Antonio stood by the window, unmoving, a glass of whiskey in his hand, untouched.
His jaw tightened as his mind betrayed him again.
Her.
The way she had looked at him.
The way she had reacted.
The way her lips had parted slightly when he pulled away...
"Cazzo..." he muttered under his breath, irritation flashing across his face.
His grip tightened around the glass.
Why was he thinking about that?
Why was he replaying it?
His mind dragged him back again....
Her on his desk.
Her hands pushing against his chest.
Not fully rejecting him.
Not fully accepting him either.
And that...was the problem.
His expression darkened.
Because the truth settled in, slow and uncomfortable.
He didn't kiss her to prove a point.
He didn't kiss her to humiliate Elena.
He kissed her...because he wanted to.
A scoff escaped him.
"Ridicolo."
Annoyed, he turned away from the window and downed the drink...then immediately poured another.
But this time...
He didn't drink it.
He just stared at the glass.
Lost in thoughts he didn't like.
*
Regina didn't stop walking until she got to her room.
The moment the door shut behind her, she exhaled sharply.
Her heart was still racing.
Too... annoying.
"Ugh!"
She dragged her fingers through her hair, pacing the room.
Angry, confused and frustrated.
Her fingers brushed her lips unconsciously and she froze.
Her brows furrowed then immediately, she wiped her lips with the back of her hand like it offended her.
"What is wrong with me...?" she muttered.
"I'm supposed to hate him for hurting Damian..."
Her voice dropped.
"...so why is my heart beating like this just because of a stupid kiss?"
"This is insane."
A knock came on the door.
She turned, grateful for the distraction.
"Come in."
Louisa stepped in quietly, the baby already asleep in her arms.
"Oh-thank you..." Regina said softly, immediately taking the little one from her.
Her expression softened instantly.
At least something in this place made sense.
Louisa gave a small nod.
"She fell asleep not too long ago."
Regina smiled faintly.
"Thank you for watching her... really."
Louisa hesitated for a second, then Regina spoke again.
"...What happened to Rosselia?"
An awkward pause...
"She was dismissed," Louisa replied carefully. "Immediately after the... incident at the basement."
Regina exhaled slowly, then nodded.
"I see..."
She shouldn't feel bad.
Rosselia had tried to harm her.
She deserved it.
And yet...a small part of her still felt uneasy.
Louisa continued,
"A new cook has been hired. She will resume duties tomorrow morning."
Regina nodded again.
"Alright... thank you, Louisa."
"Goodnight, Miss."
"Goodnight."
The door closed and silence returned.
Antonio was quick to dismiss Rosselia like she didn't matter.
Of course..
It's Antonio afterall..
A heartless man.
He also made it clear about disposing her off when she becomes useless to him.
She sighed, gently laid the baby down and slipped under the covers beside her.
She closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
Tried to forget.
Tried not to think about...
Him.
...
Between the hours of late midnight, there was a faint noise.
Her eyes snapped open and she frowned.
"...Lucifer?" she groaned.
Of course.
That annoying cat again.
She turned, burying her face into the pillow.
"Go away..."
Another sound...but louder this time.
From the bathroom.
She groaned again.
"I swear if that cat is knocking things over again..."
She pushed the covers off and stood up reluctantly, dragging her feet toward the bathroom.
Half asleep, half irritated.
She pushed the door open and froze at the spot.
A man.
Standing there.
A knife in his hand.
Her brain didn't process it immediately but her body did.
Her scream tore through the room.
"AHH!"
She slammed the door shut instantly and stumbled back.
"What the hell-?!"
Adrenaline hit hard.
She didn't think, she just turned and ran fast.
She heard movement behind her...
The door bursting open...
Footsteps.
"HELP!!"
Gunshots rang out from somewhere in the mansion, loud and terrifying.
Her heart nearly stopped.
Instinct took over... She grabbed the baby from the bed, clutching her tightly against her chest, then bolted out of the room.
The man almost grabbed her...
His fingers barely grazing her arm, but she slipped away.
Running barefoot.
Her screams echoed through the hallway.
"HELP! SOMEBODY-!"
She didn't have a destination...she just ran..
Straight into the living room and then she saw Antonio's office door open.
She rushed in breathing heavily.
"There's a man-"
Her voice died.
The words stuck in her throat as her eyes dropped.
Blood.
Everywhere.
The metallic scent hit her instantly.
Two lifeless bodies on the floor.
And Antonio, was standing over them.
Gun in hand.
Smoke curling from the barrel.
Her breath hitched, her legs gave out.
She dropped to her knees, clutching the baby tightly.
Her entire body trembling.
He turned immediately at the sound.
His expression shifted when he saw her.
The gun disappeared into his waistband in seconds as he moved toward her.
"What happened?" he asked sharply.
But she couldn't answer...
She just stared at him...like he was something inhuman.
Footsteps echoed outside.
Antonio's expression darkened instantly.
He turned, gun back in his hand and moved out of the room without hesitation.
Leaving her behind.
Alone with the bodies.
Regina's eyes remained fixed on the blood.
Her grip on the child tightened like never before.
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"I didn't sign up for this..."
Her voice broke.
"I didn't sign up for this..."
*
The gunshots had stopped but the silence that followed was worse.
Regina remained on the floor, trembling, her arms wrapped tightly around the baby as if letting go would shatter whatever little control she had left.
Antonio stepped back into the office and walked toward her.
She saw him coming and her body tensed instantly.
He crouched slightly, reaching out....
She slapped his hand away.
"Don't touch me!"
Her voice cracked, sharp and filled with fear.
He exhaled slowly.
Annoyed.
Still, he reached for her again.
"I said don't touch me!" she yelled, her voice shaking now.
"You just murdered three people... don't touch me with those hands of yours!"
Antonio stared at her then sighed...
"You're shaken," he said calmly. "That's understandable."
He straightened.
"But you'll have to get used to it."
Her eyes widened.
"What?"
"You're in the Mafia world now," he continued, his tone flat, almost bored.
"Things like this happen."
Her chest tightened.
"I didn't ask to be in this world!" she snapped, tears spilling freely. "You basically dragged me into it. You forced me into this!"
Her voice echoed in the room.
For a moment, neither of them moved.
Then...
"Your room isn't safe for now," Antonio said, brushing past her words like they meant nothing. "Michael will take you to mine."
Regina blinked, then let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
"You must be delusional if you think I'd spend the night in your room."
A muscle ticked in his jaw.
He exhaled slowly.
"Stop being stubborn. I'm trying to protect you."
"I'm not sleeping in your room."
His gaze hardened slightly.
"Why?"
She opened her mouth... But paused.
Because the memory hit her.
The kiss.
The way her body had reacted.
Heat crept up her neck instantly.
She bit her lower lip, annoyed at herself.
"...Because it's inappropriate," she muttered, pushing herself up to stand.
Antonio tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"Is that so?"
He took a step closer.
"What exactly is inappropriate, cara mia?"
"It's Regina," she snapped quickly. "Don't call me that."
His lips twitched slightly.
"What I call my fiancée is entirely up to me."
"A temporary fiancée," she shot back. "You can drop the act when no one is around."
That did it.
Something in his expression snapped.
He let out a sharp breath, then suddenly slammed his hand against the wall beside her head.
The sound echoed loudly.
She flinched violently.
Her back pressed against the wall as her heart raced.
"I am not in a good mood right now," he said lowly, his voice dropping into something dark and controlled. "And you are not helping."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"Don't make me do something I'll regret later."
She didn't speak nor move.
She just stared at him, fear written all over her face.
Because in that moment...
She believed him completely.
She didn't want to end up like one of those lifeless bodies.
Her lips trembled slightly.
"I-I'm sorry... Antonio," she whispered, the name left her mouth softly and carefully like she was trying not to provoke a beast.
He held her gaze, then stepped back.
The tension snapped.
His eyes dropped briefly to the baby in her arms.
"Go," he said, his voice calmer now. "Put her to sleep."
She didn't argue this time around...
She turned immediately, moving quickly out of the room.
Antonio watched her leave, then he pulled out his phone.
"Michael."
"Come take them to my room."
He ended the call without waiting for a response.
❤Regina's P.O.V❤
I couldn't stop staring.
The screens. So many screens. Rows of them, angled perfectly, each one flickering with live footage from every corner of the mansion. My room. My...my room.
I froze. My hand hovered over the nearest monitor.
No. No, this can't be real.
I clicked closer. My heart thudded so loud.
My stomach churned. Rage, humiliation, fear. All of it at once.
That pervert!
How many times had he watched me? All those moments...all those moments I thought were mine alone-he'd been there.
Watching.
I wanted to scream. No, scream wasn't enough. I wanted to rip the screens down, smash them, burn them. My blood was boiling.
The door opened.
I jumped.
Antonio.
His presence filled the room before he even stepped in. I spun, pointing at the monitors, my hands shaking.
"This is what you do, huh? Sit and intrude in people's privacy...?"
He sighed, unbothered, and headed straight for his wardrobe. Ignoring me.
I gritted my teeth, furious.
"Answer me, De Luca! You've been spying on me... watching me all this time? Even during my most private moments! Even when I-"
My cheeks burned. I couldn't finish the sentence. I didn't want to imagine him watching me, naked, like some predator.
"Go to sleep," he murmured, tired, dismissive.
I opened my mouth, ready to explode.
"You're unbelievable... this isn't fair... you're crossing boundaries that aren't meant to be crossed! What do you-"
"It's late. Keep your voice down, or I'll shut you up myself."
His head turned slightly, just enough to glance at me without fully facing me. Then, he started unbuttoning his shirt.
I blinked. My stomach twisted.
"W-why are you suddenly taking off your clothes...?"
He didn't answer. Didn't even glance at me. His movements were deliberate, casual, yet something about them made the air in the room electric.
I couldn't look. But I did.
He began walking toward me.
Each step was measured, steady. My back hit the edge of the desk. I froze.
His blue eyes... messy hair... bare chest... the way his body looked like it had been sculpted for some godly masterpiece...I had to gulp to swallow the lump in my throat.
I wanted to move. Couldn't.
"A cat got your tongue now?" he scoffed, stopping just inches away.
"You're... invading my breathing space," I managed to mutter.
"You're in my way," he said simply, nodding at the monitors behind me.
Oh.
Stupid.
I stepped aside, heat rising to my cheeks, and he began working on the monitor showing my room.
"Here."
He pointed at a clip of the man from earlier, slipping in, pretending to be one of his guards, hiding in my bathroom.
I felt my knees weaken. My heart nearly stopped.
"Who knows what would've happened if I hadn't woken up on time," I said..
"Under my care, I wouldn't let any harm come to you". He replies.
I looked at him. He looked back. Silence filled the room for a long, suffocating moment.
Then he broke it.
"You see? This monitor actually works for other things... and not a 'nude show.'"
I looked away.
"It's still invading my privacy," I grumbled.
"Well, of course, I could use it to watch you... you're my fiancée, after all," he said lightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
I glared. My body still buzzing.
"Soon, cara mia... all of you... ." He gestured pointing at me from my head to my toes.
"Will be mine,"
I scoffed.
"You wish."
********************************************
🧤Third Person's P.O.V🧤
Morning came quietly, like the mansion itself was pretending nothing had happened the night before.
Regina sat by the edge of the bed, absentmindedly brushing her fingers against the baby's tiny hand.
Her mind wasn't here.
It was still stuck...
On blood.
On gunshots.
On him.
The door to the bathroom opened and Antonio walked into the room.
"You behaved well yesterday...with Mia madre, I must say." he said casually, drying his hair with a towel.
"I didn't realize I was being graded."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"My mother was impressed."
That made her pause slightly.
"And that's not easy."
He stepped closer.
"I'm proud of you."
Regina blinked.
That was unexpected.
And she hated that it made something in her chest shift.
"I don't need your approval," she muttered.
"Regardless," he continued smoothly, ignoring her tone, "I believe you deserve a reward."
Her brows furrowed.
"A... reward?"
"Yes."
"Make a wish."
Her eyes lit up instantly....
Freedom.
Finally-
"Does not include your freedom." He said.
Her lips parted.
Then slowly... she pouted.
Of course.
Of course he'd say that.
She exhaled, annoyed.
Then, without thinking further...
"I want to see Damian."
Silence fell..
The air changed instantly.
Antonio's expression didn't shift much...but his eyes darkened the moment Damian was mentioned.
"Maybe this was a bad idea after all," he said flatly. "Forget it."
"...What?" she frowned.
"You still dare to mention his name to me?" His tone dropped slightly. "Perhaps I've been too soft on you."
Her chest tightened.
"That's the only thing I want right now."
"You could ask for money. A car. A villa," he listed, unimpressed. "And that's what you choose?"
"I don't need your money, Antonio."
Her voice was firm.
"If you can't give me what I want, then fine."
He stared at her for a second, annoyed and irritated.
Then turned.
"You don't need anything," he muttered, heading for the wardrobe.
Panic flickered in her chest.
"Okay, fine!"
"I want to go outside," she said quickly.
"Just... let me breathe outside this mansion. For a day. Just one day."
A heartbeat passed.
Then...
"Fine."
Hope sparked in her eyes instantly.
"Michael goes with you."
Just like that...
It died.
Her shoulders dropped.
Of course.
She pouted slightly.
Of course she had a bodyguard to follow her around, like she was going to run away.
Well yeah, she might've thought about running away though.
"Whatever..." She murmured.
Honestly?
It was still better than any other guard.
Worse... Prince of death -Camelio
That man looked like he woke up every morning ready to commit murder.
The moment Regina stepped out of the mansion, she inhaled deeply.
Fresh air.
Freedom.
Even if it was temporary.
She didn't waste time.
They went straight to the Del Luca hotel.
"Why did you come here?" Michael asked, scanning the area.
"I was supposed to meet some business clients here to submit my company's proposal.." she sighed.
"Before your boss turned my life upside down."
She approached the receptionist.
"I'd like to inquire about a scheduled meeting-"
Her voice faded.
Her eyes locked onto something.
Someone.
Damian.
Walking in.
Her heart leapt as her face lit up instantly.
She almost ran to him...
Almost.
But then she remembered.
Michael.
She stopped herself and forced whatever excitement....down.
"Could you help me distract that man?" she said quickly to Michael, pointing at a random suited man. "He's one of my clients."
Michael glanced, then nodded and moved.
The moment he was gone, she slipped away.
Following Damian.
Her heart pounding.
She was just about to call his name, when he stopped in front of a door and knocked.
The door opened.
A woman stepped out.
And hugged him.
Regina froze.
Her smile vanished.
Her feet stopped moving.
Who...?
Something felt wrong.
Familiar.
She hid quickly, her breath uneven.
Then slowly stepped out again after they went in.
Her hands trembled as she dialed his number.
It rang.
No answer.
Her chest tightened.
She walked toward the door...each step heavier than the last.
"No... maybe it's nothing..."
She whispered to herself.
"Maybe a friend... a relative..."
But deep down she knew...
There was something familiar about the lady who hugged him and she knew his sisters..
None of them had that hair color.
She reached the door, hesitated...then rang the bell.
The door opened.
And her world shattered immediately she saw who it was.
"Ginny!"
Regina's breath caught.
"Tessa...?"
The only person who called her that was unmistakably... Theresa who was her best friend turned enemy.
Her worst mistake.
They used to be so close until Theresa grew jealous of Regina and they got into a big fight which separated them since then.
"You're in Italy..." Regina whispered and the latter nodded her head.
"Reggie...?" Damian appeared behind her.
Shock written all over his face.
"Oh my God-what are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you that," she said slowly.
"I saw you. I followed you."
"Shit..." he muttered.
"Look...it's not what you think-"
"How did you even get out?" he rushed. "I quit working for De Luca, they kicked me out-"
"Yeah..." Regina murmured.
Her eyes never left Theresa.
"You're lucky he spared your life...otherwise you wouldn't be in places you shouldn't be".
Damian stepped closer, grabbing her arms.
"Babe, you're out now..we can leave. Let's go back to America. Forget everything-Forget about the proposal, you could get a new Job elsewhere...let's just leave okay...?".
Her gaze dropped to his leg.
"You don't seem to be in pain anymore..."
"That's not important..."
"Go to America?" Theresa suddenly cut in.
Her voice sharp.
"Why would you leave me here? Who's going to take care of me and our unborn child?"
Silence.
Regina blinked.
Her brain stopped.
"...What?"
"Wh-What are you talking about?".
"I'm pregnant for Damian" Theresa said calmly, placing a hand on her stomach. "Four months."
Everything spun.
Regina's eyes slowly dropped...
To the slight bulge.
Her knees weakened.
"This is... a joke... right?" she whispered.
Damian couldn't look at her.
That was enough.
"Are you responsible for this?" she asked, her voice breaking.
Silence.
Tears filled his eyes.
Her answer.
She staggered back.
"I can explain-please-"
"It wasn't intentional!" he rushed. "She deceived me!"
"Oh please," Theresa scoffed. "You liked it when we had sex, you didn't complain back then, now you're blaming me?"
"He didn't tell you that when you guys had a fight back in America, four months ago, he came to me". She said to Regina.
Regina's vision blurred.
"You tricked me, Tessa!" Damian pointed at her.
"Great! now I take all the blame". She rolled her eyes, folding her arms.
Tears already threatened to fall, piled up in Regina's eyes.
"When you came to Italy..." she whispered, "was it because of me... or her?"
"I came for you!" he cried. "I love you..."
He dropped to his knees despite his injuries.
"I don't want to lose you...I'll explain everything to you, you have to believe that I would never betray you on my will...I love you, Reggie". "
But she was already breaking.
Theresa rolled her eyes again..
"My back hurts. Come massage it."
That was it.
Regina turned..
Walking away.
Each step felt like her chest was caving in.
"Baby..please..." He stood up and went after her.
"Don't!" she snapped, holding her hand out.
"Don't touch me."
He froze.
Michael appeared in the hallway.
"Miss...."
He rushed to her.
"What's the matter are you alright?". He asked.
She looked up to him.. Lost and broken.
"M-Michael...?"
"Yes, it's me...what's the matter?".
"Michael..." She called out again and her emotions betrayed her, as everything came rushing out all at once.
She broke completely.
Tears poured uncontrollably.
"Michael". Damian calls out but Michael ignored him, his focus on Regina who looked drained.
She almost fell but he caught her, steadying her..
Michael's gaze snapped to Damian now.
Cold.
"If you did something to her...I'll end you, right now."
Damian joined his hands together pleading..
His eyes were also damp with tears.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..talk to her, beg her...plead on my behalf, I'm so sorry".
"What happened Miss?" Michael asked again.
But Regina couldn't speak.
"He-she-they-"
Nothing made sense.
She continued crying and Michael turned to face Damian.
"What did you do to her..?"
Damian shook his head negatively...in response.
"If you're not willing to talk, should I let you in on what could happen if the boss finds her in this state..?". Michael said.
"I-I-I". Even Damian stuttered as he was at loss for words.
"My back hurts..."
Theresa whined from the side.
Michael turned to face her.
"Who's that?". He asked..
Damian didn't answer.
Regina crouched down burying her face in her palms as she cried like a child.
Michael stood, helpless.
He sighed in frustration.
"You". He faced Theresa once more...
"Tell me what happened here and....who are you?"
She shrugged.
"I'm just the mother of his unborn child...I didn't do anything to her"
Silence..
"Who? Who did you refer to as the father?" He asked, taken aback.
She gestured to Damian.
Michael's expression snapped.
He looked at Damian as realization hit.
"Tu bastardo !!" He cussed.
{You bastard!!}