The Contract Ended, and So Did I

When I woke up, I realized I was alone in the hospital.

A nurse came over, visibly concerned. "You're two months pregnant. Didn't you know?"

I froze as I took the medical record. I had no idea how I went home. All this while, my mind had been in a haze.

In our eight years of marriage, I had fantasized countless times about Francesco returning to me, and us welcoming our first child, one born out of love. Neither had happened.

Yet now, the child I had longed for came right when I had made up my mind to leave.

I stroked my belly, a mix of emotions surging within me. No matter the timing, I should've given the child a chance to see the world.

I made a silent promise to myself and didn't mention the pregnancy to anyone. I finished packing all my belongings and planned to leave with the child once Madre Greco's birthday banquet was over.

Francesco hadn't appeared for the next few days. I stayed home, yet the rumors still somehow reached me.

"I heard Francesco's about to divorce his wife for his current lover. This one seems really different."

On the day of Madre Greco's birthday, Francesco returned unexpectedly early. He glanced at the suitcase behind the door and frowned.

"What's that?"

"Nothing." I brushed him off. "I'm going on a vacation in a few days."

He nodded, though confusion flickered in his eyes.

"By the way, Selena's pregnant," he said after a brief pause. "I'll be keeping the baby."

My breath hitched, and even my heart skipped a beat.

He'd always surrounded himself with women, but this was the first time he had ever gotten someone pregnant. The joy in his eyes made my heart ache, yet I suppressed my emotions and simply smiled.

"That's good," I said.

He finally broke into a wide grin.

"I'm glad you're fine with it," he said, visibly relieved. "As for what happened last time… Let's just put the past behind us, okay?

"You did go overboard a little, but I've taught you a lesson. As long as you behave, I promise you'll still be the future Donna of the Greco family."

I nodded numbly, knowing he was implying I should not cause Selena any trouble.

"Let's go to Grandma's dinner together, or she'll nag at me again," he said when I was about to leave. "Leave your driver with Selena so he can take her home."

I didn't argue. After all, this was how things had always been—he used me to placate Madre Greco, while I cleaned up after him, foolishly believing in my empty fantasies of love.

I took the gift I had prepared and got into the car.

The vehicle was cruising down the road when Francesco's phone rang. He answered, and his expression immediately darkened.

He swerved the car to a stop by the roadside, then grabbed me by the neck.

"Selena's still pregnant. How dare you?" he snarled.

I was bewildered, my face flushed from the pressure.

"Even if you dislike her, you shouldn't have tampered with the car!"

Realization dawned on me. Selena had gotten in a car accident tonight—and not just in any car, but mine.

"I didn't do anything."

But Francesco didn't believe me at all. He revved the engine, and the car lurched forward, crashing into the barrier.

My vision swam as I clutched my stomach, desperately trying to wake him up.

"Stop! It wasn't me!" I shouted. "I'm pregnant too! Don't do anything reckless."

His concern for Selena's child made him completely lose control. He jumped out of the car, slamming the door.

"You think I'll believe your lies at a time like this? Stay here and think about what you've done. You can only leave when Selena's safe!"

The car reeked of gasoline. I frantically tried to open the door, but it was locked.

I pounded the windows, screaming to get Francesco's attention.

"Let me out! I really am pregnant!" I shouted, hoping he'd notice something off about the car.

"I might die in here. Francesco, you idiot!"

He was already out of my sight.

The smell of gasoline grew stronger, and suddenly flames burst out. Hope vanished from my eyes as I watched the fire consume the car, my hand falling from my belly.

…

Soon after, Francesco finally arrived at the hospital. To his surprise, Selena only had minor injuries.

Relieved, he quickly called his men to bring me so I could apologize to her in person.

"Mr. Greco, your car exploded on the overpass," his subordinate said, his face pale. "When we cleaned up the scene, the only thing we found was a burned shoe.

"It was Mrs. Greco's."