Chapter 4

Valerie woke to the warmth of Dominic's muscular arm wrapped securely around her tiny baby bump. She turned, her eyes meeting his gentle smile.

"Good morning," Dominic whispered.

Valerie's voice was laced with concern. "Why didn't you wake me up? I'm late."

Dominic's hold tightened. "You don't need to rush. You're the wife of the mafia king and the mother of the next king. Rest is crucial."

Valerie's thoughts drifted to their child's future. "Will you teach our child the same ways?"

Dominic's expression was matter-of-fact. "The son of a mafia will become a mafia."

Valerie's eyes sparkled with hope. "But we can guide him toward a different path – doctor, engineer, or whatever he desires. A good person."

Dominic's face turned serious, his voice firm. "You think I'm a bad person?"

Valerie hastily clarified, "No, I didn't mean that."

Dominic's tone brooked no argument. "Never consider such thoughts. Your duty is to care for our child while it's in your womb; mine is to teach him his destiny. He's the next mafia king. Understand?"

Valerie's gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "Yes."

Dominic pulled her close, his lips brushing her forehead. "Protect my child while it's within you. After that, I'll shield him."

The tender moment was interrupted by the door opening. Carter entered, his eyes flicking to Valerie before focusing on Dominic.

"Boss, Max and—"

Dominic's interruption was swift. "Wait outside."

Carter's apology was hasty. "Sorry, Boss. I forgot to knock."

Dominic's tone was firm. "Remember, next time."

Carter departed, leaving the couple alone once more.

Valerie's thoughts lingered on the conversation, her heart torn between loyalty and the desire to shield their child from the darkness of the mafia world.

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Dominic's voice was low and menacing. "What happened?"

Carter's reply was grim. "Let's go to Max's room."

They entered the room, and Dominic's gaze fell upon Max, lying injured on the bed. Jenna cowered in the corner, a knife trembling in her hand.

Kael's voice was icy. "This girl tried to kill Max while he was sleeping."

Dominic's eyes blazed with fury, his focus locking onto Jenna. Fear flickered in her eyes as he approached.

"You should have faced him head-on," Dominic growled. "Attacking a sleeping person is betrayal. And I despise traitors."

Jenna's desperation overrode reason. With a feral cry, she lunged at Dominic, knife raised.

He seized her wrist, twisting it until the blade pressed against her own throat.

"It was a good attempt, but failed," Dominic whispered, his voice dripping venom.

With a swift motion, he forced Jenna's hand to slit her own throat. A crimson arc spilled across the room.

Valerie's scream shattered the air. "JENNA!!!"

She rushed into the room, horror etched on her face, but Dominic's grip on her waist halted her.

"Stay back, Valerie," he warned, his voice unyielding.

Valerie's eyes locked onto Jenna's lifeless form, her mind reeling in shock and grief.

Dominic's thunderous voice echoed through the hallway. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!!!"

Seeing Dominic's rage, Kael swiftly intervened, guiding Valerie to her bedroom.

"Valerie, calm down, breathe," Kael soothed. "Forget what you saw."

Tears streamed down Valerie's face. "Can someone tell me what's going on here?"

The door swung open, and Dominic strode in.

"Kael, leave me alone with my wife," Dominic commanded.

Kael's concerned glance at Valerie preceded his departure. The others followed, closing the door behind them.

Valerie's voice trembled. "Why?"

Dominic's approach was purposeful. "Kiss me."

Valerie's surprise was evident, but Dominic's urgency was unmistakable.

"I don't like to repeat myself," he warned. "Hurry up. I'm very pissed off right now. Max is like my brother, and she tried to kill him in his sleep. Calm me down, kiss me!"

Valerie's fear of Dominic's wrath propelled her into his arms. Their lips met in a passionate, calming kiss.

As they parted, Dominic's intensity had diminished.

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispered, "but from now on, you won't leave this room without my permission. It's crucial."

Valerie's protest was immediate. "No, Dominic, please."

Dominic's response was resolute. "No discussion on this matter."

He departed, leaving Valerie to tears of frustration and despair.

The door closed behind him, encasing Valerie in a prison of solitude and fear. Her sobs echoed through the empty room.

"Why did this have to happen? Jenna's dead, and Dominic's anger is terrifying.

"What kind of world have I married into? A world where life is disposable?

"Dominic's words echo in my mind: 'From now on, you won't leave this room without my permission.' Am I a prisoner?

"I thought he loved me, but does he really? Or is it just possession?

"Max, Jenna, the mafia... it's all too much. I'm trapped.

"Can I escape? Should I try?

"But what about our unborn child? Dominic's child...

"I'm scared. So scared.

"What's going to happen to me? To our baby?

"Why did I agree to marry him? Blind love...

"Now, I'm paying the price."

Valerie's thoughts swirled, a maelstrom of fear, uncertainty, and desperation.

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Dominic's voice was firm and authoritative as he addressed his men.

"Listen up, everyone. From now on, Valerie's safety is our top priority. No one is allowed to see her or enter her room without my explicit permission."

He paused, surveying the room.

"Kael, double the guards outside her door. Carter, increase surveillance on the premises. Arthur, review security protocols and report any weaknesses to me."

His gaze locked onto each face.

"Drax, ensure Valerie's every need is met. Food, water, medical care – everything."

Dominic's tone turned icy.

"And one more thing: no one mentions Jenna or what happened today to Valerie. She's been through enough."

His eyes narrowed.

"I'll personally deal with anyone who disobeys these orders. Am I clear?"

The room fell silent, each man nodding in understanding.

"Yes, Boss," they chimed in unison.

Dominic's expression remained stern.

"Good."

Dominic's gaze shifted to Arthur.

"Arthur, I have a special task for you. I want you to personally keep an eye on Valerie. Ensure she doesn't leave her room without my permission."

Arthur nodded, understanding.

"Sir?"

"I don't want her stressed or anxious. The baby's health is paramount. Too much stress isn't good for either of them."

Arthur's expression turned serious.

"Understood, Boss. I'll make sure she's comfortable and secure."

Dominic's voice was firm.

"See to it that she has everything she needs, but doesn't leave that room. I'll deal with any consequences, but I need you to enforce this."

Arthur nodded.

"Yes, Boss. Consider it done."

Dominic's eyes lingered on Arthur, ensuring his loyalty.

"Remember, Arthur, Valerie's safety and well-being are in your hands now."

Arthur's voice was resolute.

"I won't fail, Boss."

With Arthur's reassurance, Dominic departed, leaving Valerie's care in capable hands.

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