Married to the Don's Lie

She gave me a slow, disgusted once-over.

"And you? Even worse. Couldn't even hold onto your baby. His mother's been pushing him to drop you—she's hated you for years. Why do you think I'm here tonight? Because he and his Family already picked me."

My ears were ringing.

Three years ago, a crash stole the baby I was four months along with.

Leon and I both mourned—but how the hell did she know?

She leaned in, reeking of something sweet and sick. "Only I'm fit to be the wife of the strongest Don. I'm the one who'll give him the real heir. Be smart, back off. Don't make me shove."

I heard Antonio's voice getting closer.

Carla stepped away. I stared her down. She gave me that smug, fake-sympathy smile.

"Fine," she said. "See it for yourself. Ten tonight. La Rosa Nera. You'll get your truth."

She strutted off.

I didn't show my face again till the banquet wrapped.

Soon as Antonio spotted me, he broke from the maid and grabbed my hand.

"Anna, you sick?"

I faked a smile. His face—pure Leon.

But he wasn't to blame for any of this.

"I'm okay, baby."

I walked him to his room, tucked him in like always.

Then just sat there, staring.

For once, I didn't rush back.

Carla's words wouldn't quit spinning in my head—right alongside seven years of memories.

Back when we first got married, I got hit with a brutal fever. Leon stayed up all night taking care of me.

That wasn't his thing—he was always wrapped up in Don business.

But I'd mumbled in my sleep about missing Nonna's pasta, and he went all in—burned his hands trying to cook from her notes, wouldn't let anyone else feed me.

Anytime I got upset about hiding our marriage, he'd find ways to make me laugh, whispering that once things calmed down, he'd give me the biggest wedding in the world.

Even after we lost the baby... he broke too. But he still held me, over and over, swearing we'd try again.

But he kept saying 'healthy heir'...

Was that it? After Antonio, was he scared the next baby might be born the same?

"What's on your mind?"

That voice—familiar enough to make me flinch.

Leon stood in the doorway, velvet box in hand.

"For you." He dropped to one knee and popped it open. Inside? A diamond ring that could blind you.

"Biggest Karowe diamond this year. Just for kicks. When we have our real wedding, your ring'll be even crazier."

I stared at him—at that soft look in his eyes—and froze.

Could someone like this really lie to me?

"You don't like it?" His brow creased as he brushed my cheek. "You look pale."

"I..."

I wanted to tell him I was pregnant. Ask him about Antonio. About everything.

But before I could open my mouth, his phone lit up.

"Damn. Almost forgot—I got a meeting tonight. Might run late, don't wait up."

He kissed me goodnight and walked out.

If I hadn't seen that message—if I hadn't read [Old place] from Carla—I might've actually bought it. Might've believed he meant it.

At 9:50, I stood outside La Rosa Nera.

Members-only casino. I flashed the Family badge Leon gave me, and just like that, the staff snapped to attention. Respectful. Polite.

I walked in.

The lighting was low, moody. I scanned the place.

Then I saw him.

VIP section, half closed off. Leon, lounging on leather, whiskey swirling in his glass.

Across from him—Consiglieres and Underbosses from other Families. Serious faces. Looked like business.

I let out a breath. Was about to leave.

Then Carla strutted over with a drink, slid right into his lap.

I couldn't hear a word, but I saw enough.

His whole face softened. That smile—one he used to keep just for me.

Then he pulled her in, like it meant nothing, and kissed her like it did.

The room lit up with whistles and laughter.

Someone yelled, "Don Leon, when's the wedding with Signorina Vitti?"

That was it. I bolted.

Tears blurred everything as I stumbled down to the first floor, hands shaking.

Then I saw it—a fire alarm on the wall.

I didn't think. I slammed it.

Screams erupted behind me as alarms wailed.

I walked out without looking back.

Carla gave me the truth.

I gave her a drowned party.

Fair trade.