The Mafia’s Forbidden Desire

ROSALINDA. Clearly, I was not in my right senses when I spilled the secret I had always guarded to Antonio. I allowed my anger to control me, and what made it even worse was that he said nothing to me afterward. Nothing! I didn’t know what he thought of me, and that was driving me crazy. I only hoped he wouldn’t spill my secrets to Papà because I’d die of shame and embarrassment if my family found out that I slept with a total stranger and had no idea who Carlo’s father was. Papà invited the Russo’s for dinner tonight, and I didn’t even know how to face him. What type of eyes would he use to look at me? Would it be the usual lustful ones, or would it change to one of disdain? The door suddenly dinged open, pulling me out of my trance as I turned to see Sofia venturing into the room. “Sofia.” I called and immediately inched closer to her when I sensed her mood. She looked really downcast. “What happened?” I asked, concerned, when I came to a stop in front of her. “What’s wrong?” “I am in deep sh*t!” She exclaimed as her eyes started welling up. I jumped full stream on the worry train as I placed my hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?” I quickly asked. “Rosalinda-I-” The door suddenly dinged open, distracting us, and we drifted our attention towards the door. Mama stood in the door frame, all glammed up, and dressed expensively. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was going to a beauty pageant. “The Russo’s are here already. I expect you girls to be out any minute.” Without giving us the chance to respond, she shut the door, leaving Sofia and me alone once more. “So, what’s wrong?” I asked, returning to the matter at hand. She averted her gaze, hesitating, and I immediately squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

“You can trust me, Sofia. You are my sister, and I’d do anything for you. Just trust me, okay?” I assured her as I titled her head to face me. “Trust me.” She swallowed before going ahead to tell me what was bothering her. After hearing the five words she just uttered, I became dumbfounded. “What?!” I exclaimed, batting my lashes repeatedly as I tried to fathom those five words. I knew she had been going through some shit that she didn’t want to share, but what I didn’t know was that it was this gruesome. My sister was right. She was in deep sh*t, and there was no way to fix it. … ANTONIO. Tonight, I planned to end the engagement and blame it on Roberto’s alliance with the Romanos’. I’d make it seem like I didn’t want to be affected by the war with the Petrov family. That was the only way to break my deal with Roberto and not have to deal with the consequences of breaching a contract. I couldn’t be the father of Rosalinda’s child and be married to her sister, Sofia. Hell, no! Everything had to end tonight. I had to sacrifice whatever benefit the alliance with Moretti’s would give me. I had to. It was the right thing to do. Before now, I never cared about doing the right thing, but this was different. It was about my son, my blood, and my flesh, so doing the right thing was my only option. Everyone but Rosalinda and Sofia was already seated around the dining table. We were all waiting for the both of them, and I couldn’t wait for us to begin the dinner and get it over with so that I could make my announcement before all members of the Moretti family and also my sister, Camilla, and Marco, who were all seated around the table. “Ahh. There she is.” Roberto sighed, and I hoisted my head to see Sofia approaching us. “Where’s your sister?” “She’s coming.” Sofia simply replied as she offered herself a seat beside her brother, Matteo. It was a good thing that she never liked, so breaking off the engagement wouldn’t hurt her after all. She had always wanted it, anyway. It wasn’t even up to a minute before Rosalinda made her appearance. She was dressed in a simple floral maxi gown, but still, she looked incredibly beautiful in it. Like always! “You aren’t late.” Roberto remarked, sarcastically. “Sit and let’s begin.” “I’m sorry, I had to-” she trailed off, deciding not to explain herself as she looked around. When she realised the only empty seat left was right beside me, a fleeting scowl flashed across her face, but I didn’t miss it. I got to sit next to the woman I was crazily attracted to, thanks to Sofia, who decided to ditch the seat reserved for her and sit with her brother instead. After Rosalinda settled on the seat beside me, dinner began almost immediately. The urge to steal a few glances at her became difficult to control as we ate. I wanted to see her and feel her at all times. The thought of asking Roberto to substitute Sofia for Rosalinda had been lingering in my mind, but it was impossible. My reason for wanting to break off the marriage agreement was because of his alliance with the Romanos, so it would make zero sense if I brought up the request for substitution. “Why did you leave without saying anything?” Rosalinda suddenly cut through my thoughts. Her voice was so low that only I could hear her. “I was too stunned that you engaged in something like that.” I told her, my voice equally low. She went mute after that, hinting that I just made her feel even more terrible about herself. I had to revert that. So, sighing, I added. “But don’t worry, though. I don’t judge. I’ve done unimaginable things myself.” I was keeping something from her. A truth she deserved to know, but it was better for her to remain in oblivion.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

That’s what was best for me, her, and our son. If everyone found out about the secret, things would get really messy, and I didn’t know how I’d handle that. “Could you please keep everything I told you a secret?” She requested. “I have a lot of your secrets in my hands. Fascinating.” I muttered, briefly glancing at her. “Please.” She pressed on. “Your secrets are safe with me, beautiful.” I told her, meaning my words. If only she knew that I’d do anything to protect her and put her out of harm’s way. If only she knew how much I cared about her. “Can I have everyone’s attention, please?” I cleared my throat. “I have an announcement to make and-” “I also have an announcement to make.” Sofia interjected, causing me to furrow my brows as I flicked my gaze at her. “And if you don’t mind, I’d like to go first, please.” “Go ahead.” I permitted, leaning on my seat as I paid close attention to her. She took in a deep breath and exhaled, as if bracing herself for what she was about to say, and that got me even more curious. “I am pregnant.” She breathed out, earning short gasps from every corner.