Natalia's POV: Little whimpering sounds…The first sound that greeted my ears as I slowly began to regain consciousness. I felt weak and light headed. It felt like I needed two months’ worth of sleep…What happened to me? Oh, right. I remember. I went to the ballroom for the wedding preparations, I talked with Ava and Angela and I passed out–“Why did you bring the kid with you? You'll only freak her out!”“She already saw it happen, why take her away?!” “But she's crying now!” “Aless—”“Stop it, you two!” That was Caterina, definitely her. I said internally. I tried to open my eyes or say a word but I was too weak to do so and in the process, a soft groan escaped me.“She's waking up!” I think that was Angela. “Ava, see? She's waking up, she will be alright!”“Please move so I can examine her.” They called Doctor Camilla? Wasn't that a bit dramatic? Everyone faints at some point in their lives, right? Especially when you've barely had food in days and are always crying.I felt
Natalia's POV: I don't know if it was from fear or embarrassment, but my heart dropped to my stomach so hard it almost felt like I could throw up in a few seconds from now.“Why… why are you asking me that?” I refused to look at Carlo. Just no! But from the corner of my eyes, he looked just as shocked as I felt. Okay, I need to disappear from here somehow! “Please answer the question, Natalia,” She urged softly and I panicked. I fucking panicked because I couldn't remember. I… I wasn't keeping count and with everything going on.. I….I dropped my face into my palm. “I'm so fucked. I'm fucked!” It wasn't what I was thinking right? People do forget these kinds of things and also, it is normal to have late periods. I have been stressed, barely ate anything—that could mess with your hormones, I've heard that before!“What's going on?” Carlo asked carefully, putting an end to my spiralling thoughts and I felt my back stiffen. “Nothing serious, I just need to rule out every possibility
Carlo's POV: Patiently waiting outside the door was driving me nuts. It felt like a century. I was sure the maids and guards passing by were wondering why I kept pacing outside of Natalia's room like an anxious thief.And anxious I was, alright? Could she possibly be pregnant? Like carrying my child?I felt my heart jump and my insides grow warm at that thought.A baby…What could this mean for us? For me? ‘No need to get ahead or yourself, Carlo. It could be nothing or just fatigue like Camilla said.’ Cazzo. The not knowing was killing me. How much longer do I have to wait? This might make Natalia pissed, but I was done waiting, I was too anxious to stay still. Decision made, I strolled over to the door and pushed it open.Two pair of eyes stared back at me as I clicked the door shut behind me.I could feel a pit opening in my stomach as I stepped closer to them. When Natalia looked away, I felt my chest squeezing tightly. I shouldn't have come in. “I-I … I'm sorry…” Great, I
Carlo's POV: ‘You will no longer be marrying Natalia.’ My voice was deep and firm as I passed my message. Luca's eyes stayed trained on mine, brows drawn together as if he was replaying my words in his head so he could understand.And he should.Because I meant every word I said.Silence stretched for a few seconds before he broke it, muttering, “You're joking.” “I'm not,” Came my firm reply.And then he burst into a hysterical laughter, head thrown back, mouth wide open, shoulders trembling. I remained unfazed and calm, watching him laugh. ‘Let him have his moment.’ I thought.Eventually, his laughter died out and his eyes were back on me—blazing with fury as he struggled against his restraint. “That's bullshit!” He snarled, trying to break free from the chains. “You gave me your word. You said I could marry her, hell our wedding is in a few hours. You never go back on your word!” I know, but this was important. “Well, unfortunately. I am going back on my word now, Luca. I've ch
Natalia's POV: A life was forming inside me… I still can't believe this.“You're going to make yourself sick crying like that,” Doctor Camilla said softly as she patted my back soothingly but I didn't say a word back.What was the point? She wouldn't get it. No one would. I kept my face buried in my soft, fluffy pillow, letting my tears seep into it as I struggled for air.So this was my life now? Pregnant for the father and getting married to the son? Imagine being in such a fuck up situation? Imagine being knocked up by a man who doesn't love you, a man like Carlo who's just….It was my fault. All of it. Why didn't I ever insist on condoms? Why didn't I place myself on birth control? Why? Why? WHY?!!!!! Well, it was too fucking late for questions. I thought as more hot tears flowed from my eyes and onto my pillow… I'd made my bed and I had to lie on it… I didn't want to get rid of the baby, no. Never. But what in God's name do I know about motherhood? How do I care for a
Carlo's POV: I lifted my fist to knock again but just like the last four attempts, I let my hand fall to my side, while my heart thumped at an unnatural pace.“I can't believe I lived long enough to see you nervous,” Enzo mocked and I pinned him with a deathly glare. Of course, he didn't flinch. “Just knock and ask to see her, how hard could it be?” Was he fucking for real?He wasn't here when she'd been so angry, it was almost like I could see hatred in her eyes. It caused a dull ache in my chest for reasons I couldn't fully explain.“Should I do the knocking?” He teased further.“Shut up, Enzo,” I gritted. And then I turned back to the door, lifting my hand again to knock with much determination this time. But just as my knuckles were about to rap on the door, it swung open and my breath caught in my throat.“Camilla,” I muttered, stepping back.Her surprised expression morphed into an amused one as she stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. When she opened her mou
Natalia's POV:‘I want to stay here with you.’My stomach tightened.‘Do not read meaning into it, Natalia. Do not.’ “You don't have to.” I tried again, hoping he'd really go away even though it was the last thing I wanted but I didn't want to be desperate. I was still so mad at him.Thick, warm fingers brushed a stray strand away from my face and my belly flipped. No, not this!We're supposed to stay mad at him, remember?! “I want to spend some time with you,” he admitted. The sincerity in his voice was crippling, I was forced to shut my eyes and take a deep breath. “Matter of fact,” he continued. “I do not mind staying the whole day locked up in here with you.”Fuckinghell!What was he up to now? First he was more than willing to send me away and now?The baby.Of course it was the baby.It had nothing to do with me. At that moment, I felt my chest tighten with anger and I slapped his hand away from my hair.“Go away!” I meant to yell, but I only sounded like a petulant child a
Natalia's POV: I'd always known Carlo was stubborn but not THIS stubborn. Even after I'd told him off, he remained by my side. Not that he was speaking while moving, he was just ‘watching me.’ I didn't hate it though, not one bit, I reveled it but of course I had to keep a scowl on my face the whole time…I won't be going back on my word though, he'd hurt me. He can't just slip back into my life like nothing happened.At some point. I broke the silence and asked him to go away but all he said was, “Please.” And I kind of felt like shit. For a brief second actually.It had taken the arrival of Caterina, Angela and Ava to get him out of my room and even then he was hesitant.Cute. He crouched down in front of Ava and whispered something to her that made her giggle and I frowned. When did those two become friends? When she placed a kiss on his cheek my eyes grew to the size of saucers.Okay, I had lots of questions.He rose to his full height, ruffling her hair and with one last glanc
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED & FORTY-EIGHT: Natalia's POV: I woke up with a jerk, gasping for breath as sweat dripped from my forehead. I blinked to focus, taking in my surroundings, only taking a deep calming breath when I realized I was in my room…“Thank fuck,” I muttered, my chest heaving as I facepalmed.It was ridiculous.I had just had a dream where I eventually got married to Luca. A literal nightmare. Why would I dream of such? Oh, I know.Somehow, at the back of my mind I still doubted Carlo's words to me and I'd dwelled on them especially when I was finally all by myself before going to bed last night. How the hell had he convinced Luca? I had forgotten to ask him yesterday but that was what bugged my mind now. Luca had been so persistent, what could have happened?Well, I guess it was better to let things be than to overthink, after all, my prayers had been answered. I was no longer marrying him—even though my head was messing with me with that ridiculous dream.Suddenly, I fe
Natalia's POV: I'd always known Carlo was stubborn but not THIS stubborn. Even after I'd told him off, he remained by my side. Not that he was speaking while moving, he was just ‘watching me.’ I didn't hate it though, not one bit, I reveled it but of course I had to keep a scowl on my face the whole time…I won't be going back on my word though, he'd hurt me. He can't just slip back into my life like nothing happened.At some point. I broke the silence and asked him to go away but all he said was, “Please.” And I kind of felt like shit. For a brief second actually.It had taken the arrival of Caterina, Angela and Ava to get him out of my room and even then he was hesitant.Cute. He crouched down in front of Ava and whispered something to her that made her giggle and I frowned. When did those two become friends? When she placed a kiss on his cheek my eyes grew to the size of saucers.Okay, I had lots of questions.He rose to his full height, ruffling her hair and with one last glanc
Natalia's POV:‘I want to stay here with you.’My stomach tightened.‘Do not read meaning into it, Natalia. Do not.’ “You don't have to.” I tried again, hoping he'd really go away even though it was the last thing I wanted but I didn't want to be desperate. I was still so mad at him.Thick, warm fingers brushed a stray strand away from my face and my belly flipped. No, not this!We're supposed to stay mad at him, remember?! “I want to spend some time with you,” he admitted. The sincerity in his voice was crippling, I was forced to shut my eyes and take a deep breath. “Matter of fact,” he continued. “I do not mind staying the whole day locked up in here with you.”Fuckinghell!What was he up to now? First he was more than willing to send me away and now?The baby.Of course it was the baby.It had nothing to do with me. At that moment, I felt my chest tighten with anger and I slapped his hand away from my hair.“Go away!” I meant to yell, but I only sounded like a petulant child a
Carlo's POV: I lifted my fist to knock again but just like the last four attempts, I let my hand fall to my side, while my heart thumped at an unnatural pace.“I can't believe I lived long enough to see you nervous,” Enzo mocked and I pinned him with a deathly glare. Of course, he didn't flinch. “Just knock and ask to see her, how hard could it be?” Was he fucking for real?He wasn't here when she'd been so angry, it was almost like I could see hatred in her eyes. It caused a dull ache in my chest for reasons I couldn't fully explain.“Should I do the knocking?” He teased further.“Shut up, Enzo,” I gritted. And then I turned back to the door, lifting my hand again to knock with much determination this time. But just as my knuckles were about to rap on the door, it swung open and my breath caught in my throat.“Camilla,” I muttered, stepping back.Her surprised expression morphed into an amused one as she stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. When she opened her mou
Natalia's POV: A life was forming inside me… I still can't believe this.“You're going to make yourself sick crying like that,” Doctor Camilla said softly as she patted my back soothingly but I didn't say a word back.What was the point? She wouldn't get it. No one would. I kept my face buried in my soft, fluffy pillow, letting my tears seep into it as I struggled for air.So this was my life now? Pregnant for the father and getting married to the son? Imagine being in such a fuck up situation? Imagine being knocked up by a man who doesn't love you, a man like Carlo who's just….It was my fault. All of it. Why didn't I ever insist on condoms? Why didn't I place myself on birth control? Why? Why? WHY?!!!!! Well, it was too fucking late for questions. I thought as more hot tears flowed from my eyes and onto my pillow… I'd made my bed and I had to lie on it… I didn't want to get rid of the baby, no. Never. But what in God's name do I know about motherhood? How do I care for a
Carlo's POV: ‘You will no longer be marrying Natalia.’ My voice was deep and firm as I passed my message. Luca's eyes stayed trained on mine, brows drawn together as if he was replaying my words in his head so he could understand.And he should.Because I meant every word I said.Silence stretched for a few seconds before he broke it, muttering, “You're joking.” “I'm not,” Came my firm reply.And then he burst into a hysterical laughter, head thrown back, mouth wide open, shoulders trembling. I remained unfazed and calm, watching him laugh. ‘Let him have his moment.’ I thought.Eventually, his laughter died out and his eyes were back on me—blazing with fury as he struggled against his restraint. “That's bullshit!” He snarled, trying to break free from the chains. “You gave me your word. You said I could marry her, hell our wedding is in a few hours. You never go back on your word!” I know, but this was important. “Well, unfortunately. I am going back on my word now, Luca. I've ch
Carlo's POV: Patiently waiting outside the door was driving me nuts. It felt like a century. I was sure the maids and guards passing by were wondering why I kept pacing outside of Natalia's room like an anxious thief.And anxious I was, alright? Could she possibly be pregnant? Like carrying my child?I felt my heart jump and my insides grow warm at that thought.A baby…What could this mean for us? For me? ‘No need to get ahead or yourself, Carlo. It could be nothing or just fatigue like Camilla said.’ Cazzo. The not knowing was killing me. How much longer do I have to wait? This might make Natalia pissed, but I was done waiting, I was too anxious to stay still. Decision made, I strolled over to the door and pushed it open.Two pair of eyes stared back at me as I clicked the door shut behind me.I could feel a pit opening in my stomach as I stepped closer to them. When Natalia looked away, I felt my chest squeezing tightly. I shouldn't have come in. “I-I … I'm sorry…” Great, I
Natalia's POV: I don't know if it was from fear or embarrassment, but my heart dropped to my stomach so hard it almost felt like I could throw up in a few seconds from now.“Why… why are you asking me that?” I refused to look at Carlo. Just no! But from the corner of my eyes, he looked just as shocked as I felt. Okay, I need to disappear from here somehow! “Please answer the question, Natalia,” She urged softly and I panicked. I fucking panicked because I couldn't remember. I… I wasn't keeping count and with everything going on.. I….I dropped my face into my palm. “I'm so fucked. I'm fucked!” It wasn't what I was thinking right? People do forget these kinds of things and also, it is normal to have late periods. I have been stressed, barely ate anything—that could mess with your hormones, I've heard that before!“What's going on?” Carlo asked carefully, putting an end to my spiralling thoughts and I felt my back stiffen. “Nothing serious, I just need to rule out every possibility
Natalia's POV: Little whimpering sounds…The first sound that greeted my ears as I slowly began to regain consciousness. I felt weak and light headed. It felt like I needed two months’ worth of sleep…What happened to me? Oh, right. I remember. I went to the ballroom for the wedding preparations, I talked with Ava and Angela and I passed out–“Why did you bring the kid with you? You'll only freak her out!”“She already saw it happen, why take her away?!” “But she's crying now!” “Aless—”“Stop it, you two!” That was Caterina, definitely her. I said internally. I tried to open my eyes or say a word but I was too weak to do so and in the process, a soft groan escaped me.“She's waking up!” I think that was Angela. “Ava, see? She's waking up, she will be alright!”“Please move so I can examine her.” They called Doctor Camilla? Wasn't that a bit dramatic? Everyone faints at some point in their lives, right? Especially when you've barely had food in days and are always crying.I felt