Chapter 2

Dominic spooned a bite of food into Valerie's mouth, his eyes locked on hers. She stared back, her gaze searching for answers.

"I know I'm handsome," Dominic said, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.

Valerie's expression remained serious. "It's impossible to understand you," she whispered. "Dangerous mafia king in one moment, and loving, soft husband in another."

Dominic's face softened. "I love you, Valerie. And I can't hurt you, unless you do something I can't bear."

Valerie's voice barely rose above a whisper. "I'm scared of you sometimes."

Dominic's eyes gleamed with intensity. "It's good. You should fear and love only me."

Just then, Drax appeared at the doorway. "Boss, I brought her."

Valerie's head turned, curiosity etched on her face. "Who?"

Dominic's gaze snapped to Drax, his expression darkening. "What is this?" she asked.

Drax's eyes darted between Dominic and Valerie before he backed away. "I'll see you later."

The tension in the room spiked as Drax disappeared, leaving Valerie with more questions.

"Who is she?" Valerie asked, her voice laced with unease.

Dominic's mask slipped back into place, his expression unreadable. "No one you need to worry about."

Valerie's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Dominic."

Dominic's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with warning. "Drop it, Valerie."

The air thickened with unspoken threats, Valerie's heart racing with anticipation. What secrets was Dominic hiding? And who was the mysterious woman Drax had brought?

Valerie's curiosity lingered. "Drax... whom was he talking about?"

Dominic's expression turned stern. "That's enough for today, baby. You're interfering a lot in my work. You should go to sleep now. My son might also want to sleep."

Valerie's brow furrowed. "Dominic, I'm only three months pregnant, and we still don't know whether it's a boy or a girl."

Dominic's hand gently touched her belly. "I know this is my son, my heir, the next mafia king."

Valerie's smile faltered, a shiver running down her spine.

Dominic's eyes softened. "Thank you, Valerie. I always wanted to be a dad, and you made my dream come true. This baby is very important to me, and it's your responsibility to take care of it."

He swept Valerie into his arms, cradling her against his chest.

"I can walk, sir," Valerie protested.

"But I don't want you to," Dominic replied, his voice firm.

He laid Valerie on the bed, his gaze lingering on her.

"Sleep," Dominic ordered, his voice gentle.

Valerie's eyes searched for answers. "But you—"

"I have some work," Dominic interrupted. "I'll be back soon."

He kissed Valerie's forehead, his lips warm.

"Good night, my lovely wife and my little one."

With that, Dominic left, leaving Valerie alone in the darkness, her thoughts swirling with unease.

As the door closed, Valerie's eyes adjusted to the dim light, her mind racing with questions. What secrets was Dominic hiding? And what lay ahead for their unborn child, already destined to inherit the mafia throne?

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Dominic's voice was laced with warning. "How many times will I have to say it? Don't say anything in front of Valerie. If she takes stress, it will affect the baby."

Drax bowed his head. "Sorry, Boss."

Dominic's gaze shifted to Max. "Where is that girl?"

Max's smile twisted. "In my room, Boss. Can I play with her tonight?"

Arthur intervened, his tone cautious. "Dominic, she is Valerie's sister—her step-sister, to be precise."

Dominic's eyes narrowed. "I don't mind if she's her blood sister. I wanted her because she's Viktor Kuznetsov's girlfriend. Valerie's dad thought we wouldn't know this."

Carter's voice dripped with malice. "Torture her. Make her talk."

John spoke up, concern etched on his face. "If Valerie comes to know that we're torturing her sister here—"

Dominic's expression turned cold. "Arthur, Valerie should not know anything. I wanted Viktor's weakness, and now she's in front of me. You have to take care of Valerie."

Arthur nodded. "Okay, Boss."

Max's eagerness was palpable. "Is it necessary to torture?"

Dominic's jaw clenched. "Yes. She should know what pain is—what Valerie suffered once."

The room fell silent, the weight of Dominic's words hanging like a dark promise. The men knew that once Dominic's mind was set, there was no going back.

Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion, a young woman trembled in the darkness, unaware of the fate that awaited her.

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Valarie’s Pov

I never thought my life could be like this. My childhood was marred by pain and suffering. I was only seven years old when my mother took her last breath. Her once vibrant smile had faded, worn down by my father's relentless cruelty.

Every day, my father's alcohol-fueled rage would unleash on her. I remember the sound of screams, the crashes, and the tears. My mother couldn't bear it anymore, and one fateful night, she chose to leave this world behind.

The aftermath was crippling. My father's anger shifted to me, his innocent child. I was young, lost, and defenseless. No one listened, no one believed me. I was trapped.

Years passed, but the agony persisted. My father remarried, seeking solace in a new family. His bride brought a daughter, Jenna, my age and soon-to-be step-sister. Her arrival tripled my torment.

My father, his wife, and Jenna formed a toxic triangle, each taking turns to chip away at my soul. The physical pain was bearable, but the emotional scars ran deep.

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