The Don's Cruelest Prescription

The entire Chicago underworld knew that Marco Carbone, the Don of the Carbone family, was utterly devoted to his wife.

As his wife, I was the envy of every woman in that world.

But when Bianca appeared, I learned that a ruthless Don's heart could still be swayed.

Fearing I would discover his secret, he installed Bianca in a private villa on the shores of Lake Michigan, lavishing her with affection far from my sight.

Yet, he ended every tryst with the same cold warning: "If Aria finds out, you disappear."

But she refused to stay in the shadows. Emboldened by Marco's affection, she relentlessly flaunted their affair in my face.

Her very existence was a constant, painful reminder that Marco was no longer mine alone.

So, I decided to vanish from his world for good.

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1

I returned home to find Helena, our housekeeper, had already laid out the syringe for my injection, as she always did.

The familiar, sharp scent of rubbing alcohol filled the air, making my head swim.

Marco and I never had children. After a visit to the hospital, the family's physician informed me I would struggle to conceive.

The news shattered me. Marco, unable to bear my grief, hired the best doctors to create a specialized treatment plan.

Finally, a leading expert asserted that a special course of injections could improve my overall health and increase my chances of conception.

From that day forward, Marco oversaw every single one of my injections himself, making sure everything was done right.

Over the years, my arms became a tapestry of countless tiny needle marks; I had long grown accustomed to the cold, sharp pain.

He even postponed important family meetings for this ritual.

For five long years, I had taken this injection, custom-made for me by a renowned specialist he'd hired.

I used to think he simply wanted me to recover quickly so I could bear him an heir.

But I never imagined his attentiveness was a lie, a cruel performance to ensure I could never carry his child.

A bitter smile touched my lips as I shook my head.

I already struggled to conceive. Why go to such extremes?

He really, truly didn't want me to have his child.

Marco walked in as I was staring blankly at the syringe.

Seeing my vacant expression, he pulled me into his arms and asked softly, "What's on your mind, my love? Are you feeling alright? Is the injection making you dizzy? Should I get you some chocolate?"

As he spoke, he produced a bar of Swiss dark chocolate from his pocket as if pulling it from thin air.

The sight of his tender expression sent bile rising in my throat.

I suppressed the wave of nausea and said calmly, "It's nothing. The gala tonight was just so stuffy, and the smell of the alcohol is making me a little sick."

His lips tightened with worry.

"The temperature has dropped these past few days, and you're barely wearing anything. Are you feeling unwell? I'll have the doctor come take a look."

I shook my head.

"I'm fine, much better now."

Seeing my insistence, he dropped the subject.

I looked down at the syringe, my eyes stinging.

Marco was so determined to ensure I would never get pregnant with his child.

If he truly loved Bianca, he could have just let me go. He didn't have to be this cruel.

After the injection, Marco gently pressed a cotton ball to the pinprick on my arm.