The Heir They Denied

When I was three months pregnant, Stella Falcone, the principessa of an allied family, was also carrying another man's child.

To preserve the alliance, my Mafia lover, Matteo Gallo, had to marry her.

"Stella is Don Falcone's only daughter. In our world, alliances are worth more than sentiment."

"Ava will understand."

What Matteo forgot was that I had no one but him, and that the child I carried was the true Gallo heir.

Later, as everyone mocked my unborn child, calling him a bastard who would taint the bloodline, Matteo stood by with his new bride and did nothing.

That was when I learned that in this world of blood and secrets, love was the most worthless currency of all.

If that’s how it was going to be, then I would forge my ultimate revenge with my own two hands, using my own life and the life of the baby he refused to claim.

The scent of antiseptic filled the hospital corridor.

I sat on a waiting room chair in the obstetrics wing, the screen of my phone glowing with a message from Matteo:

[Family business. Can't make it. We'll talk later.]

It was always some excuse.

I remember the day I found out I was pregnant. I told Matteo, my voice trembling with excitement.

But his reaction was strangely cold. There was no joy, only a deep frown. When I asked when we would finally have our wedding, he deflected, his panic obvious.

And for the last three months, every single one of my prenatal appointments had been interrupted by one of his "emergencies."

"Ms. Prescott?" a nurse called my name.

I stood and walked into the examination room alone. The cold transducer slid across my belly, and a tiny shadow flickered on the screen. Our child.

"The baby is very healthy," the doctor said with a smile.

I walked out of the hospital clutching the report, this little life the only company I had.

I decided to get some air in the private garden. The hospital was a Gallo family property, elegant and quiet. A perfect place for an expectant mother to rest.

But I never expected to see Matteo on one knee on the lawn, kissing the back of a woman's hand.

The woman had a cascade of blonde curls and wore a white designer dress that did little to hide her own swollen belly.

It was Stella Falcone.

The woman he was always meant to marry for the alliance.

"You have to be strong, little one. For your mother's sake."

An old man nodded in approval. "A fine son-in-law. The Falcone family is fortunate."

Matteo rose, his hand gently supporting Stella's waist. "It's my duty to take care of Stella and the child."

Stella lowered her head demurely, leaning into his embrace.

Suddenly, someone called my name. A nurse was rushing out with a receipt I'd left behind.

Matteo's head snapped in my direction.

His eyes flashed with panic and unease. He clearly hadn't expected to