Used by Three Brothers, Forged Into Their Doom

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I never imagined the man I married would treat me that way.

Alessandro Morettithe husband who had spent our marriage acting as though touching me was unbearablesuddenly became relentless the moment darkness filled the room. For five nights in a row, he took me without restraint, without protection, and without the slightest bit of care. By the time it was over, I could hardly stay on my feet. Yet I was foolish enough to believe it meant something. Foolish enough to think he finally wanted to build a family with me. When I saw the positive pregnancy test, I clutched it in my hands like it was the greatest blessing I had ever received.

I went straight to his office, desperate to share the news. For once, I wanted him to look at me with pride.

But before I could even step inside, voices stopped me.

Laughter.

Alessandro. Damian. Roman.

The Moretti tripletsmen born into one of the most feared mafia dynasties in the city. Men who inspired terror everywhere they went. Yet behind those doors, they sounded like spoiled boys amusing themselves with someone elses pain.

And sitting with them was Camilla Costa.

Alessandros first love. His lifelong obsession. His mistress. The woman they all revolved around.

She smiled sweetly as she spoke, but every word she said sliced right through me.

You boys really do indulge me too much, she purred. I only asked for one thingto see which of you would end up getting Rosalie pregnant. But after what you put her through for those five days, do you think shell lose her mind when she realizes she has no idea who the father is?

Alessandro chuckled, completely pleased with himself.

Lose her mind? he said. She should be grateful. You shouldve seen her faceshe was glowing, thinking I finally wanted a baby with her.

Damian laughed next.

Ive got to admit, Rosalie is gorgeous, he said. Only you, Alessandro, would be insane enough to let your brothers share your wife.

Roman slammed his hand on the table, grinning.

Forget that, he said. Lets make it interesting. We bet on who got her pregnant. Whoever loses buys Camilla jewelry and an island at the auction. Minimum bidthree hundred million.

Camilla watched them with amusement, as if they were performing for her. Then her eyes shifted toward the door, and she smiled.

At me.

Like she knew I was standing there.

Like every part of this had been planned.

She turned back to Alessandro, feigning concern.

And what happens if Rosalie realizes the baby isnt yours?

Alessandro shrugged as though the answer meant nothing.

Then we tell her she cheated, he said. And even if she somehow learns the truth, she wont dare say a word.

Then he reached for a stack of photographs and spread them across the table like prizes.

Damian let out a low whistle.

Damn. You can see her face clearly in these.

Roman picked one up and laughed.

She looks pathetic in these. Like some needy little whore.

Camilla glanced at one with visible disgust before flicking it aside.

The photo slid beneath the door and stopped at my feet.

Everything inside me froze.

My body went numb, as if my soul had been ripped out all at once.

With trembling fingers, I bent down and picked up the picture, hiding it in my sleeve as if I could still protect some shred of dignity. But the tears came anyway, spilling faster than I could stop them.

Alessandro had never wanted me.

Our marriage had only happened because his grandfather demanded it.

For years, Alessandro barely spoke to me, let alone touched me. So when he finally came to my bed that night, I thought something had changed. I knew the wine tasted strange, but I drank it anyway because I wanted to believe him.

I wanted to be loved.

For those five days, I let myself dream.

I let myself believe that maybe, finally, I mattered to him.

I gave in because I wanted his child.

Because I wanted him.

I never realized when one brother replaced another.

I never noticed when the camera flashes went off.

I knew nothing.

I was just something they passed between them for entertainment, because Camilla wanted to satisfy her curiosity.

I turned and ran from that office as if the walls were collapsing behind me.

People stared, but all I could think about were those photographs.

I felt stripped bare.

Humiliated.

Destroyed.

I covered my face and kept running. Every step sent pain through my body, and every breath felt like shards of glass cutting into my lungs. The short distance to the street felt endless.

I had never felt so shattered.

When I got home, I didnt even take off my shoes.

I went straight to the shredder and fed the photograph into it, pushing it through until it was torn into tiny strips. I stood there watching the pieces disappear, wishing I could throw myself in with them.

Then the front door slammed.

The sound made me flinch so hard it felt like a gunshot.

I turned.

Alessandro stood there calmly, taking off his coat as though nothing had happened.

As though my world had not just fallen apart.

Then he looked at me and asked casually,

Have you had your period this month?

I stared at him, barely able to form words.

What?

He gave a low laugh and stepped closer, his voice smooth and warmthe same false gentleness he always used when he wanted something.

Come on, he said. Its been five weeks since those five nights. I know what Im capable of. Lets go to the hospital and have you checked.

He didnt even wait for my answer.

He grabbed my wrist and led me toward the garage.

I sat beside him in silence, staring blankly ahead as he drove. When I didnt move, he sighed impatiently and leaned over to fasten my seatbelt himself.

Without thinking, I caught his hand.

Were going to see if Im pregnant? I whispered. Alessandro... do you really want this baby?

For one brief second, his expression softened.

He touched my hair gently, looking every bit like a caring husband instead of the man who had broken me.

Of course I do, he said softly. Imagine ita little girl with your face, or a boy like me. Maybe even triplets. Wouldnt that be perfect?

If I hadnt overheard him laughing with his brothers earlier, I might have believed him.

That was what hurt the most.

He lied so well.

When we arrived at the hospital, Camilla was already waiting.

And so were Damian and Roman.

The three heirs of the Moretti empire stood there like they owned the entire place, their expressions unreadable except for the amusement hiding in their eyes.

Damian slowly looked me over, head to toe.

Roman smirked.

My stomach twisted.

Alessandro placed a hand on my back.

They heard the news, he said. They came to congratulate you.

The bloodwork was done quickly.

And the result was exactly what I already knew.

Pregnant.

Alessandro took the report from the nurse and stared at it as though he were calculating numbers in a business deal. His face gave nothing away.

Camilla, however, looked irritatedas if my pregnancy had ruined her plans.

Then Alessandro looked up at the doctor and asked coldly,

Can we do the paternity test now?

Sir shes barely five weeks along, the doctor said, blinking in uncertainty. It can be done at this stage, but medically, we strongly advise against it

Then do it, Alessandro interrupted coldly.

The doctor hesitated, glancing between us. The procedure available this early would require a uterine puncture. It carries serious risks for both the mother and the baby. Theres also no way to administer anesthesia. It will be extremely painful. Sir, waiting would be much safer.

Then dont use anesthesia, Alessandro snapped, irritation flashing across his face because his order had not been obeyed immediately. Run the damn test. Was I not clear?

The doctor looked at me then, pity filling his eyes, as though he could already see the kind of misery I lived in.

I forced my lips into a weak smile. Go ahead.

That was all it took.

No one in that room cared about what it would do to me.

No one except me.

---

The test results would take another week to come back.

But none of them cared.

The auction was approaching, and their ridiculous bet mattered more to them than my pain, my body, or the child growing inside me.

The whispers started in the hospital before the procedure was even over.

After the doctor collected Alessandros hair sample, Alessandro spoke again.

Take Damians and Romans too. Put all of us in the testing.

For one brief second, the hallway went dead silent.

Then the murmurs started.

Three men? Seriously?

Damn, what kind of woman is she?

No wonder her husband dragged her here for a paternity test at five weeks. He doesnt even know if the baby is his.

Hes rich, handsome, and she still sleeps around? If that were my wife, Id throw her out in the street.

Even the doctorwho had looked at me with sympathy moments earlierchanged.

The pity in his face turned into disgust.

And when he began the uterine puncture, he no longer bothered to be gentle.

There was no warning.

No comfort.

Only pain.

A sharp, tearing agony ripped through me so violently that my vision blurred. It felt like something inside me was being stabbed over and over. Tears escaped no matter how hard I fought them.

When it was over, I had to brace myself against the wall just to stand.

My legs trembled so badly I could barely walk out of the room.

Alessandro saw me and stepped toward me, reaching out like he intended to help.

But before his hand touched me, Camilla came rushing out in tears, making a scene.

Damian and Roman followed behind her immediately like obedient dogs.

Without hesitation, Alessandro let me go.

He dropped me.

My body hit the floor, pain surging even harder through my stomach.

Get yourself home, he said flatly. I need to check on Camilla.

Then he ran after her.

He never looked back.

Inside my head, I laughed bitterly.

Of course.

That was where his concern had always been.

The people around me watched it happen, and they enjoyed every second.

Slut. No wonder your husband left you.

Hey, sweetheart, how much for a night? Five dollars enough?

Five? Please, shed probably do it for free. Girls like that beg for attention.

I gripped the armrest beside me and slowly forced myself to my feet.

I kept my head down.

I didnt say a word.

I just walked out.

One painful step at a time.

Like I was already dead.

---

By the time the taxi dropped me off at home, night had already fallen.

I reached for the front door, using the knob to steady my shaking body.

The second I stepped inside, the smell hit me.

Heavy.

Humid.

Sweat.

Perfume.

Sex.

Then I heard them.

Alessandro.

Camilla.

Their voices.

Their moans.

The rhythm of what they were doing.

I slammed the door shut so hard the walls shook.

Then I slid down against it, covering my ears with both hands.

Enough.

I couldnt take any more.

I didnt want to hear another sound.

I sat there for what felt like forever.

Maybe five minutes.

Maybe ten.

I couldnt tell anymore.

Then the bedroom door opened.

Camilla stepped out barely dressed.

Her skin was flushed.

Dark marks covered her neckmarks left by Alessandros mouth.

And she wore them proudly.

Like she wanted me to see exactly what he gave her.

I stayed on the floor, looking up at her, feeling smaller than I had ever felt in my life.

In the distance, water was running.

Alessandro was showering after being with her.

Camilla leaned lazily against the doorway as if the house belonged to her.

She looked down at me with a cruel smile.

I know how badly youve been trying to have Alessandros child, she said softly, poison hidden in every word. Throwing yourself at him, desperate for scraps of attention.

She tilted her head.

And now you finally got pregnant. Are you happy?

Her smile widened.

Do you really think it changes anything? If I said the word, those three would use you all over again. And if I got bored enough, I could have you tossed into the tiger pit. Youd be ripped apart before you could scream. Want that?

She took a slow step toward me.

I instinctively moved back.

She smiled even more.

Alessandro may have married you, she continued, but Im the one he loves. You should see how he looks when hes with me. He enjoys touching me. You? She laughed softly. Youre just something warm for him to use when hes frustrated.

There was something vicious in her eyes.

Something bitter.

Jealous.

And suddenly, I understood.

She was jealous.

Not because of what they had done to me.

Not because I had survived being used by three men.

No.

She was jealous because there was a chancehowever smallthat the baby inside me might be Alessandros.

Because my child could become the heir she could never give him.

Camilla couldnt bear children.

Without realizing it, I placed a hand over my stomach.

That one movement made her snap.

That child is nothing but a bastard! she screamed. No one even knows which brother fathered it! What are you so proud of?

I lowered my head and forced myself to act helpless.

Alessandro was still upstairs.

I couldnt afford to make her angrier.

Camilla I whispered weakly, I dont know what you mean. Alessandro just told me to do the test. But I know the baby is his. Are you angry because you cant give him one?

Her expression twisted instantly.

Jealousy made her face ugly.

Who gave you the right to carry his baby? she screamed. If I cant have his child, then neither will you!

Before I could move, she shoved me.

Hard.

My body flew backward.

I lost my footing and crashed down the staircase.

Pain exploded through every inch of me.

But the worst of it came from my stomach.

I curled around it instinctively, trying to protect the baby, but it did nothing.

Every stair I struck felt like a blade tearing into me.

The sound of the fall must have echoed through the house, because Alessandro came rushing out moments later, water still dripping from his hair, his face tense.

Before I could even catch my breath, Camilla collapsed dramatically to the floor as if she were the one who had been attacked.

She burst into tears instantly. Rosalie, Ive always treated you with respect! I only came to help because youre pregnant! Why would you try to hit me?

She pointed at me with trembling hands, pretending to be terrified.

Why would you throw yourself down the stairs like that? she cried. Are you trying to frame me? I didnt touch you! Alessandro, I swear, I never pushed her! Why is she doing this to me?

Then Camilla turned as though she had only just noticed Alessandro standing there.

Her voice softened at once, weak and fragile.

Im alright, Alessandro really, she murmured shakily. Dont worry about me. Please, check on Rosalie instead. She she just slipped.

She even made her lip quiver, playing the innocent victim perfectly.

Alessandros eyes moved to the red marks on her skin, and I saw several emotions flash across his face all at onceguilt, panic, and possessiveness.

Without hesitation, he tore off his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders as if she were something precious and fragile.

Camilla, are you hurt? he asked urgently. Im taking you to the hospital right now.

I Im okay, she whispered softly. My leg hurts a little, but Rosalie looks like shes in much worse shape

The instant she said that, Alessandros expression hardened.

He turned to me with that cold, merciless look he always wore when he was angry.

Get up, he barked. I heard what happened. Camilla was trying to help you, and this is how you repay her? You ungrateful bitch.

I was still crumpled on the stairs, dizzy and barely able to breathe through the pain twisting in my stomach.

I tried to speak, my voice shaking.

No thats not true she pushed me

But Alessandro cut me off before I could finish.

Enough, he snapped. Do you think Im stupid enough to believe that nonsense? Camilla can barely open a bottle on her own. She would never shove you. Shes gentle. Shes kind. Why would she ever hurt you?

His voice dropped into the dangerous tone he used when he was punishing people.

When did you become this pathetic, Rosalie? he said coldly. Lying. Twisting the truth. Acting vicious.

He didnt wait for me to answer.

Instead, he bent down, lifted Camilla into his arms, and carried her like she was royalty.

As he stepped past me, he kicked me aside without hesitation because I was in his way.

Stay there, then, he said harshly. Just dont block my path.

Camilla looked over his shoulder as he carried her away.

She gave me the smallest smirk before wrapping her arms tighter around his neck.

Then I heard the front door slam.

A second later, the engine started.

And then

Silence.

For a moment, I thought I might black out right there on the stairs.

But I couldnt.

The maids stood nearby watching, but none of them moved.

The pain in my stomach was getting worsesharp, violent cramps that felt like something inside me was being ripped apart.

Alessandro wasnt coming back.

And if I stayed there any longer, I would die bleeding on the staircase like I meant nothing.

So I forced myself to breathe.

I grabbed the railing and dragged myself upright.

Every movement hurt.

Every step was agony.

But I kept moving.

I didnt even dare call a taxi at first.

I was terrified something would happen on the ridethat Id bleed everywhere, that the driver would see and throw me out.

So I walked.

Bent over, clutching my stomach, dragging myself forward while each step felt like being stabbed.

By the time I staggered into the nearest hospital, blood had soaked through my clothes.

The nurse at the desk gasped the moment she saw me and rushed me inside.

The doctor pulled up my records and let out a heavy sigh, as if he already knew how this would end.

The pregnancy is only five weeks along, he said. After a puncture that early, the uterus can contract dangerously. And after a fall down the stairs He shook his head. Theres no way the pregnancy can survive.

He examined me again, and his expression became grim.

Youre fortunate you made it here at all, he said. You were hemorrhaging. Another hour and you wouldnt have survived.

I let out a long breath.

Not from grief.

From relief.

Then I laughed.

Softly.

Brokenly.

Doctor I whispered. Please terminate the pregnancy. Right now.

He looked startled.

But I wasnt.

The moment I learned the truththat the three of them had used me, humiliated me, turned me into part of their twisted gamethe life inside me no longer felt like a blessing.

It felt like poison.

Losing the baby didnt feel tragic.

It felt like freedom.

This pregnancy had never been hope.

It had been a nightmare.

And for the first time, I felt like I was finally waking up.

**

I returned home the next day.

I already knew Alessandro and Camilla wouldnt be there.

The second I walked inside, the air made me sick.

The room still smelled like them.

The bed sheets were tangled.

Clothes were scattered everywhere.

They hadnt even bothered to clean up after themselves.

I stepped over the mess, my stomach turning, and went straight into the bathroom.

I turned on the shower.

I washed once.

Then again.

Then again.

After the fifth time, I stopped counting.

But no matter how hard I scrubbed, the smell wouldnt go away.

Sweat.

Sex.

Blood.

And somewhere underneath all of it, I imagined I could still smell the child I had lost.

I scrubbed until my skin stung.

Until it burned.

But I still felt filthy.

Still felt ruined.

Then something inside me snapped.

I grabbed the first thing I saw and hurled it at the floor.

A bottle shattered.

Then another.

Then another.

Perfume bottles.

Shampoo.

Even the mirror.

Glass broke everywhere.

Finally, I slid down into the bathtub and cried so hard it felt like my chest was collapsing.

I cried until there was nothing left.

And when the sobbing finally eased, I thought about my parents.

They had been so happy when Alessandro proposed.

And I had been happy too.

Stupidly happy.

I had chosen every part of my dowry myself.

My parents had paid for everything.

The only thing my mother added was a simple brown folder.

On my wedding day, she pulled me aside and placed it in my hands.

Rosalie, she said gently, I know this marriage didnt begin with love. But your father and I still want you to have happiness. And if one day you dont come home to us. Well always be here for you.

Then she touched my cheek and smiled sadly.

But I pray that day never comes.

I looked around at what my life had become.

The ruined sheets.

The bruises on my body.

The empty house that once felt like a dream.

And in that moment, I understood.

The day my mother warned me about

It had already arrived.

I stumbled to my feet and rushed straight to the study, yanking open drawer after drawer until I finally found the file bag my mother had handed me on my wedding day.

Inside was a divorce agreement.

And it was already signedby Alessandro.

I had no idea how my parents had managed to secure something like that from a man born into a mafia dynasty, but somehow they had. The terms were fairfar fairer than I expected.

My hands trembled as I stared at the papers, yet I signed my name without hesitation, almost as if I had been waiting for that exact moment my entire life.

Just as the pen left the page, my phone rang.

Alessandro.

His name flashed on the screen.

I answered, and his voice came through strangely restrained.

Rosalie are you okay?

I stared blankly at the wall in front of me.

Shouldnt I be?

There was a short pause before he let out a breath.

Oh. Good. Thats good. Im glad youre alright.

His tone was careful, almost as if he was trying to sound concerned.

Then he continued.

Look, I know I was hard on you the other day. I overreacted when I saw Camilla hurt.

He spoke like a man trying to apologize while refusing to admit any fault.

It was almost laughable.

I went back to find you, he said, but you were already gone, so I assumed you were okay.

His words meant nothing.

Did you call for a reason? I asked coldly.

The sharpness in my voice must have irritated him, because the mask slipped almost immediately.

Im apologizing, arent I? he snapped. What more do you want?

That familiar cruelty crept back into his tone.

And lets be honestyou were the one who caused the problem in the first place. Im calling because Camilla has forgiven you for pushing her. She even wants you to attend the auction tonight. She and my brothers were planning to buy gifts for the baby. But with the attitude youre giving me right now, you should be grateful shes being kind at all. Shes ten times gentler than you.

I let him keep talking.

I didnt answer.

After a moment of silence, his tone softened again.

Alright, enough dragging this out, he said. Camilla hurt her leg, and Im staying with her for now. Ill have the driver pick you up later.

Then he ended the call.

Seconds later, my phone buzzed again.

A message from Camilla.

Camilla: Youd better show up tonight. Ive arranged something special just for you. You know I care about you, right? Remember those pictures of you with Alessandro, Damian, and Roman? The naked ones? Theyre going to be the final auction item tonight. No censoring. Everyone will see exactly what you look like.

Then the photos came through.

One after another.

Dozens of them.

My phone kept vibrating in my hands until I dropped it onto the floor.

The strength I had felt after signing those papers disappeared instantly.

Gone.

I had believed that losing the baby meant I was finally free.

But I understood then that as long as Alessandro, Damian, Roman, and Camilla were still in my life, I would never escape them.

My entire body started trembling.

I sank to my knees and called my parents.

The second I heard their voicesgentle, loving, safeeverything inside me broke apart.

When they asked if I was alright, I couldnt hold anything back.

I told them everything.

Every humiliation.

Every betrayal.

Every horrible thing that had happened.

And when there was nothing left to hide, I cried and begged,

Mom Dad can I leave him? Please. I dont want to stay with Alessandro anymore. I cant do this.

Their voices shook as they answered.

Oh, sweetheart, my mother said softly, youve been through enough.

My father spoke next.

Were sending someone for you right now. Come home tonight. Well take care of everything else. Just come home and rest. Youre safe now.

Alessandros driver arrived before my parents car.

I handed him the file bag.

This is for Alessandro, I said quietly.

Nothing else.

Then I got into my parents car.

And I never looked back.

During the drive, my phone kept ringing.

Alessandro.

Again.

And again.

And again.

I took out the SIM card, rolled down the window, and threw it away into the darkness.

**

At the auction, the night was almost over.

Alessandro stood near the front, glancing repeatedly toward the entrance.

Each time the doors remained closed, his expression grew darker.

Then his assistant hurried over, holding the file bag in both hands.

Sir, the assistant said quietly, lowering his head, Mrs. Moretti asked me to give this to you. She said you should open it first. Shell arrive later.

At those words, Alessandro smiled.

A soft, almost affectionate smile.

The kind he had never once given me.

He opened the file bag slowly.

Then he saw what was inside.

The divorce agreement.

My signature.

And beside it, a small glass jar containing the tiny remains of the baby.

The smile vanished from his face at once.

At that exact moment, the auctioneer struck the gavel twice.

Ladies and gentlemen, he announced to the room,

we now present the final item of the evening

Alessandro POV ~

The whole auction froze the second I stood up.

My voice hit the mic system before my mind even caught up.

STOP THE AUCTION!

Silence slammed into the room. Even breathing sounded too loud.

Camilla shot up beside me, clinging to my arm like a leech who smelled money slipping away.

Baby, what are you doing? she hissed. This is the highlight of the night. Ive been waiting for this. Why would you stop it!

Her face twisted when she realized I wasnt backing down. The sweetness vanished. All that was left was hunger and irritation.

Behind us, Damian clicked his tongue, swirling the wine in his glass like the whole thing bored him.

Let it run, bro. Its good entertainment. That girls probably crying somewhere but who cares.

Roman raised his glass lazily.

She wont come anyway. Why bother playing hero now.

I snapped before I even turned.

Not. A. Damn. Word.

I shoved Damians hand off my shoulder so hard the wine spilled across the floor.

He stood up. Roman stood up. For a second we were one breath away from breaking tables and necks but I didnt give them the chance.

I walked out.

People called my name. I ignored them. Camilla chased after me, heels clicking like gunshots.

Alessandro. Stop! Dont embarrass me like this.

I kept walking until we hit the private corridor the Camilla grabbed the file bag and smashed it against the wall.

I heard something inside rattle.

Glass.

I snatched it back and opened it.

Pulled out the small glass jar. Cloudy. Stained dark.

At the bottom was something small. Curled. Fragile.

Five weeks. Barely formed.

My chest tightened in a way I didnt understand. Like someone was dragging a blade across my ribs from the inside.

Camillas face was drained of color.

Wait. Is that a baby? Did Rosalie abort it? But she was excited. She was obsessed with you. Why would she abort it? Why would she put it in a jar?

Her voice was shaking now. Not for the baby. For her own damn fear.

A torn piece of paper was taped to the jar.

Her handwriting. Rosalies handwriting. I knew it.

You and your bastard twins can go to hell.

I know everything you did to me.

My fingers trembled. I couldnt stop it. Didnt even try.

Fuck!

Behind us Damian and Roman had followed. They took one look at the jar and both went still.

Damians voice dropped, rough. Is that the kid she was carrying?

Roman stared. Eyes narrowing. Holy hell! She really did it.

I couldnt breathe. I couldn't think. All I knew was that for the first time in my entire life. I felt like I was the one bleeding out.

I stormed out of the corridor, heart hammering, hands shaking so hard I thought Id crush my phone if I held it too tight. I grabbed my phone and dialed Rancho, my guy who does whatever I tell him without asking questions.

Find her. Now. Every move she makes, every call, every damn step. Track Rosalie. She does not get to do this to me without paying for it. My voice was low, dangerous, full of venom.

Damian leaned over, smirking like the bastard he is. Bro, chill. Shes probably just hiding. Or trying to play games with you. Let her try. Shell pay for this. I swear it.

Roman nodded, slow and deliberate. Yeah, she thinks she can just mess with you, huh? Thats funny. Shes gonna regret it.

Of course Im gonna make her pay for this, I spat back, every word dripping poison. She embarrassed me enough by aborting our child. A damn baby we made a bet on, and she goes and signs divorce papers without even looking at me. Shes testing me. Shes lucky I don't tear the world apart before I found her.

Camilla tried to touch my arm, her voice soft, fake. Alessandro, calm down. Think

Not now, Camilla. Not now. I am so pissed off I couldugh! I shoved her hand away. My pride was shattered.

I called Rancho again, pacing like a predator in a cage, fists clenching until my nails cut into my palms. I dont care how you do it. I want her. Now. She has no right to disappear, no right to touch that baby, no right to walk away from me. Shes mine. Every move. Every breath. Find her.

Ranchos voice came back, cautious but firm. Boss, we are everywhere. Surveillance is up, phones are tapped, every car, hotel, apartment she might have touched is being checked. But His voice dropped. Boss shes nowhere to be found. Its like she never existed.

I froze.

Every muscle in me screamed. The calm bastard persona I kept for the mafia empire, for the world, for the brothers, it cracked. I slammed my fist on the steering wheel of my blacked-out car so hard the horn screamed. Tires squealed as I peeled out, burning toward the villa, the only place I knew she couldnt hide from me.

When I got there, the villa was empty. Silent. Ghostly. Rosalie had vanished. Clothes, papers, personal stuff, everything gone. It was like she evaporated. My blood boiled. My empire felt like it could crumble in a second. I was obsessed. Desperate. Furious.

So I decided to crash her parents place.

I slammed through the gates like some rabid dog out of hell, shoving the guards aside when they tried to block me. I didnt even hear what they were saying. My eyes were burning, my voice shaking from how pissed off I was.

I pointed straight at her parents and barked, Give me Rosalie. Now! Bring her out before I burn this whole place to the ground. I swear Ill do it.

Her father stepped right in front of me like he wasnt scared. Her mother was trembling behind him but she still didnt move away. The old man stared at me down, cold as ice, and said, Our daughter was married to you. If she ever came back here, she wouldnt come whole. Why would she return to the people who sent her straight into your house?

She wouldnt disappear unless someone helped her. Someones hiding her from me. Someones playing brave. I snapped instantly.

Her father didnt even blink. If something happened to my daughter because of you, Alessandro Moretti, I swear you will regret the day your mother brought you screaming into this world.

That set me off.

I slammed my fist into the table so hard everything on top jumped. I grabbed a vase and smashed it against the floor, shards flying everywhere. Shes mine. She doesnt leave unless I say she can. She doesnt get to run.

Her mother broke down crying, voice shaking but somehow still sharp enough to cut. If you touched her if you hurt her if you broke her you will pay for every bone in her body.

Then my phone rang.

I froze. Heart pounding.

Rancho.

I answered, growling into the phone, Tell me you found her. Tell me you have something.

His voice on the other side sounded wrong. Boss something happened.

I clenched my jaw. What now?

The photos, he said. The ones that were supposed to be the highlight of the auction. The ones of you and her. And your brothers.

My stomach dropped. Behind me, Damian swore under his breath, a long string of curses. Roman kicked the doorframe so hard dust fell from the ceiling.

Rancho continued, Theyre leaked. Online. Everywhere.

The world tilted around me.

I roared so loud the windows shook. What did I tell you!? Delete those! I wanted her found first! I said not a single person touches those files! Who the hell

I kicked a chair, sent it flying, wood splintering against the wall.

Then Ranchos voice came again, quiet, deadly.

Boss the one who leaked the pictures and videos its Camilla.

Everything in me went blank.

I hurriedly went to Camilla's house and kicked the front door open so hard it bounced off the wall. I did not bother calling her name.

Camilla! I shouted, stalking through the living room, knocking over a chair just because it was in my way. Get your ass out here. Now. I said now.

She appeared at the top of the stairs all shaking, and eyes glossy.

Alessandro, she whispered. Why are you yelling at me? I didnt mean anything bad, I swear. I was just trying to help. I was scared. I didnt know what to do.

She even added the trembling lip. The little gasps. The tiny steps backward like I was some monster shed never met. She had the whole act ready, like she practiced it every morning in the mirror.

I almost laughed.

Before I could get another word out, my brothers howed up. Roman came from the left, Damian from the right, moving in like two overgrown guard dogs that never learned manners.

Roman went first. Brother, seriously, what the hell are you doing? Why are you screaming at her like that? Shes our girl. You know that. Our first love. Youre acting like someone snapped your spine in half.

Damian snorted. Yeah, man, chill. Shes literally shaking. You want her to pass out on the floor? Youre making it sound like she hacked the Pentagon. Youre blowing everything up again.

The two of them stood there, arms crossed, ready to fight me for a woman who would sell any of us for a better offer. And for a second, just a second, my anger cracked. Because I saw what I looked like. Some idiot roaring in a room full of people who already thought he was losing it.

I rubbed my face and let out a breath. Fine, I muttered. Fine. I got pissed because whatever. I let my pride run my mouth again. It tasted like swallowing nails. She divorced me first. And the the baby thing. It got in my head.

I hated the words even as they left my tongue.

Before any of them could answer, my phone rang. The doctors name flashed. Everything in me went still.

I put it on speaker. Talk.

The doctors voice came out steady. Mr. Moretti, we have the results. The baby Rosalie was carrying is yours. The DNA is a match. Its not Roman. Its not Damian. Its you.

Everything around me went dim.

Low sperm count. Near zero odds. Camillas empty womb because she's barren.

My legs gave out. I dropped to my knees like someone cut the strings. I didnt even feel the floor under me.

In my head, all I saw was Rosalies face.

Those sad eyes. The ones she gave me before she walked away.

The ones I ignored.

The ones I deserved.

Rosalie'S POV

The living room looked smaller than I remembered. I sat between my parents, hands wrapped around a cup of tea I couldnt drink. My throat felt too tight.

I asked the question I knew I wasnt supposed to ask.

Is Gustavos grand son still unmarried.

My father froze mid-pour. The tea hit the cup too slow, too careful, then stopped. My mother straightened like someone pulled a string along her spine.

Reeves, he said. Gustavos heir. You remember what happened to him?

I nodded. I remembered the whispers. Car explosion. Body pulled out in pieces. Doctors saying he would never walk again. The photo of him in that wheelchair everyone tried not to stare at. But no one see his real face and picture.

My father spoke slowly. He cannot walk. Maybe never again.

I know, I answered. My voice came out small, the kind you hear from someone who learned silence the hard way.

He leaned back, eyes narrowed, the way men look when they want to choose their next words carefully but dont know how.

Rosalie, that man runs a quarter of the underworld from a wheelchair. If he wants someone dead, it happens before the sun comes up. If he wants a city to kneel, the city kneels.

My mother whispered, voice shaking. Why would you even think of him, baby.

I gave her a small smile, but it felt wrong on my face. Because men like him dont pretend. And they dont lie when they make a promise.

My father shook his head. Gustavos family is dangerous. Reeves is worse. He is quiet. He is cold. He is smarter than all of us put together. He is ruthless, Rosalie. And he has no interest in women. Not after the accident.

Good, I said softly. Im not looking for interest. Im looking for safety.

My mother suddenly inhaled like shed been stabbed. She covered her mouth.

Rosalie, she whispered. Are you running from Alessandro?

I didnt answer.

And that silence told her everything.

My father stood up fast enough that the chair legs scraped. He went to the old desk by the window, the one with the stuck drawer he always complained about. He forced it open and pulled out a single black card.

Just one word on it. Reeves.

He held it out to me.

This is Reevess personal line. Gustavo gave it to me years ago. He owes me a debt from the Santo Tomas deal.

He hesitated.

If you call him, you cannot take it back. He will come. He does not ignore debts.

My fingers closed around the card. It felt heavy. Too heavy. Like it understood what I was asking for.

I swallowed hard. What kind of man is he now?

My father thought for a long time.

He lost his ability to walk, but he did not lose his legs. And he did not lose his hunger. He only learned how to hide it better.

I looked down at the card again.

For the first time in years, I felt like I was choosing something. Not being pushed. Not being dragged. Choosing.

Good, I whispered. I need a man who can protect what is mine. I want to marry him.

My parents both sucked in a breath like they were drowning. Before they could speak, my fathers phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and went pale.

Moretti. Their company.

He put the call on speaker.

The voice from the other end shouted about frozen accounts, canceled contracts, shipments blocked at the pier.

My mother grabbed the edge of the table and my father sat down like his knees gave up.

Alessandro had started.

Everything was already collapsing.

My mothers lips trembled. Rosalie please please call Reeves.

My father nodded slowly, defeated. If this is the only way, then do it. We will support you.

He took his own phone and dialed a number he hadnt touched in years. The old Gustavos answered on the first ring. The old mans voice came through rough, powerful, amused.

You finally used the card, he said. Good. Tell me what you need.

My father cleared his throat. Our daughter wants to marry Reeves Gustavo.

The old man didnt even pause. Bring the bride. We will start the wedding tomorrow.

The plane landed in a private strip that looked too quiet, too clean, like the world here didnt bother with noise. Men in black were waiting before the door even opened. One of them took my arm, not rough but not gentle either, and rushed me into a black car with no plates.

I didnt ask questions. I didnt have enough strength left for that.

The ride was short. They brought me straight to an old stone courthouse that felt older than the country itself. No music. No flowers. No Reeves.

Only a table.

Only papers.

Only his signature was already waiting there like hed signed it in the middle of something more important.

My hand shook so much the pen almost slipped when I wrote my name beside his. It felt strange. Quiet. Too final. My heart was beating so loud I thought they could hear it echo in the halls.

The priest spoke with a flat, tired voice, like hed married strangers like me a thousand times. When he finished, Gustavos grandfather put his hand on my shoulder. Heavy. Solid. Not comforting, just final.

You are Gustavo now, he said. The whole world will know soon.

I lowered my head. I didnt trust my voice. I didnt trust my own lungs. Relief, fear, exhaustion it all mixed until I couldnt tell which one hurt more.

...

Later, during dinner, the table was long and cold. The grandfather ate quietly, his men standing behind him like statues. I tried to swallow food but everything tasted the same.

Will Reeves meet me?

He looked at me with a weight that made my stomach twist.

He will, when he chooses. He took a slow sip of soup. Reeves is busy killing people in the basement right now. Traitors.

My whole body went stiff. His tone wasnt angry. It wasnt proud. It was just normal. Like it was nothing.

I stared at my plate. My hands went cold. My mind went blank.

I was Mrs. Reeves Gustavo now.

Camilla'S POV

I sat in front of my mirror, legs crossed, doing my makeup like a queen getting ready for coronation. The more eyeliner I added, the more I smiled at myself.

Finally, I whispered, leaning close to my reflection like I was sharing a delicious secret. Rosalie is gone. I really thought shed come crawling back here like some pathetic stray. And she even aborted the child. What a lunatic. What kind of woman throws away a chance like that?

I put on my lipstick slowly, real slow, admiring how good I looked. My face always looked better when she wasnt around. I hummed while brushing my hair, enjoying the peace of not seeing her stupid perfect face anywhere near me.

God, I hated her since preschool! Ugh.

Flashback hit me hard, like a slap to the face.

The teachers voice. Rosalie, perfect again. A+! Wow. Beautiful work. Then shed turn to me with that fake smile. Camilla, you got an A. Good job.

Good job? Good job? Rosalie gets worshipped while I get a pat on the head like a pet. I wanted to tear that paper in half.

Next memory.

My first crush. Stupid little boy with stupid soft curls. I remember watching him give his cookies and juice to Rosalie every single recess. And theyd run around the playground together like some fairytale pair. I cried after school. Literally cried. I confronted him the next day.

Why do you like her more?! I like you.

He shrugged like it was nothing. Rosalies prettier. And nicer.

That stuck in my head forever. It burned.

Flashback ended and I stared at myself again, smiling sharper.

Now Rosalie was out of the way. And I could finally move to become Mrs Moretti. Alessandro was mine. He always shouldve been mine. Sure, I slept with his brothers too. Sometimes all together. Sometimes they begged for it. But Alessandro was the one I wanted. The only problem? I couldnt get pregnant.

Another flashback rolled in.

I got pregnant once. Sugar daddys baby. He wanted it. I didnt. He was old and ugly. I only wanted the money. So I got rid of it. And the infection wrecked everything inside me. The doctor told me my womb was basically useless.

Best news ever.

Pregnancy? Disgusting. Ugly. Uncomfortable. I never wanted that.

I was still smiling when Janna, my cousin and favorite sidekick in all crimes, burst into the room out of breath.

Camilla! You remember your first crush and first love, Reeves? The man you confessed to like an idiot on highschool? The man you sent a thousand letters to in one year? The man everyone loved?

I groaned loudly. Do not bring that man up. I swear, I remember how pathetic I was over him. I even almost jumped in a river just to make him notice me. Hes a crazy psycho anyway.

Janna nodded fast. Right, right. That man. Well rumor says he got married today.

My lipstick stopped halfway to my mouth.

What did you just say?

Janna swallowed hard, repeating it slower.

Hes married. Today.

My face twisted, heat crawling up my neck.

What? Him? Married? He cannot even walk. Hes stuck in a wheelchair forever. Who would marry someone like that? And we literally paid men just to kill him. My moms death insurance money wasnt wasted. I hated him for rejecting me.

Janna leaned closer. Yeah but according to what I heard the woman who married him

Who? I snapped.

Janna whispered it like a curse.

Rosalie.

My voice exploded before I could stop it.

What?!

I grabbed Jannas wrist so hard she squeaked.

Where the hell did you even hear that crap? You better not be feeding me some cheap rumors from TikTok.

Janna pushed her glasses up like she was the smartest girl in the room. Relax, Camilla. I got it from your sugar daddy. The old one. The one with the saggy cheeks who still pays me just to whisper stupid gossip in his ear. He said he got it from the airport staff where Reeves private plane landed.

I stared at her, stunned for a second, then scoffed.

Wow. My sources are pathetic but still reliable.

Janna rolled her eyes. Girl, listen. Isnt it pathetic though? Rosalie actually married a disabled man. And broke. Man cant even stand to greet his own bride.

I burst out laughing so hard my mascara nearly smudged. Oh my God. She really downgraded. Imagine marrying someone who needs help just to walk to the bathroom. This is the funniest thing Ive heard all year.

Janna wiped tears from her face. You want us to tell Alessandro?

I shrugged like I was making a generous offer.

I mean why not. Its literally the nicest thing we could do.

Janna blinked. Nicest? How?

I grinned, showing all my teeth. Once Alessandro knows, hell drag her sorry ass back home. And when she comes back I flicked my hair. Oh, shes going to wish she stayed with the cripple.

We both laughed like two cheap villains in a low-budget mafia show. It felt amazing.

...

Later, we walked into Moretti headquarters like it was ours. Alessandro was inside his glass office, sleeves rolled up, signing contracts like the whole world was on fire. Papers everywhere. His brothers yelled in the background.

He looked like he hadnt slept in a week. Which honestly made him look hotter.

I didnt bother knocking. I never knock.

I strutted in with enough perfume to kill a horse.

Alessandro, baby, we need to talk.

He didnt even look up. What the hell do you want, Camilla? Im busy.

Its about Rosalie. I sat right on his desk, blocking everything he was working on.

His pen stopped mid-stroke. The whole room went quiet like someone pressed mute.

I smiled. Time for fun.

So rumor says Rosalie finally got herself a man, I said slowly, enjoying every second.

His jaw twitched. Just what I wanted.

Not just any man. Guess who?

Camilla. Stop playing, he growled.

I leaned forward, voice almost sweet. Reeves Gustavo.

The pen snapped in his hand. The twins walked out of the side room like they just heard a bomb go off. And Alessandro? Alessandro stood up so fast his chair almost flipped.

What did you fucking say?