The moment I took in the familiar kitchen along with the chair where I first sketched Leo, I power-walked as fast as I could to the bedroom. As much as I wanted to dramatically collapse onto the bed in tears, my pregnant belly wouldn’t allow it.
Instead, I gently eased down on the mattress. When I started to cry, Luca began to move. The more I sobbed, the more he kicked and twisted. With a mirthless laugh, I cupped my belly.“Listen up, little man. You need to chill out and let your mom have a good sobfest, okay?”
His response was to jab my bladder.
At that moment, I realized this wasn’t just about me. I had a baby to think about. I couldn’t just have a breakdown. I had to think about our future.
That meant conquering my past in the kitchen, so I could cook a healthy dinner for the two of us. This time it was chicken parm. I was making a salad when my phone rang.
It was Vittoria. “Cara, what has happened with you and Leo?”
“Apparently both good and bad news travels fast,” I replied miserably.
“Oh my love. How did he find out?”
“He’s been in this bidding war for land for his casino. A man was blackmailing him into silence.”
“Did he not believe you about your father forcing you to lie?”
“No. He did believe me. He just couldn’t get over the betrayal.”
“God, I wish I could be there for you right now.”
“I know. I wish you could too. Bianca’s in the Hamptons so I’m here at her place alone.”
“I would try and pretend that I was taking the twins shopping, but now that your father knows, he won’t let us near New York.”
My chest clenched. “Father knows?”
Vittoria’s sigh echoed through the phone. “He’s been on a rampage in his study for the last half hour. He’s threatening Leo if he files for an annulment.”
“Oh God,” I murmured.
“I was afraid he’d already called you.”
“Not yet, thank God.”
“Just don’t answer if he does, and don’t let him know where you are.”
“I won’t.”
“If you need me day or night, just let me know. I’ll find a way to come to you.”
“I know, and I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Just as I started to hang up, Vittoria said, “Just have faith, mia cara. This can all turn around.”
“I wish I believed that.”
“You have to. Sometimes all you have to hold on to is hope. Leandro was meant for you. Too much has happened to bring you together for it all to be for nothing.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Aren’t I always?”
“Pretty much.”
