Arms crossed. Posture relaxed..
I walked faster.
Clutching the report tighter.
“There’s got to be a mistake with these results—a serious one,” I said the moment I reached him.
My voice came out breathless.
“This isn’t possible!”
He didn’t look at me.
Didn’t move.
Didn’t even acknowledge the report in my hand.
“Quit stressing me out, Elena,” he said flatly.
The words were dismissive.
“Whatever you’re carrying... it’s the child of a rapist.”
My breath caught.
Then—
Without looking at me—
“I gave you my word—I’ll kill Matteo for touching you,” he said evenly.
“I can make you watch exactly how much he suffers before I send him to hell. So tell me... why are you still trying to force a child on me that isn’t mine?”
Everything inside me went still.
“Wait—just listen to me.”
My voice shook, but I forced the words out anyway, clinging to them like they were the last thread keeping me from falling apart.
“I’ve only had sex once in my entire life. And that was with you. That night.”
The memory hit me as I spoke—faint, but vivid enough to make my chest tighten.
“I have no reason to lie. No reason at all. This result is wrong.”
I took a step closer, desperate now.
“Please—come back with me tomorrow. We’ll do another test. Together. See it through with me.”
For a moment, there was nothing.
Then—
He looked at me.
Cold. Distant.
“I have things to do, Elena,” Vincenzo said flatly.
