The Heir They Denied

"Legal father?"

My voice shattered. The ultrasound report in my hand was now a crumpled ball, my nails buried deep in my palm.

"Then what about me? What about the child in my womb? Your own flesh and blood?"

Matteo's face went white, a vein pulsing in his forehead. He ripped his arm from my grasp, the force of it nearly sending me to the ground.

"Ava, calm down!"

His eyes darted around, and I knew he was cornered.

The family members around us began to whisper, their voices growing louder.

"Look, that outsider is making a scene again..."

"So shameless. Carrying a bastard and still acting so entitled..."

"Why would Don Gallo ever get tangled up with a woman like her?"

Every word was a lash across my face. Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, unstoppable.

"Stella's the one carrying a bastard!" I screamed.

The moment the words left my mouth, Stella burst into a flood of tears. "My child is legitimate! He will have a legal father!"

Matteo's rage exploded.

He seized my wrist, his knuckles white.

His eyes were cold, like the gaze of death itself.

"Ava, you don't understand the rules."

"That kind of talk could start a war, do you understand?"

I could feel the killing intent in his grip, but I wasn't afraid.

"Then what do you want me to say?"

"The man I love is about to marry another woman and raise her bastard child, and you expect me to stand here and applaud?"

"Three months, Matteo!" My voice shook. "You haven't been to a single one of my appointments!"

His grip tightened, nearly snapping my wrist. "Stella's situation is more dangerous than yours."

"She's Don Falcone's only daughter. The rumors alone could kill her."

"And you..."

He didn't finish, his gaze still refusing to meet mine.

This man, who once kissed my forehead so gently, couldn't even look at me now.

A powerful Don who lacked the backbone to claim his own child.

It was absurd.

"Ava, just wait a little longer. When this is over, I will make things right."

He let go, his touch now gentle as he brushed my reddened wrist.

"Trust me. Once the alliance is secure, everything will be fine."

I had heard that promise too many times. I couldn't trust it, I didn't dare trust it anymore.

And just like always, Stella chose that exact moment to let out a weak moan.

"Matteo, I don't feel so well..."

Matteo was by her side in an instant. "We're going back to the safe house now."

He helped her toward the parking lot, leaving me behind like a piece of trash.

Stella glanced back at me over her shoulder, a victorious smirk on her lips.

The black Rolls-Royce pulled away smoothly, the setting sun glinting off its windows, obscuring the people inside.

For the first time, I truly understood what despair felt like.

Late that night, I was curled up on the sofa, the doctor's words replaying in my mind: "The baby is developing well, the due date is..."

The sound of a key in the lock broke my thoughts.

The door opened, and Matteo appeared in the entryway. His shirt was wrinkled, his tie loosened, and he looked exhausted.

My heart softened instantly. Maybe he was here to apologize. Maybe...

But he walked straight past the living room without a single glance in my direction.

I heard the sound of drawers opening and closing in the bedroom.

I ran in, barefoot, and saw him packing a suitcase.

Suits, shirts, ties. One by one, they disappeared into the bag.

"What are you doing?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"Packing," he said without looking up. "I'm moving to the secure villa on the hill tomorrow."

The villa on the hill. The Gallo family's most secure safe house. Only the most important people were allowed to stay there.

"Why? Is this about Stella?"

His hands paused for a second before he resumed folding a shirt.

"She's been getting death threats. As her fiancé, it's my duty to ensure her protection."

Fiancé. The word was a venomous snake, sinking its fangs into my heart.

"What about me?" My voice grew shrill. "Have you ever thought that I'm carrying your child, that I need protection, too?"

"The baby in my belly is your own flesh and blood!"

Matteo's hand froze mid-air, the shirt falling to the floor. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"You'll have bodyguards. I'll arrange it."

Seeing my stunned silence, he walked over and pulled me into his arms.

"Ava, the weight of the family is on my shoulders. I don't have a choice. You're always so understanding, Ava. You know I have to do this."

"When this is over, I promise I'll make you a Gallo."

His hands were cold as ice.

"I don't want your bodyguards, I want my husband!" I struggled out of his embrace and grabbed his hand.

"Matteo, look at me," I pleaded, shaking his arm. "Tell me, what does the child in my belly mean to you? Tell me you love me."