I waited for him to say something. To look at me.
He didn't.
"I'm exhausted," he muttered, shrugging off his jacket and collapsing onto the bed. Within seconds, his breathing evened out and he was asleep.
I stood frozen, my hands trembling. Santino's words and the video gnawed at me. Moving quietly, I stepped toward Lorenzo's sleeping form, fingers slipping into his pockets.
His phone.
My pulse pounded as I pressed his limp finger to the screen, unlocking it. I scrolled through messages—cold, factual words that ripped the air from my lungs.
Every miscarriage was planned. Every stillborn, their dead body had been sent to Seraphina Marone just for her twisted love.
~Valeria’s POV
The scent of a warm breakfast filled the Ricci mansion. I stood at the stove, flipping pancakes, my hands steady despite the storm brewing inside me.
I had spent the last hour preparing every dish he loved, laying it on the dining table. However, behind the facade I put up, was a woman unraveling.
The night before had stolen my innocence, shredding the last remaining of love I had clung to.
But today, Lorenzo wouldn't see my pain. He wouldn't see the fury burning beneath my skin, the cold resolve tightening around my heart.
Lorenzo entered the dining room with his usual effortless grace, a smirk playing on his lips as he glanced at the table. "Someone's in a good mood."
I turned to him, my expression warm, as if last night's betrayal had never happened. "I wanted to do something special for you." I moved closer, slipping my arms around his waist, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
He chuckled, "My sweet wife. Always taking care of me." His hands rested on my hips.
I looked up at him, eyes soft but unreadable. "Of course. You're my husband."
For now.
We sat together and I barely touched my plate, watching him eat. I didn't have the appetite to swallow anything anymore.
"Are you not eating?" He asked, raising his eyebrow.
"I had a big meal earlier." I smiled, shaking my head. He nodded and continued with his breakfast while I sat across him.
"Honey, there's a meeting with all the owners of the clubs tomorrow—-"
"And I need to be there to note down everything about them." I cut him off. Lorenzo's smirk deepened as he stood, pressing a lingering kiss against my forehead. "I'll be home late tonight. You know—business."