the sadness on her face.
She turns to stare out of the window while a silent tear rolls down her cheek.
"I know I can't make that better," I find myself saying. "But the news I have for you might make things a bit easier."
She smiles, turning toward me as another tear slides down her face. "What's the news?"
"Do you remember taking an ovulation test before you left?"
She nods.
"Well... it wasn't an ovulation test."
"What then?" She furrows her brows, waiting for my answer just as the truth starts dawning on her. "Oh, Dio..."
"You're pregnant," I tell her. "We're going to have a baby."
For a moment, she just sits there wordlessly, her eyes dancing over my face as if looking for confirmation that this is true.
I'm convinced she's upset, that she's going to start sobbing and hate me even more, but then the most innocent smile pulls on her lips.
"Are you serious?" she asks.
"It's only an at home test, so I can't be sure," I remind her. "But we'll see a doctor back in Palermo to confirm it."
"I'm going to have a baby," she whispers, her voice breaking over the words as her hand gently rubs her belly over the shirt she's wearing. "Your baby."
"You're going to make me the happiest man in the world," I tell her firmly. "Just don't ever run again."
42
Marzia
Arriving back at the Bernardi Estate feels different than it did before.
When I got here that first time, it was clear to all those around me I was a mafia captive, a prisoner of the Bernardi famiglia.
But not this time.
This time, I feel like a queen as Adrian helps me out of the car, holding my hand gallantly as he leads me up the stairs and into the house.
In the hall inside, there are maids, guards and some of the family already waiting. Julian is there, along with Santino, and Bruno has made an appearance, too.
When Bruno sees me, there's a smile tugging at the corners of his lips even though he won't let it spread across his face. "You worried us, running away like that," he grumbles. "Didn't you think how worried Adrian would be?"
I take a step closer to him.
"Don't pester her, Father," Adrian says. "She's been through a lot."
"Very well." Bruno's eyes rest on me for a second longer than necessary, then he finally allows himself to smile lightly. "It's good to have you back, signora Da Costa Bernardi."
I bow slightly in front of him.
Everyone lets us pass.
This time, I don't get my own quarters. Adrian has already told everyone we've married, and we're shown directly to his rooms where the bed is sprinkled with rose petals. A large parcel awaits in front of the bed, tied up with glittery ribbon.
"What's this?" I tug on the bow, meeting Adrian's eyes curiously. "A gift?"
"Open it," he suggests.
I do as I'm told, pulling the ribbon off. Underneath, there is a multitude of treasures. My framed paintings, a huge empty canvas and expensive paints make me smile wider than ever before.
I know this is the man for me. He's gone out of his way yet again, to ensure I'll feel safe and good in the Estate. He's gone above and beyond for me to prove his true feelings, and I don't doubt him anymore. Everything that happened had to happen the way it did. Otherwise, we wouldn't be staring right here, right now.
"Thank you." I kiss Adrian's cheek.
When I try to pull away, his arms proprietorially wrap around my waist, pulling me against him. "Where do you think you're going?" he murmurs against my cheek. "I've been without you for weeks... Don't you think you should show me what I've been missing this whole time?"
"Of course," I purr. I take his hand and gently place it on my belly. We share a smile between the two of us. Besides Bruno, no one knows we're going to have a baby just yet, although I'm eager to reveal it closer to the delivery date. We have to see