The Mafia's Forgotten BrideChapter 1

~Valeria’s POV

Five miscarriages. Five tragedies.

For seven years, I had lost five unborn children I carried for Lorenzo Ricci, my husband. Five tiny lives were gone before they could take their first breath.

But it was only today that I found out the truth—outside my husband's private suite—The Black Lotus.

On the screen before me, Lorenzo Ricci—-the man I built my life around and said my vows to—-sat comfortably in a room, a woman stranded on his lap.

Not just any woman.

Seraphina Marone—the owner of a famous strip club.

Her lips were curled into a smirk, manicured nails running down Lorenzo's chest as she whispered, "Tell me, Lorenzo, when are we going to remove her from your life? I want to be the one raising your child, not her."

He chuckled, his hands gripping her waist. "Soon, baby, soon."

She hummed in amusement. "I want you to keep making her lose them until she's unable to conceive anymore," She said, her voice dripping with pleasure as she swirled the wine glass in her hand. "I want her to suffer so much that she can't stand to look at herself in the mirror. It will make me happy."

My stomach twisted violently and I had to fight the urge to vomit. Lorenzo leaned into her, pressing a slow kiss against her neck. "Then, your wish is my command, Seraphina."

The screen then went black. I felt like I was going to be sick.

~ Earlier that Evening

The house was decorated as if it was a wedding venue with soft music playing in the background. I stood in the dining room, staring at the small velvet box, sitting at the table.

Inside it was the ultrasound of our unborn child.

After every miscarriage, I was left broke, but this—it was different, I had hope. I was going to surprise Lorenzo.

As if on cue, my phone vibrated on the counter. Lorenzo's name flashed across the screen.

Smiling, I answered quickly, my heart fluttering with excitement. "Lorenzo, I have a surprise for—"

"I'm at The Black Lotus," he cut in, his voice trembling a little. "Running late. Don't wait up."

I blinked. "The Black Lotus?"

He sighed, getting impatient. "Business."

There was a brief pause, then a muffled voice in the background—a woman's voice. Low, husky.

A cold shiver ran down my spine but I shrugged it off.

"But I thought you were coming home early."

"Change of plans," he muttered. "We'll talk later." And just like that, he hung up.