Page 70 of The Billionaire's Destiny

I climbed on the table, and she did a pelvic examination. When she was done, she said, “Everything is normal. You can go ahead and change, and I’ll be right back with the results.”

“Thank you,” I murmured.

I left the room and changed back into my clothes and went to sit by Rocco. He took my hand. “She says you need more rest.”

“I’m maybe a bit stressed and…worried.”

“Try not to be,” he said. “I meant what I said last night. We’ll get through this.” He lifted my hand and placed two kisses on the back.

Dr. Vitale returned a few minutes later and stood before us, her hands clasped together. “Well, Adelina, Rocco. The results are in. Adelina, you’re not pregnant.”

Tears burned at the corners of my eyes, and I swallowed hard against the ache swelling in my throat.

Rocco exhaled sharply and squeezed my hand. “Thank God. Thank you, Dr. Vitale.” Relief amplified in his voice, and my heart twisted at the sound. Of course, he deserved his own feelings, but disappointment pulsed inside me. The child I had dreamed of for us faded into a shadow.

Rocco wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close, his voice low in my ear. “We will have a child, Adelina. When it’s right.”

His promise did little to soothe my sadness. When he said, “when it’s right,” I heard years stretching out ahead of us.I glanced at him again.Despite his evident relief, his eyes seemed to have clouded over as if he were lost in thought. Would it be too much to hope that Rocco, too, had considered the possibilities differently, battling his own hopes and fears?

Dr. Vitale spoke gently, sensing the weight of the moment. “It’s understandable to feel a mix of emotions right now. If you wish to consider future options, we can discuss them whenever you’re ready.” She paused, looking at both of us with kindness. “For now, there’s no rush. But when you’re ready, I can provide options for birth control, if that’s what you decide.”

I couldn’t speak.

Rocco squeezed my hand, offering a small nod. “Not today.”

“I understand.” Dr. Vitale came closer and placed her hand on my back. “I know this is difficult right now, and I want to give you time to consider your options. I’ll send a prescription with you, and if you want to change to the implant, we can discuss it later. I’m sorry, Adelina. But I can assure you’re healthy and can try again soon.”

I nodded, rising with Rocco and murmuring, “Thanks” as we left.

Back at the car, our troubles crowded in from every direction, leaving no room to breathe. It wasn’t right to use a child as a bargaining chip, but now we had nothing left to fight with. In just days, Luca’s new video would be discussed, and it couldn’t be denied Luca wanted something different for the Marini Trust. Rocco risked losing his place as head of the family, along with the money for his dream studio.

What can we do now?

At the bottom of the stairs at the clinic, Rocco lingered by the door. He turned, pulled me close, and held me so tightly I could feel his heartbeat. He whispered, “Bella…” then pressed a soft kiss into my hair.

“I’ll…I’ll be okay.” My voice cracked.

“I know you’re sad, and I am, too.”

“You are?” I murmured, my words muffled against the fabric of his shirt.

“I am. Mostly for you because I never want to see you hurt. You wanted our baby not just to make our lives easier—”

“I do,” I insisted, pulling back to search his eyes. “It was never only about duty. I…I never wanted you to doubt us.”

“I never doubted us,” he said with certainty in his voice. “I just knew what I had experienced, and I want better for our kids. You’re the mother I want for my kids.”

I had absolute certainty about him as a father, but what did he think of me? “How do you know?”

“Because I know you, and I love you.” His gaze turned tender. “The love I have for you burns me up; I feel completely consumed by it. It’s such a power that nothing I ever experience comes close to it.” A pang ached in my chest and closed my throat as he lifted my hand and pressed a kiss on the back and palm then clasped it tight.

“You, my Bella, are the most giving woman I’ve ever known. I knew I had to win the heart of someone that would give everything to those they love. And I’m glad I have it. I feel complete with your love; it’s like I never knew what I missed until I experienced a moment without you. I learn from you every day. You taught me patience, sacrifice, and resilience. There’s no one better for me and would be a better mom for our kids. I know Luca made the right choice when he chose you for me.”

He leaned down and kissed me. His eyes flicked over my face, and a large smile spread across his lips. “I love you.”

I rose onto my toes as he leaned in, and our lips met in a long, searching kiss that clung to the pain between us. When it ended, he opened the door for me at the car, slid behind the wheel, and drove us away from Dr. Vitale’s office.

The weather had turned surprisingly humid, and Rocco lowered the windows, letting in the sun’s heat. Once we reached the road leading to the estate, we passed the vineyard staff pruning the vines to prepare for winter. The crisp air carried the sounds of snapping twigs as their seasoned hands worked through the rows. However, inside the car, a thought burned into my brain and heart that grew stifling.Nothing has changed from before, with everyone choosing for you, has it?