Chapter 26
Daniela watched the cold indifference in Alessio’s eyes and felt her heart twist. She dug her nails into her palms before forcing out
the words.
“Your mother sent me. She wants us married. Immediately.”
His face darkened. “And you? You actually want to marry me?”
Looking at that face-identical to Marco’s-something made her nod.
This face drew me to Marco. Even if Alessio never loves me, at least I’ll have this. Maybe a son who looks just like him.
But she said instead: “Who else would have me now? I’m damaged goods. The widow who fucked her brother-in-law. You’re literally my only option.”
Alessio leaned back against the pillows, rubbing his temples. “You know I don’t love you. Never have. Everything between us was
about honoring Marco’s memory.”
“I came here to win back Noemi. To save my real marriage.”
Daniela almost laughed at his delusion. She’d done her research since arriving-Noemi Bianchi-De’Medici was the island’s darling
now.
Pregnant, glowing, madly in love with her powerful husband.
But I’m not here to be jealous. I’m here to survive.
“Jesus, Alessio, wake up. She’s gone. Married. Pregnant. Happy.” Her voice turned sharp. “And let’s be real-I’ve spent way more nights in your bed than she ever did.”
It was brutally true.
He and Noemi had barely been married before his fake death separated them. Then suddenly he was in Daniela’s bed, playing
devoted husband for two years straight.
“We even made a baby together,” she added, twisting the knife. “Face it-no woman would take you back after this shitshow. Except
me.”
Something in her words made him snap. He grabbed the water pitcher and hurled it against the wall.
“GET OUT!”
“I only love Noemi!” His voice cracked. “She’s the only woman I’ve ever wanted. The only one who matters!”
Daniela’s laugh was bitter, harsh. “Oh, that’s funny. You love your wife so much you spent two years balls-deep in your sister-in-law? Every. Single. Night.”
“That was different-”
“Was it? Because from where I was lying, you seemed pretty fucking enthusiastic.” She leaned closer, voice dripping venom. “All those nights you called me ‘baby,’ kissed me like you meant it, made me scream your name-that was all for Marco’s memory?
Please.”
“You don’t understand-”
“No, YOU don’t understand!” She was shouting now. “You destroyed me! Made me love you! And now you want to play the devoted husband? After everything we did in that bed?”
“GET THE FUCK OUT!”
He grabbed anything within reach-pillows, books, the TV remote-throwing them wildly. “NOW!”
Daniela fled, slamming the door behind her. In the hallway, she pressed her back against the wall, breathing hard.
Fine.
Let him have his tantrum.
His mother’s already chosen.
He’ll marry me whether he wants to or not.
Across the island, Noemi was enjoying her first real outing in weeks. Morning sickness finally under control, she’d convinced Cosimo
to take her shopping.
“Please? I’m going stir-crazy in that house. And we need baby stuff anyway.”
He could never say no to her. They strolled down the coastal road hand-in-hand, Noemi practically dancing with excitement at her
freedom.
The department store’s baby section was a wonderland. Not knowing the gender yet, they grabbed two of everything-tiny onesies, soft blankets, those impossibly small socks that made Noemi tear up.
“Look at these little shoes!” She held up microscopic sneakers. “Can you believe something this small will be running around our
house soon?”
Cosimo’s heart melted watching her excitement. “We should get both colors. Just in case.”
Arms overflowing with purchases, they headed to checkout. The young clerk smiled apologetically.
“Oh, these have already been paid for.”
Noemi blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”
“A gentleman came through about ten minutes ago. Paid for everything in your cart. Said to tell you congratulations on the baby.”
