Blurb：
Isabella Caruso thought she had the perfect life as Vincent Falcone’s wife—until she discovered his shocking betrayal. Pregnant with his child, Isabella’s world shatters when she finds Vincent at the hospital with his childhood sweetheart Rosa, claiming her baby as his own. As Isabella confronts her mafia husband, his cold explanation leaves her heartbroken: he will only acknowledge their child after Rosa’s baby is born.
Amid family pressure and Vincent’s absence, Isabella faces a painful choice. Will she fight for her place in the Falcone dynasty, or will Rosa’s manipulative schemes destroy everything? In a world of lies, power, and forbidden love, Isabella must decide if Vincent’s promises are worth the heartache.
Content：
I found out I was pregnant at the same time as my mafia husbands childhood sweetheart Rosa.
To protect her baby from being aborted by her parents, my husband claimed her baby as his own.
As for mine? He coxed me, saying he will claim only after her baby was born.
I confronted him, demanding to know why he would do this to me. His response was cold and unwavering: Claiming her baby as mine was the only way to protect them both. I wont let anything happen to her or the child.
In that moment, as I looked at the man I had loved for ten years, I realized my love for him had died.
Not long after, my family condemned me, calling me a slut for having a child without a father and pressured me into getting an abortion.
Meanwhile, my husband was in another city, with his sweetheart, helping her through her pregnancy.
By the time he returned, I was already gone.
1
Isabellas POV
I found out that my husband was accompanying his childhood sweetheart Rosa for her pregnancy check up at my regular hospital this afternoon.
Vincent, our baby looks so cute on the monitor.
From the crack in the door, I saw Vincents face lit up with a smile. Rosa was pointing at the monitor, and Vincent nodded, smiling back at her.
If I didnt know that man was my husbandthe father of my babyI would have sworn they were a couple, happy and in love.
Isabella Caruso? The doctor is ready for your examination, the nurse called.
Vincent turned, his face drained of color, his eyes scanning the hallway. He must have heard my name.
When his eyes landed on me, his mouth opened, but no words came out.
I had been happily married to Vincent Falcone, my mafia husband, for nearly ten years. This year, I was finally pregnant with his child. He of all people should know how difficult is for me to have the baby now. How could he do this to me?
I slowly walked toward him, my heart boiling with fury, anger, and the deep sadness of realizing how much I had been lied to.
Is that why you told me you couldnt come to my appointment today? I tried to keep my voice steady, but the anger surged, making it impossible to control.
Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped Vincent hard across the face.
It was the first time I had ever lashed out at him like this. Yet, even after I slapped him, he stood there, silent, avoiding my gaze.
Your silence isnt helping, Vincent. You owe me an explanation.
Vincent didnt move, but Rosawho had been standing behind himstepped forward, shielding him from my anger.
Mrs Falcone, Isabella, right? she said, her voice shaking, Blame it all on me. Vincent did nothing wrong.
It was my mistake, Isabella. Im the one who got pregnant.
Blamed it all on you, huh? I scoffed, the bitterness in my voice clear.
I was a tough woman, but even so, tears streamed down my face.
As if my tears had triggered something in him, Vincent finally stepped past Rosa and pulled me into his arms.
Dont cry, Isabella. The baby isnt mine, he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
I froze. What?
But then, Rosa spoke, she winked her innocent big eyes at Vincent, Vincent, didnt you promise to protect my baby by claiming it as your own? Why are you telling her now?
Protect her baby? What the hell was going on?
I broke free from Vincents arms and stared at him. What the fuck is happening right now, Vincent? What the hell is she talking about?
Vincent! Rosa called him too, clearly trying to stop him from saying anything more.
But Vincent didnt hesitate. Isabella is my wife. She deserves to know.
Alright, Rosas tear-filled eyes locked onto mine. If you really need to know, Isabella Vincent decided to claim my baby as his, so he might not be able to claim yours.
Vincents face drained of color, but he stayed silent, offering no correction.
But dont worry, Rosa continued, her tone suddenly sweet as she reached for my hand, her fingers hovering just above mine. Vincent said that even he cant claim your baby now. Hell adopt once youve given birth.
Our baby will belong to the Falcone name, she added, her voice dripping with faux sincerity.
I swear I saw a brief smirk twist her lips, but it was gone before I could be sure.
I turned to Vincent, still silent, his head bowed as if he couldnt bear to look at me.
Is this true, Vincent? My voice wavered as I forced the question out. Youre going to give up on our baby to save hers?
Im sorry, Isabella, he whispered, his voice hoarse, barely audible.
Tears welled up again. Is her baby so important to you that youd abandon ours?
Vincent hesitated, the pause slicing through me like a blade.
You dont understand about Rosas family, he murmured, his words coming slow and measured. “Rosas parents wouldn’t dare defy me. And since they’ve made it clear theyll only accept this child as mine if I have no other heir to my name, I cant claim our baby nowat least, not until Rosas baby was born.” He looked at me as if he were standing up for a noble cause, as if every word he said was justified.
But the logic behind it was almost laughable.
The one thing Vincent was right about was that no one dared to mess with himnot in the South, at least. He was a mafia kingpin, involved in arms dealing and drug trafficking.
Even though my family had dealt with mafias, owning a few casinos, we were small fry compared to Vincent.
Thats why, when my parents found out he was my lover, they practically shoved me down the aisle toward him.
Vincent, ever the cold, commanding figure, only showed his softer side to me. But today, I had seen him do the same for Rosa.
He reached for me again, his arms outstretched, trying to pull me close. Dont worry. I wont let our baby grow up without a father. Trust me, okay? As soon as Rosas baby is born, Ill clear your name.
After my checkup, Vincent insisted on driving me to dinner. Rosa was eager to tag along. She claimed she was happy she wouldnt be the only one carrying a child now, but I could see through the act.
She was trying too hard to play the part of the concerned, supportive friend.
How about our regular place? Ive been craving their food for quite some time, Rosa suggested as I barely sat down.
Vincent sounded too eager. Sounds great. Lets go to the place on Sixth Avenue.
I kept my expression neutral, though my stomach twisted with unease. Rosa was hiding something behind that too-bright smile of hers.
Rosa slid into the backseat, her hand instinctively reaching for Vincents. I was thinking maybe we could swing by after dinner and pick out some baby clothes. I still havent found the perfect ones.
You wouldnt mind, would you, Isabella? She turned to me, a challenging look in her eyes. Im all alone now. Vincents the only one I can count on.
How absurd. My husband seem more like a couple with Rosa than with me.
Are you mad at me, Isabella? Rosa blinked up at me, her wide, innocent eyes glinting with something far less pure. You can come with us if you want to.
No need. Ive already prepared baby clothes back at the mansion. I was done entertaining her.
When the car finally pulled to a stop, I stepped out and found myself in front of a Japanese restaurant, specializing in sashimi and sushi.
Had Vincent forgotten that I never ate raw seafood? Forgotten that, ever since my pregnancy, the smell of it made me sick to my stomach?
2
Isabellas POV
I dont want to eat seafood.
Then, as if a sudden thought occurred to him, Vincent shifted his tone, Oh, right. You probably shouldnt have the sashimi. I just remembered youre allergic or something?
Sorry, Isabella, Rosa shot me a glance. Ive been craving sashimi ever since I got pregnant, she added with a slight shrug. But if youre not in the mood for seafood, we can always switch to another restaurant. I guess.
Vincent hesitated as he looked at me, clearly unsure of how to proceed. “Well, how about we go and let Rosa pick whatever she wants, then Ill take you to the restaurant you like?”
I glanced between them. Vincents insistence felt off, and Rosas feigned casual concern only made me feel more exposed.
I stayed silent, my quiet refusal hanging in the air. Was he going to leave with me now that he remembered I hated seafood?
But as the moments stretched, Vincent said nothing. His gaze flickered between Rosa and me, hesitation written all over his face.
My patience wore thin. Without another word, I turned and hailed a cab. Forget it. Im going back to the house to eat.
Vincents voice followed, sharp with irritation rather than concern. Isabella, dont make a scene. Were in public.
I didnt bother responding. Instead, I pulled open the car door and, before slipping inside, threw one last parting shot over my shoulder.
Enjoy your dinner.
Then I got in and slammed the door shut before Vincent could say another word. The cab driver barely had time to ask where I was headed before I barked out the address of the mansion. My hands clenched into fists on my lap, and my heart pounded in my chestnot just from anger, but from something deeper. Something uglier.
Vincent hadnt followed me. He hadnt even tried.
That shouldve told me everything I needed to know.
I was Vincent’s wifehis pregnant wifebut ever since hed made up mind to protect Rosas baby, my baby and me became invisible to his eyes.
This baby had once been my hope, my dream, after years of waiting.
But now? Now, I dont think so. I had made a mistake.
I never shouldve had this child if Id known it would be born into a family like thisa family where the father gives more attention to the other child than his own baby.
Vincent had returned to our mansion just when I thought I could finally get some rest, his eyebrows furrowed, clearly troubled by something.
He dropped to his knees in front of me as soon as he saw me and, looking as if he was explaining a grand, noble cause, said, Babe, dont be mad at me, okay?
From what Vincent had told me, hed been ambushed by Rosa, too. Hed been in his car, on the phone negotiating an arms deal with Africa, when Rosa had shown up, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
He had no choice but to comfort her. After all, theyd grown up togethershe was his childhood sweetheart and her parents were friends to Vincents parents too.
Shed told him that if her parents found out about the pregnancy, they would pressure her into aborting it. She wanted to keep her baby.
Vincent couldnt let that happen to her, so he agreed to let her say he was the father, at least for now. Apparently, when Rosas parents heard about it, they werent upset at all.
After all, who wouldnt want a baby when its father was Vincent Falcone?
Isabella, I really needed you to trust me on this, he said, pausing for a long moment before continuing. It will be like we are saving a life together. If I do not help her, Rosas baby will be aborted the moment her parents take her home.
So? I didnt let him finish. So youve made up your mind to make our baby fatherless, is that it? So my child will be a bastard, possibly born without a name, with no family to back them up?
Vincent took my hands and pressed them to his lips. Im sorry, Isabella. Just a little longer. Once Rosa gives birth, I can take our baby home and claim them as my own.
I couldnt just stand there and watch Rosa suffer.
I inhaled deeply. Then I guess theres no need for our baby to be born.
No! Vincent stood up, his face contorted with anger. Why cant you just understand? I told you, Ill claim our baby once Rosas is born. Why do you have to be so stubborn? Youre not giving up on our baby, and Ill help with Rosas too. End of discussion.
Then, just like that, he leftlike nothing had happened.
The next day, Vincent sent a dozen bodyguards to surround the mansion and a dozen maids to help me. I knew what he was doingkeeping a close watch on me, making sure I didnt do anything to harm our baby.
He was afraid.
He even took my phone, cutting off any chance of escape.
Why insist on having our baby when hed already chosen Rosas first?
Did Vincent really think I was such a pushover that Id just let him do whatever he wanted?
Well, screw him. Im not a puppet, and I sure as hell wont sit back and accept whatever crap he throws my way.
Time passed. I was stuck here, and according to Vincent, I was enjoying my pregnancy.
One morning, after finishing breakfast, I heard the front door open. Rosa was standing next to a woman I didnt recognize.
The minute the woman saw me, she started shooting sarcasm. Someones looking full of herself. Why would you still cling to the title of Mrs. Falcone when youre clearly messing around with another man? And getting pregnanthow shameful.
My poor baby girl, she cooed. You mustve suffered so much, Rosa.
That woman was Rosas mother? What was she going on aboutme messing around with another man and getting pregnant?
I was pregnant with Vincents child, not her. It was Rosa who was the one messing around and ended up pregnant.
I watched as more people followed them inside, carrying bags and boxes. Rosa acted like she owned the place, bossing the maids and workers around as they helped her move her things into one of the empty rooms. Once she was done, she turned to me with a cruel smile.
Isabella, she sneered, you thought you won by marrying Vincent, didnt you? Look at me now. Im standing here, about to sleep in the bed he bought for this mansion.
Youre nothing, Isabella.
I watched as she laughed, her voice dripping with malice. I couldnt hold back the anger anymore. I marched toward her, step by step, and slapped her across the face with all the force I could muster.
She screamed as she fell onto the sofa behind her.
Just then, Vincent walked in, witnessing the scene. I wasnt done with Rosa. Id tolerated her sarcasm for far too long, but that didnt mean she had the right to keep pushing me.
3
Isabellas POV
I strode over to Rosa, ready to slap her one last time. Vincent rushed forward, his hands stopping me. What are you doing?
Its my fault, Vincent. Mrs. Falcone has every right to be angry with me. First, I asked you to come to the pregnancy check-up with me, then I moved in here. Rosa put on that innocent act again. Its all my fault. I should just leave. I really shouldnt have come today.
Fine, then leave. The thought crossed my mind.
To my surprise, Vincentwho had been trying to stop me from slapping Rosaspoke up. “I agree. You should leave, Rosa. Im not going to force my wife out of here.”
I was stunned. After everything, I expected him to yell at me, to tell me to leave.
Rosa was taken aback too, but in the next breath, she managed to shed a few tears, pleading, Ow, my stomach hurts so badly. Is the baby angry with me?
Once again, I watched as Vincents serious expression faltered. He softenedfor her. His hand hovered over her stomach, like she was the most delicate thing in the world. It made my blood boil.
The way he always crumbled when she played the victim card made my stomach turn.
Vincent, I said through clenched jaws, You cant possibly believe her, right?
But he didnt look at me, his attention entirely focused on Rosa.”She’s in pain,” he said, his voice gentle, like the words were meant for her, and only her. Lets not make things worse.
And so, Rosa stayed. My room became hers, and I was told to move to the first floor, the small room next to the nanny.
Vincent tried to reassure me, saying, “Its only until her stomach calms down. Ill make sure youre back in your room before you even notice, okay?
Once again, I was told to wait.
But what Vincent didnt realize was that I no longer wanted this baby.
A child born without a father by their side, without a family to love and care for themthere was no reason for that life to come into this world.
There was no need for another soul to suffer in this house.
After that dramatic move-in day, Rosa settled in, but I never saw her. It was like nothing had changed.
While she was probably enjoying her new space, I was focused on figuring out how to make contact with the outside world. Vincent still hadnt returned my phone.
I even tried bargaining with Rosa, telling her that if she helped me, I would leave this place for goodmeaning Vincent all to herself.
But all she did was look at me with pure dispise.
You thought I wanted Vincent? God, Isabella, I have to admitsometimes, I almost admire you. The lengths youre willing to go, the perfectly innocent act youve put on I almost pity you.
I had misjudged Rosa. I thought all she wanted was Vincent for herself, that she would help me disappear. But I was wrong. She wasnt after Vincentshe was after control. To her, we were nothing more than a spectacle, a show she could twist and manipulate for her own amusement.
The depth of her scheming was beyond anything I had imagined. She truly disgusted me.
Every day, Vincent would come home, checking on Rosas baby, acting like a perfect dad, playing with a child that wasnt even his.
But when it came to me, hed knock on my door, see that I was already in bed, and quietly shut it again. He never spoke to our baby. He never spent time with it.
The room I had now was nothing compared to the nanny’s quarters. It was so small that only a bed fit in here. There wasnt even space to sit.
All the rooms in the mansion were claimed by Rosaone for the baby, one for dancing, one for her computer and books, one for clothes, and one for storage.
Vincent practically lived with her, sleeping in the same room. He called it helping her through her pregnancy. But who knew what else was happening behind those closed doors?
Today, Vincent surprised me by knocking on my door. He hesitated before speaking, Isabella, how have you been? Do you still want to get rid of the baby?
You can trust me, he said softly. I love you. Ill protect you.
It was the first time Vincent had ever told me he loved me. But honestly, I couldnt tell if he meant itor if he was just trying to manipulate me into keeping the baby.
I closed my eyes, steeling myself, and said, I will have this baby.
Only
Only what?
Only you gave me back my phone. You know I dont have anyone to talk to in this house. Ill get lonely, and thats not good for the baby.
Vincent pulled me into his arms, his voice full of happiness. Ill give you everything. Just keep our baby happy, okay?
I had my phone back. I could finally breathe easier, knowing I had a way to contact anyone I wanted.
No one knew I was adopted by my familythe one Vincent was familiar with.
As for my birth parents, I found them two years ago. But back then, I was still deeply in love with Vincent, still married to him. I couldnt just leave.
They were sad when I didnt go with them, but they left me a number, telling me:
Isabella, if youre ever unhappy, or just miss us, call this number. Well come for you.
I never thought Id dial that number, but here I am. Theyre my only hope now.
My adoptive family treated me well enough, but to them, keeping Vincent happy was always more important than helping me.
At eighth months pregnant, Rosa suddenly said she wanted to go to California, somewhere near the beach, to have her last two months of pregnancy.
Vincent initially planned to stay, but once again, he caved to Rosas demands, especially after she promised it would help her baby.
Before they left, Vincent came to my door one last time. Ill be back before you give birth. Will you wait for me?
I know Ive crossed a line, he continued. But I promise Ill make it up to you. Isabella, please trust me. I love you.
Whatever he said, I just smiled and nodded.
Then Rosa called, and Vincent turned to leave.
But this time, he seemed to notice something off about me. I was unnervingly quiet.
He pulled me into a tight hug, almost suffocating me. Say the word, Isabella. Just one word, and I wont leave.
I let him hold me, but deep down, I felt nothingnothing about the hug, nothing about his words.
You should leave, Vincent, I whispered. If you stay, you wont be the man I married.
Vincent still didnt move, but I wasnt in the mood to play his games right now.
Alright then. How about you get that bitch and her stuff out of our mansion?
I watched as Vincent blinked, surprised by the sharp edge in my voice. But I didnt wait for his response. Instead, I sneered, Thats what I want. If you cant do it, then dont say it. Im sick of your empty promises.
With that, I turned and headed straight for the bathroom.
4
Isabellas POV
After their flight took off, I finally felt a sense of relief. Now, all I had to do was wait for my real parents to pick me up.
Just twelve more hours, and Id finally be free from Vincent and all the lies. I was so happy I even ate another piece of steak at dinner.
When I spoke with my real parents on the phone, I told them Vincent had surrounded the mansion with nearly thirty bodyguards.
My father chuckled on the other end. Thirty? Dont worry about it. Your dad has thousands of them.
Just relax and wait for us, okay? he said.
I didnt know if he was exaggerating, but it was enough that they were coming to get me.
After dinner, while I was reading in the living room, Rosas mother arrived, followed by Vincents parents and my adoptive parents.
They all looked at me like I was the villain.
Vincents mother slammed a divorce agreement on the table. Sign this. Get rid of that bastard child in your belly. The Falcon family cant be more ashamed of you.
Rosas mother added, If I had my way, every family in New York would know what this bitch has done.
The Caruso certainly raised a fine daughter on their own, she sneered.
My adoptive fathers face turned pale. He stood up, walked toward me, and slapped me hard across the face. My reputation, your mothers reputationthe entire Caruso family is being shamed by you!
I was done with all the drama. I grabbed the divorce paper off the floor and, before signing it, I said, If I was carrying Vincents child and Rosa wasnt, would you all regret it when you find out the truth?
Before I could hear their response, I signed the paper.
But what I hadnt expected was Vincents mother demanding that I get the baby aborted immediately.
I refused without hesitation. The baby was innocent. Even if I wanted nothing to do with Vincent, this child was still a part of me.
She looked at me like I was nothing more than filth beneath her shoe, her voice dripping with disdain. Do you really think Ill let you give birth to whatever bastard youre carrying after you walked out of the Falcone mansion today?
I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms as I met her gaze without flinching. “I don’t need your permission,” I said coldly. “This baby is mine, and no oneespecially not youwill decide its fate.”
Vincents mothers lips curled into a mocking smirk. “How naive. Do you really think you can defy the Falcone family and walk away unscathed?”
Rosas mother scoffed, crossing her arms. “Let her keep the child. It wont survive long enough to cause problems anyway.”
I felt the blood drain from my face. My heart pounded violently in my chest. “What the hell does that mean?” I demanded.
Vincents mother stepped closer, her perfume nauseatingly strong, her voice soft but laced with menace. “It means, darling, that accidents happen every day. Women like you they slip, they fall, they lose things.”
I stepped back instinctively, but my body trembled with rage. I turned to my adoptive father, hoping for the slightest hint of remorse, but all I saw was disappointmentdisappointment in me, not in them.
“You’re really okay with this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “With them threatening to kill your grandchild?”
He turned his face away.
Vincents mother stormed over, slapped me across my face and yanked my hair, her grip like iron. Dont waste our time. Even your own family wont take you back. So decideeither you or your baby dies today.
My lips trembled beneath her grasp, but I refused to break. I wont choose.
Her eyes darkened as she pulled out a gun, pressing the barrel against me. Will you choose now?
I told youI wont. My voice was steady, my gaze burning with defiance.
She let out a sharp breath, then snapped at the bodyguards. Take this bitch to the hospital. I dont want her filthy blood on my hands.
I struggled against them, but I had severely underestimated my strength against three burly men. One of them landed a swift kick to my leg, nearly knocking me to my knees.
My resistance was futile, and before long, exhaustion overtook me.
I was on the verge of collapsing, my vision blurring as the bodyguards effortlessly lifted me and carried me to the car.
Moments later, we arrived at the hospital.
As the nurse injected me with the amnesiac, a single tear slipped down my cheek.
Why did it still hurt so much to let go of this child? I thought I was ready. I thought I had prepared myself for this moment.
Just as the drug began to take effect, I caught a glimpse of my birth parents rushing inonly to be stopped outside as I was wheeled into the operating room.
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