Chapter 5

A week had passed since the fateful night, and Valerie's check-up date had finally arrived. But Dominic was away on a trip, and Max remained hospitalized, surrounded by loyal guards.

Valerie prepared for her appointment, her mind focused on the well-being of her unborn child. As she exited her room, the guard stationed outside barred her path.

"Madam, you're not allowed to go outside," he said firmly.

Valerie's eyes narrowed. "I have a doctor's appointment. Do you want Dominic to punish you? This concerns the health of the future mafia king."

The guard's expression faltered, but his resolve remained. "Sorry, madam, but those are my orders."

Valerie's voice took on a steely tone. "Call Arthur now. I want to speak with him."

"Valerie, I can't let you go alone," Arthur said firmly. "Take my guard with you."

Valerie's sigh was audible. "Come on, Alastair, don't talk like Dominic. I'm feeling suffocated. Can't I spend some time alone outside?"

Arthur's expression remained resolute, but a flicker of warmth danced in his eyes at the sound of his real name, a name only Valerie dared to use.

"Your safety is my responsibility," he reiterated.

Valerie's shoulders sagged. "Then I won't go."

Arthur's tone softened. "Okay, you can go alone, but promise me you'll return within an hour. It'll take me a few more hours to wrap up my tasks."

Valerie's face brightened. "I'll be home before you return."

Arthur nodded. "Okay."

They hang up the call,

Valerie was the only person who knew Arthur's true name, Alastair, a secret shared between them since their complicated past. Unknown to Dominic and the rest of the world, Valerie and Alastair had a history, one filled with moments of tenderness and heartbreak. Their paths had crossed in a different life, one that existed before the mafia's dark world enveloped her.

Their past remained a closely guarded secret, hidden from everyone, including Dominic. Valerie and Alastair had meticulously kept their history concealed, ensuring it didn't compromise their current relationships or jeopardize their positions within Dominic's organization.

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Valerie beamed with joy as she left the hospital, clutching the first ultrasound picture of her baby. The doctor's words still echoed in her mind: "It's a boy." Dominic's intuition had been right; their child would be the young mafia king.

As she drove home, lost in thought, Valerie's gaze frequently drifted to the image of her unborn son. His tiny features brought a smile to her face.

Suddenly, a shiver ran down her spine. She sensed being watched. Valerie's eyes darted to the rearview mirror, and her heart sank. A black sedan trailed her.

She swiftly navigated through crowded streets, hoping to lose the tail, but the sedan persisted. Panic set in as Valerie realized she couldn't drive at high speeds, not in her condition.

Four months pregnant, her reflexes slowed.

A bullet whizzed past her car, shattering the rear window. Valerie's scream was drowned out by the sound of shattering glass.

With trembling hands, she pulled over, abandoning the car. Valerie stumbled out, her eyes scanning frantically for an escape.

She began to run, but her pregnant body protested. Each step felt like a struggle.

Desperation fueled her as she darted between pedestrians. But her pursuers closed in.

A rough hand grabbed her arm, spinning her around. Valerie's eyes met the cold gaze of her captor.

"Let me go!" she pleaded.

The man's grip tightened.

"You're coming with us," he growled.

Valerie's world went dark as she was dragged away, her thoughts consumed by her unborn child's safety and Dominic's unknown whereabouts.

Valerie's world collapsed as rough hands grasped her, a cold gun pressed against her temple.

Viktor emerged from the shadows, feigning surprise. "Oh my god, the wife of the mafia king. What a pleasant surprise."

Valerie's eyes widened in terror.

"Leave me," Valerie begged.

Viktor sneered. "Not so easily. Where are your guards? How can you roam without protection? Look, I caught you. Now think what I'll do with you."

Valerie's voice trembled. "I'm pregnant, please."

Viktor's expression twisted. "Congratulations, but Dominic took my precious thing – my love. How can I leave his precious thing, his baby? It's very important to him, isn't it?"

Valerie's eyes widened in horror.

"No... please..." she whispered.

Viktor's tone shifted, a sinister grin spreading. "Leave her."

Valerie's heart skipped a beat.

"Thank you," she stammered.

Viktor's eyes glinted. "I'll give you 2 minutes to run. If you reach your car, I won't harm you. But if you fail... Time starts now."

With newfound determination, Valerie sprinted, fueled by her desire to protect her unborn child.

A gunshot echoed, and Valerie fell, her arm throbbing in agony.

Viktor cursed. "Shit! I missed the head."

Valerie crawled, desperate to reach her car.

Viktor's foot crushed her injured arm, and Valerie screamed.

"The real pain is yet to come," Viktor sneered, kicking her stomach repeatedly.

Valerie begged, crying out in anguish.

Viktor's rage consumed him, oblivious to her pleas.

Finally, he fired, and darkness engulfed Valerie's eyes.

Viktor stood over her lifeless body, his chest heaving with exertion.

"Dominic will pay," he whispered, before disappearing into the night.

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Dominic's expression turned granite-like as he received the news. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw clenched.

"Viktor's men ambushed Valerie," Arthur reported, his voice laced with regret. "She... lost the baby."

Dominic's face twisted in anguish. His eyes flashed with fury.

"Where is Viktor?" he growled.

Arthur hesitated. "We're tracking him, but—"

Dominic cut him off. "Find him. Bring him to me."

Dominic's anger boiled over as he stood beside Valerie's hospital bed. Her unconscious form, hooked to beeping machines, only fueled his fury.

Her shoulder was bandaged, the bullet wound a constant reminder of Viktor's brutality.

"How could you be so careless?" Dominic muttered, his voice barely audible.

Arthur entered the room, concern etched on his face. "Dominic, perhaps you should—"

"Leave me," Dominic growled, his eyes never leaving Valerie's pale face.

Arthur hesitated before departing.

Dominic's gaze lingered on Valerie's injured shoulder. His mind replayed the events leading to her shooting.

"Why did you have to go out alone? You will regret this"