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“You know that’s not true, son,” Karl rasped. “You are both equal to me. You are both my blood.”
“Is that so?” Anders replied mockingly before finishing his wine in one gulp and throwing the glass against the table, shattering it into pieces. “Because it doesn’t seem like it,” he added as he headed out of the dining room. The room fell awkwardly silent, and I nearly jumped when the loud sound of the door banging echoed through the hallway. Through the big window with the view of the front yard, I saw Anders getting into his car and driving away.
I glanced at Elena, who was inhaling deeply, her eyes closed as if trying to fight back the tears. She seemed hurt and maybe a little ashamed but not surprised. I figured that it wasn’t the first time her son lashed out like that. I didn’t know the reason for it, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out that Anders was envious of his older brother.
“Forgive this disturbance, Melanie,” Karl spoke, his tone stern and calm as if nothing had happened. He was spectacular at keeping his composure regardless of the situation. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to talk to Shane now. In private,” he added, turning his gaze to Shane.
I couldn’t bring myself to speak and just nodded my head.
“I’ll be right back,” Shane whispered in my ear before he followed his father.
Elena sighed quietly. “Luckily, Aaliyah wasn’t here to watch this.”
I reached my hand out to grab Elena’s. I could feel the weight she was carrying on her shoulders as the mother and the wife, but most importantly, as just a woman. “Everything will be okay, Elena,” I said, instantly regretting my choice of words. I didn’t know what to say, so I went with the cliché phrase I’d heard my whole life, which meant absolutely nothing.
“Melanie,” she said softly, looking deeply into my eyes. “You are a very bright and charming woman. But I don’t think you know what it means to be a part of this family.”
I tilted my head to the side. “I don’t think I follow.” I slowly pulled back, resting against the cream and gold chair.
Elena cleared her throat, fixing her chic white shirt. “You see, there’s more to this family than meets the eye. And being the wife of its successor holds some responsibilities.”
“You don’t have to watch your words, Elena. I know everything about this family. Shane is honest with me,” I stated. Shane knew this conversation was coming, and I was glad he had prepared me for it. I was satisfied I’d learned the dark secrets of the Vergoossen family from him.
“Good.” Elena nodded, her voice soft. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do,” I said, determined. At this point, there was no turning back for me. Not only did I fall in love with New York’s most dangerous Mafia heir, but I was also carrying his child.
