My Husband's Stand‑in Awoke the Monster in Me

I stared at Carina in shock.

She gave me a smile loaded with meaning. "Isn't that the new tattoo design those street tattoo shops just rolled out? If having a tattoo makes you a Donna, then I guess that makes me one too.

"Honestly, I never thought you'd be this shameless. Not only did you try to pass off my husband and son as yours, you even dared to impersonate the Don himself. That is outright disrespect."

Whispers exploded through the crowds.

"I believe Mrs. Pellegrini. Besides, Mr. Pellegrini is an Underboss. How could he possibly not recognize the Don?"

"This woman has completely lost her mind."

My heart dropped as those leering men began to close in.

Just as despair closed in, one of Giordano's men suddenly hurried in with news. "Mr. Pellegrini, the Don has arrived to celebrate Mrs. Pellegrini's birthday."

A sudden stir ran through the room as low, excited murmurs broke out. A few of the Don's most devoted followers even pressed their hands to their chests and bowed toward the entrance.

Carina straightened her collar, stepped forward, and hooked her arm through Giordano's. She shot me a provocative look. "The Don is here. Your little act ends today."

I held her gaze as the taste of blood spread across my tongue. "Carina, you'll regret this."

"You dare disrespect Carina?" Giordano's gaze burned with disgust as he barked orders to his men, "Tie her up and bring her to the Don."

I fought with all my strength, but a firm hand silenced me. All I could do was watch as a middle-aged man entered, flanked by a squad of Soldati.

Gasps echoed throughout the room. "Mr. Pellegrini wields real power. Those are Soldati, loyal only to the Don. Their strength alone could lay waste to an entire nation. There's nothing like this anywhere else."

"It's a true blessing to be able to serve under Mr. Pellegrini…"

Giordano unconsciously puffed out his chest. The middle-aged man gently pulled Fabiano to his side and said, "I heard it's your mom's birthday, so I came to offer my congratulations. Where is your mom?"

Giordano beamed even more. Fabiano practically jumped with excitement, pointing straight at Carina. "Mom's over there!"

The man's gaze followed Fabiano's finger. When he saw Carina, his mustache quivered, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Oblivious to the tension, Carina stepped forward with misty, tear-bright eyes. "Don, I never expected you to think so highly of me and actually come here in person."

The man's expression darkened at her words. He turned sharply to Fabiano and demanded, "Are you sure this is your mom?"

Giordano finally realized something was wrong. Before he could say a word, Carina grinned and shoved my bruised body in front of the man. "Of course, I'm his mom. Don, this woman tried to impersonate you earlier, so I gave her a little lesson. Are you pleased? If not, I can have my people finish the job."

Fabiano lunged at me, hammering me with punches and kicks. Then he turned to the Don and ranted, "Don, this wretched woman ruined my mom's birthday party today! You have to punish her!"

I spat a mouthful of blood and slowly raised my eyes. "On your knees."

Laughter erupted around the room. Carina laughed mockingly. "Are you out of your mind? Did you just tell the Don to get on his knees? Take a good look at yourself. Who do you think you are?"

All eyes turned to me, sizing me up like a clown.

In the next instant, the Don she revered stumbled back, dropped his ivory-topped cane, and sank to his knees before me.

"Donna," he called out.