Chapter 51: A Convenient Pain

Both of them turned at once to stare at Luca.

He stood just a few steps behind them, shirt sleeves rolled, eyes sharp despite the fatigue that still lingered in his posture. He had clearly just arrived, but the moment he took in the scene, the atmosphere changed completely.

His eyes moved suspiciously from Riccardo to Isabella.

“What’s going on here?” he asked.

Isabella didn’t hesitate.

“Nothing,” she said hurriedly. “It’s nothing, Luca.”

Riccardo chuckled and shrugged dismissively.

“Nothing?” he murmured, as if he was trying to understand her audacity. “That’s quite a lame response in this situation, don't you think?”

Luca frowned as he stared angrily at Riccardo. “I just asked a question and you're ignoring me.”

“Oh, I’m just trying to understand too,” Riccardo said, his voice filled with fake curiosity. “Because from what I just heard…”

“Or what you assumed you heard,” Isabella snapped, not even giving him a chance to finish.

Deep down however, her mind was already racing wildly. She didn't know how much of her conversation with Dante Riccardo had heard, but there was no doubt that he had heard enough to plant poison.

And Luca… Luca was watching now. Not fully angry yet, but he was thinking. And that was definitely bad news if she didn't come up with something reasonable soon.

She needed to shut this down immediately. No explanations. No back and forth. No chance for Riccardo to twist anything.

Her hand slowly moved to her stomach. Think…she had to think fast.

Then it hit her.

Her fingers suddenly tightened against her belly, and she sucked in a deep and sharp breath.

“Ah…!”

The sound came out strained… real enough to freeze both men instantly.

She doubled over slightly, clutching her stomach even tighter as her face tightened as if in serious pain.

“Isabella?” Luca asked anxiously and rushed forward immediately. “What is it?”

She didn’t answer.

Another sharp breath… a small gasp… then her knees buckling just enough to make it even more convincing.

“The baby…” she whispered.

That was all it took.

Luca’s expression changed instantly.

“Riccardo!” he barked without even looking back. “Call the doctor. Now.”

Riccardo didn’t move. Instead, he stared at Isabella with irritation in his eyes.

“She’s fucking pretending, Luca. Look at her.”

Luca turned slowly.

“What did you just say?”

“I said she’s pretending,” Riccardo repeated, folding his arms. “Doesnt this look a little too convenient?”

Isabella didn't give Luca any time to consider what Riccardo had just said. She let out another soft, strained sound, bending slightly into Luca as if the pain had increased.

Luca caught her immediately.

“Easy… easy,” he murmured, his voice dropping into a softer and protective tone.

Then his head snapped back toward Riccardo.

“Call. The doctor.”

“It’s midnight,” Riccardo shot back angrily, pissed that Luca wasn't seeing through Isabella's manipulation. “No one is picking up calls right now, and even if they do…”

“I don’t give a damn what time it is,” Luca roared back at him.

Riccardo took a step forward. “Listen to me, Luca. You’re not seeing this clearly. She was just on the phone with God knows who... You walk in, and suddenly she’s in pain? You really believe that?”

Isabella tightened her grip on Luca’s shirt, letting out another low, pained breath.

“Luca…” she whispered weakly.

That was all it took to send Luca over the edge.

He straightened slowly, keeping his arm still firmly around her, while his entire presence changed into something dangerous.

“I said call the fucking doctor.”

Riccardo scoffed. “And I’m telling you she’s playing you.”

Luca steadied Isabella on the ground, then he shot back up in a blinding flash, grabbing Riccardo by the neck and pushing him roughly into the nearest wall.

“You will make that call,” he hissed quietly, each word filled with menace, “or I swear to God I will have you dragged outside and fed to the dogs before sunrise.”

Riccardo held his gaze stubbornly. For a moment, it looked like he might actually push it further, then his jaw tightened.

“…Fine,” he muttered.

He turned and walked away, his footsteps heavy with anger as he disappeared down the corridor.

Luca didn’t watch him go. His attention was already back on Isabella.

“Hey… look at me,” he said gently, lifting her chin gently.

She forced her breathing to stay uneven… just enough.

“I’m okay…” she murmured faintly.

“No, you’re not,” he replied immediately. “You shouldn’t be feeling pain like this.”

She leaned into him a little, letting him bear most of her weight.

“I… I think it just startled me…”

“We’re not taking chances,” he said firmly.

Without another word, he bent down and lifted her into his arms before she could even react.

“Luca…” she whispered.

“I’ve got you,” he said quietly.

His grip was steady, careful… protective.

He carried her down the corridor without hesitation, trying to move as quickly as he could without jolting her. Every now and then, his hold adjusted a little, making sure she was comfortable… making sure nothing caused her more strain.

“Breathe,” he murmured softly as he went. “Just breathe… I’m right here.”

She nodded faintly, her hand still resting against her stomach.

But her mind…Her mind was racing again.

That had been really close

Way too close.

She had no idea what Riccardo knew now, especially if it was enough to make him start digging. That was a possibility that was too dangerous to allow…one that could send everything crumbling to pieces and even put her life in danger.

And Luca…

She couldn't resist sneaking a look at him as he carried her so lovingly. His jaw was tight, his face absolutely focused, and every bit of his attention was on her.

There was no questioning or doubting in his eyes…just protectiveness.

It touched something inside her again, but she looked away quickly. She needed to focus. This wasn’t over.

When they reached the bedroom, Luca kicked the door open with his foot and carried her straight to the bed. He lowered her gently, his hands lingering long enough to make sure she was settled properly.

“Stay here,” he said.

“I’m fine…” she tried again weakly.

“No,” he replied immediately. “You’re not fine.”

He reached for a pillow, adjusting it behind her carefully, making sure her head was supported.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked.

She hesitated.

“…A little.”

His expression darkened.

“Where?”

She placed her hand lightly over her stomach again. “Just… pressure.”

He exhaled slowly, clearly trying to keep himself calm.

“The doctor is coming,” he said. “We’ll know what’s wrong soon.”

She nodded.

Silence settled between them… but it wasn’t comfortable.

Not anymore.

He sat on the edge of the bed, his hand still resting lightly against her arm as he brushed his thumb over her skin absentmindedly.

“You scared me, Bella,” he said quietly.

Her chest tightened.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t apologize,” he cut in. “Just… don’t do that again.”

She gave a faint nod as his eyes studied her carefully.

For a brief moment, she thought… he knew.

But then his gaze softened again.

“You should rest, Bella,” he said. “You need to think about your condition and stop stressing yourself. It's not good for the baby.”

She closed her eyes briefly, letting out a slow breath of relief.

She couldn't tell if Riccardo had made the call, but she knew one thing for sure… he wasn’t done.

She had to be very careful going forward, or everything would come around to hit her in the face.