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Ciara’s Pov
A sharp gasp left my lips as my eyes fluttered open. My entire body ached, and the bright hospital lights made. me squint. The steady beeping of the EKG machine filled the silent room.
I turned my head slowly and saw Zaverio sitting beside me, his face tense with worry. His eyes locked onto mine
the moment he noticed I was awake.
“Ciara,” he breathed, relief flooding his features. “How do you feel?”
I swallowed, my throat dry. “Like I got run over by a truck.”
Zaverio exhaled, rubbing his face. “You almost died,” he muttered. “Why didn’t you tell me about this mission?
About Hailey?”
Thesitated. “Everything happened so fast,” I admitted. “I didn’t expect it to get this serious.”
His jaw tightened. “That’s not good enough, Ciara. You should have told me.”
“I know,” I whispered, guilt settling deep in my chest. “I’m sorry.”
Zaverio studied me for a long moment before sighing. “Hailey’s been arrested,” he finally said. “And the man’s family… we found them. They’re safe.”
Relief washed over me, and I nodded. “Thank God.”
But his expression didn’t soften. There was something else.
“What is it?” I asked cautiously.
Zaverio hesitated before taking my hand. “The doctors found something during your treatment.”
A lump formed in my throat. “What?”
He leaned in slightly, his voice softer now. “You’re pregnant, Ciara.”
The words hung in the air, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure I had heard him right.
I blinked, “I’m what?”
D
“Pregnant,” he repeated, his lips curving into a small smile. “It’s still early, but the doctor warned that too much stress could put the baby at risk.”
I pressed a shaky hand to my stomach, my heart pounding. A baby. Our baby.
Tears welled up in my eyes. “Zaverio…” My voice broke.
A deep emotion flickered in his eyes as he leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “We’re having a baby, Ciara.”
The Divorced Billonare Mafia Quem
I pulled back slightly, wiping my tears. “There’s more?”
He smirked. “I’ve arranged our wedding. Once you’re out of here, you can go for your dress fitting.”
A fresh wave of joy filled me. “You’re serious?”
“Of course,” he said, his voice full of certainty. “No more delays. I want you to be my wife.”
I hugged him again, my heart full. “I can’t wait
Three days later, I was finally discharged from the hospital. The doctors reminded me to take it easy, but I wasn’t about to miss my wedding preparations.
At the bridal boutique, my mother sat on the couch, watching as I stepped into the wedding gown. The moment! saw myself in the mirror, my breath caught
The ivory lace hugged my body perfectly, the delicate embroidery shimmering under the lights. I turned slowly, taking it all in
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
My mother dabbed at her eyes. “You look like a dream, sweetheart.”
I couldn’t wait for the big day.
Before the wedding, there was something I had to do..
I visited Hailey in jail. She sat on the cold bench, her wrists cuffed, her eyes dull but still defiant
I folded my arms. “Looks like you finally got what you deserved.”
She smirked, tilting her head. “You think this is over?”
I scoffed. “You’re behind bars. It’s over.”
Hailey leaned forward, her voice chillingly calm. “You really think I’m the kind of person to go down that easily?”
I felt a small shiver crawl up my spine, but I masked it with a smirk. “Enjoy your new home, Hailey. You’re not getting out this time.”
I turned on my heel and walked away, refusing to let her words get to me. Nothing could ruin this.
Three days later, it was finally time.
w over
my
I stood in my bridal suite, staring at myself in the mirror. My gown was perfect, the veil draped softly shoulders.
Today, I was marrying Zaverio
Laughter and excited chatter filled the house as my family moved around, making last–minute preparations. My mother placed a loving kiss on my forehead before helping me into the bridal car.
As the car pulled onto the road, my phone rang.
Zaverio.
Smiling, I picked up. “Getting nervous?”
His voice was sharp with panic. “Clara, listen to me. Don’t go anywhere. Stay exactly where you are.”
My heart dropped. “What’s wrong?”
His next words sent ice through my veins.
“Tony and Hailey broke out of prison last night.”
I felt like I had been doused in freezing water.
“Wait… what?” My voice came out in a whisper.
“They escaped,” Zaverio repeated, urgency clear in his tone. “I’m sending men now. Don’t move-
O
I barely heard the rest. My mind spun.
“Stop the car!” I called out.
But the driver didn’t slow down.
Instead, he adjusted the rearview mirror and met my eyes through the glass.
A slow, chilling smile spread across his lips.
“I don’t take orders from you.”
Blood drained from my face.
The voice. The smirk.
No. No, no, no.
I stared at him, horror flooding through me
It was Tony
His eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he pressed down on the gas, the car speeding forward.
“Miss me, sweetheart?”
