"It's Alessandro. Maksim is here about setting a new wedding date."
Cristian's jaw tightens. "Why? What's his angle now?"
I share what Alessandro told me last night. “He says there's been too much delay already. He doesn't trust us anymore after the forged letter." I press my hand to my stomach, feeling protective over the tiny life inside me. "But maybe it's for the best. The sooner we're married, the easier it will be to claim the baby is his."
I can’t stand that I’m saying these words.
Worse, I hate myself for the pain it causes Cristian.
For so long, I’ve felt my life is unfair, but it’s worse for him. For having a child he can’t claim, he can’t love, he can’t watch grow up.
“I’m sorry, I have to go before they get suspicious.”
“Valentina—”
“I’m sorry.” I hurry out of the storage room, feeling like I’m the worst person in the world.
He’s been nothing but good to me.
He’s stood up for me against my brothers. He’s saved my life.
He gave me what I should have never asked for, love and respect.
And now I’m tossing him aside.
I pull myself together as I enter the sitting room where my brothers and Maksim are having a drink.
“Ah, my wife to be.” Maksim rises, and when he sees me, his eyes narrow. “Are you unwell?”
I force a smile. “Just tired. There’s so much to be done before the wedding. Especially if you’re wanting to move it up.”
“Why wait?” he asks, taking my hand and guiding me to sit next to him on the sofa. “Why give the Rossis more time to cause problems?”
I can tell he doesn’t believe that story. This move is to ensure he gets what he wants.
“Why, indeed?” I say, hating myself.
He tilts his head, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “You seem eager suddenly. After all your resistance."
I meet his gaze, hoping he doesn’t see the truth. “I’m not resistant to the marriage. I’ve been resistant to your advances. After all, you’re eager to have a virgin bride, am I right?”
He smirks as he glances at my brothers.
Adriano is in the corner, sipping his drink, but I feel a simmering anger in him.
I wish he were stronger, more willing to stand up to Alessandro like Luca was.
"The sooner we’re married, the sooner we can be done with all this work on the wedding. It’s exhausting."
He studies me for a long moment before nodding. "Good. A week from Saturday, then. And I'll have my people make the arrangements. You rest. I want my new bride full of energy for our wedding night."
Alessandro scowls but doesn’t say anything.
When Maksim leaves, I feel like I want to take a shower. Maksim’s taint is all over me.
“Valentina.” Alessandro calls me before I can make it upstairs.
I turn to him, not hiding my annoyance. “Now what?”
