Of course he’d send someone to escort me to the toilet.
Violette rises like a queen summoned for duty. “You’d think I was her security detail,” she mutters, but there’s affection in the complaint.
We weave through the glittering crowd and slip into the marble-tiled bathroom, the heavy door muffling the hum of the ballroom behind us. I head straight for the sink, pressing my hands to the cool marble counter and staring at my reflection. My skin’s a little too pale, and I swear I can feel the heat climbing up my throat.
“I knew it,” Violette says behind me, like she’s been waiting to pounce.
I blink, then turn. “Knew what?”
She lifts a perfectly shaped brow. “You’re pregnant.”
My jaw nearly unhinges. “I—what—how the hell did you know?”
“Please,” she scoffs, “you think I wouldn’t notice the glow? Then the past hour confirmed it, the sudden nausea, the distaste for Dom Pérignon?” She crosses her arms and leans against the marble wall, looking entirely too pleased with herself. “How long have you known?”
I swallow hard, stunned, still clutching the edge of the sink. “I found out tonight. Practically as we walked out the door.”
Her eyes soften at that. “Well, congratulations, my dear.” A grin curves her lips. “You two don’t waste any time.”
“We’ve only been married for five weeks.”
She waves her hand, dismissive. “Be ready, darling. Marchetti men are fertile. You so much as breathe near them, and boom—bun in the oven.”
A laugh breaks from my chest, too sharp, too sudden. “Jesus, Violette.”
“Don’t ‘Jesus’ me. I got knocked up three months after meeting Enzo’s father. I was twenty-four, stubborn as hell, and convinced I didn’t need anyone.” Her voice softens. “But he...he showed me differently.”
I turn toward her fully now, letting the moment settle between us.
“He died when Enzo was two, right?”
She nods. “Gunfight. Business deal gone south. I didn’t get enough time with him. I still remember the way he looked at me when I was pregnant. He would kiss my belly, calling Enzo his shadow. He was so caring, so different with me than he was with the rest of the world. I know Enzo will be exactly the same way with you.”
I blink fast. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” she says with a small smile. “I’d do it all again. Every moment. Even the hard ones. Because that little boy, your husband now, he saved me. Gave me something to live for and gave me a reason to lead this family until he could take over. Andnow...I see the same fire in you. You’re stronger than I was, Zara. Sharper. And you’ve got Enzo wrapped so tight, he’d set the world on fire just to keep you warm.”
My throat tightens. “Thank you. For saying that.” I give her a smile. “I never thought I could find a man as kind and obsessive as Enzo.”
“You’re welcome, bambina. I can’t wait to spoil that child.” Her eyes sparkle.
I pause. “Enzo doesn’t know. I couldn’t dare to tell him, he would have called this whole thing off.” I look down, then back to her eyes. “I need tonight. I need to close this chapter and move on from that man.”
She hugs me. “I understand. Your secret is safe with me. Just be careful and tell Enzo tomorrow.”
I nod. “Thank you…again.”
Violette shrugs like emotions make her itchy. “You’re welcome. Now splash some cold water on your face and get back out there before your obsessive husband kicks the door in.”
The ballroom feels warmerwhen we walk back in.
Maybe it’s the people. Maybe it’s the lights. Maybe it’s the fact that every step I take puts me closer to what’s coming. My heels strike the floor with a steady rhythm. Violette walks beside me like we didn’t just talk about babies and dead husbands in a marble-lined bathroom. Her face is calm. Her presence is solid.
As we reach our table, Enzo stands. His eyes go straight to mine. He studies my face like he’s checking for damage, for doubt. Then he places his hand on the back of my chair as I sit. His palm is warm. It’s the only thing that feels steady right now.
“Are you okay?” he asks, eyes searching my face.
I nod. “I’m ready.”
