Abandon Me Once and It's Goodbye Forever

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in bed with the Vitale family's private doctor standing nearby. My gaze drifted across the room to where Ettore and Viola sat close together on the couch, practically draped over each other.

The moment I woke, Viola jumped to her feet and twisted her skirt nervously, but triumph and challenge glinted in her eyes as she looked at me.

"Donna, this is all my fault. The Don was just worried about the baby, so he forgot about you for a moment." She sniffled, her voice trembling.

"After he got me to safety, he sent people for you right away. I was so scared to be alone, so he stayed with me personally."

She dissolved into sobs, as if she'd suffered some terrible injustice.

Pregnant? He'd actually gotten Viola pregnant?

My breath caught, and I stared at Ettore in disbelief.

Ettore crossed the room and pulled her behind him protectively, displeasure written all over his face as he looked at me. "This was my choice. Don't take it out on her."

Then, he turned back to Viola, his voice softening as he comforted her tear-streaked face. "Don't be afraid, Viola. I'm here. No one can touch you."

I took a deep breath, watching Ettore act like I was some kind of threat. It was almost funny.

Only then did Ettore seem to notice how pale I looked. He reached out and touched my forehead. "No fever. Larissa, do you want something to eat?"

I didn't answer. I turned my face away from his touch. "Let's get a divorce."

Ettore froze, his expression darkening with displeasure. "Larissa, don't be impulsive. Get some rest. I'll check on you later."

He left with Viola without another word.

I smiled bitterly. How could I not know what he was thinking? He had loved me once, but that love had shifted to Viola. That didn't mean he could accept me leaving, though.

After all, before he became Don, I'd taken a bullet for him. In those moments between life and death, he would have done anything to spare me the pain.

Seven years together, and he used to want to give me the best of everything. But seven years later, he still chose Viola over me.

I pulled the IV needle from my arm and started packing. I couldn't stay in the Vitale estate anymore.

By the time night fell, I'd nearly finished when a burst of noise from down the hall made me pause. I walked slowly toward the room at the end of the corridor. The door was slightly ajar, and Ettore's low voice drifted out, heavy with concern.

"Larissa isn't well. I need to check on her. This is the last time I'm warning you. Don't disturb her rest. If she gets hurt again, you'll answer to me."

"Are you blaming me, Don Vitale? Did I ask those men to kidnap us? Is it my fault the Donna got hurt?"

"What happened to Larissa wasn't your fault. Don't blame yourself. You're carrying my child. Stop overthinking."

"How can I not overthink it? She's the wife you love most. The maids say you've been together seven years. That you'd worry over the smallest frown."

"That's because she's the woman I love!"

Through the crack in the door, Viola stood in a white nightgown leaning against Ettore, tears clinging to her lashes and looking like she might break down any second.

"The baby's been restless. Will you tell me a bedtime story?"

She looked up at him, her eyes still wet. Ettore hesitated for only a second before agreeing softly and pulling her onto the bed.

My chest tightened until I couldn't breathe. Ettore had never told me a bedtime story. My father died on a dark, rainy night, and ever since, I'd been terrified of the dark.

Even when I begged Ettore to tell me a story during a thunderstorm, he'd refused stiffly, claiming he didn't know any. But for Viola, those same childish stories he'd once dismissed now flowed easily from his lips.

Viola nestled in his arms, laughing softly now and then. Ettore pinched her cheek affectionately before he kissed her, unable to help himself.

"Don Vitale, I'm pregnant!" Viola protested playfully.

Ettore's voice grew rough with desire. "It's fine. The doctor checked, and the baby's healthy. Viola, lift your hips a little…"

The sounds from their room lasted half the night. I listened to all of it through the wall.