apter 20
Hearing this, Sofia’s entire world collapsed.
She wrapped both arms around her stomach protectively.
The Rossi family was a pale shadow of its former glory, one bad quarter away from bankruptcy. Without this pregnancy, she had zero leverage to maintain her status–worse, she might be pawned off to that revolting octogenarian and his wandering hands.
Her face went ashen as she lunged for her phone, trembling fingers desperately trying to call Alessandro’s mother.
The old matriarch valued bloodlines above all else. Once she knew about an heir, she’d override her son’s decisions!
Alessandro’s foot connected with the phone, sending it skidding across the marble floor. He rose slowly, the predator in him fully unleashed. Using the tip of his shoe, he lifted her chin, his voice devoid of any humanity.
“Here’s how this is going to work. You’ll terminate this pregnancy–quietly. The divorce is finalized whether you like it or not. Your pathetic schemes end today.”
“When I find Aria, you’re going to crawl to her on your hands and knees and beg forgiveness. If–and only if–she shows you more mercy than you deserve, I might let you keep your comfortable lifestyle.”
He left no room for negotiation, no opening for her usual manipulations.
In his world, she had always been beneath him–a childhood habit he’d outgrown, nothing more.
Sofia collapsed into a hysterical heap on his imported rug, still cradling her stomach as if that could protect what was inside.
If only the baby survived, her future remained salvageable.
Alessandro had other plans.
He’d already betrayed the only woman who ever truly loved him. If this pregnancy continued, any chance with Aria would evaporate permanently.
His expression hardened into something inhuman as he nodded to his security team. “Take her to Dr. Visconti. Now.”
Despite her animal screams and desperate clawing, Sofia was no match for the ex–military men who restrained her. They carried her thrashing body to the waiting car.
“You can’t do this! It’s my body! My baby!” she shrieked, mascara streaking down her face.
Alessandro leaned in, voice low enough that only she could hear: “It’s not a baby. It’s a bargaining chip–and I’m taking it off the table.”
Hours later at the discreet private clinic, as the anesthesia wore off, Sofia awoke to a hollow emptiness where her
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I Love You So Much. But I Just Don’t Like You’Alty
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Cup 20
future had been. Sharp, tearing pain radiated from her core with every tiny more.
Hot tears slid silently down her face.
The baby was gone. Her last chance at security had been ripped away.
Across town, Alessandro sat alone in the VIP section of his regular nightclub, surrounded by bottles that failed to numb his self–loathing
He couldn’t remember what a decent night’s sleep felt like anymore.
Aria’s presence in their home was fading. No matter how many identical replacements he bought, her essence was vanishing–as if she’d never existed in his world at all.
He couldn’t bear to return to that emptiness, so he hid here instead, methodically poisoning himself.
“I fucked everything up. Aria,” he whispered to his reflection in the whiskey glass. “You always hated when I drank like this. You’d be taking this away from me right now if you were here.” His voice cracked, “God, I need you to take
it away.”
A knock interrupted his spiral.
He ignored it. Only his inner circle knew about this private room, and he hadn’t told any of them where he’d be tonight. Whoever was knocking had the wrong door.
But the knocking continued until finally the door swung open,
“Get the fu-”
His curse died in his throat as he looked up, staring in disbelief at the young woman pushing a drink cart into the
room.
“Sorry to interrupt. Did someone order bottle service in here?”
The familiar voice hit him like a defibrillator to his dead heart. His vision blurred instantly.
“A–Aria?”
