She turned and walked toward the corridor, but Xavier closed the distance in two strides and wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her back against his chest. His chin settled on her shoulder.
"You just need to learn how to adapt." His voice was low, almost tender, almost convincing. "I can't indulge you in everything. But from now on, I will be present. I'll take care of you and our baby."
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.
Mia said nothing. She let him hold her. She let him kiss her. And then she walked away.
She had not yet reached the Salvatore compound's main gate when her phone vibrated. A message from Teodoro Brasi, Xavier's most trusted associate.
Sister-in-law, Vanessa is very ill tonight, so Xavier won't be home tomorrow. He's staying to look after her.
Mia stared at the screen. The truth was simpler and uglier. Xavier was organizing a grand reception the following evening to formally welcome the Argento Syndicate's remnants into the Salvatore fold. A banquet to celebrate the merger she had spoken against. Since she opposed the alliance, it seemed her husband did not wish for her to attend.
Her hands trembled as she scrolled through her phone, some masochistic instinct driving her to open her social media feed. Vanessa Lestari's latest post glowed at the top.
"Shopping for tomorrow's party. Trying so hard to pick matching suits for both of my men."
The photograph showed Xavier Salvatore holding Vanessa's son in his arms. The boy clung to his neck. Vanessa leaned against Xavier's shoulder, her smile radiant and proprietary, her hand resting on his chest as though she had every right to place it there.
Mia's vision blurred. The tears came silently, rolling down her cheeks in the backseat of the black sedan as the city lights smeared past the window.
"Madam, get down!"