Chapter 92 — The New Tomassini Heir

Florence, Italy.

LORENZIO.

Rain pelted on the windows as I sat next to my brother's love seat in the middle of his spacious living room. Gray clouds hid the mid-afternoon sun, and the house, which once held memories of private and carefree moments, now felt like a comfortable prison. To me at least.

This used to be my brother's favorite vacation house: a 4000-square meter countryside property with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an expensive fireplace, a huge yard, and a wide pool Leandro actually designed himself.

Now that he was behind bars for violating his house arrest, he phoned and practically begged me to take his ex and their baby here. To keep them safe and away from unwanted media attention, he said.

I supposed he just wanted to make sure that Rafa wouldn't be my nephew's stepdad anytime soon. The situation felt peculiar, to say the least. But I just couldn't say no to his request.

An innocent child was involved. A clueless, helpless newborn. Leandro and Alodia's baby boy. A child my brother might never see grow up.

I couldn't blame Alodia, though. She was a young, jobless immigrant with no family or close friends here. Except Rafa, which was quite unfortunate since he believed he was more than a friend to her.

As far as I knew, she lived in this house for a month or two after arriving here in Italy, then endured a year-long tumultuous relationship with my brother when he was at his worst. She probably never thought she'd end up back in this house after hiding her pregnancy from him.

"You sure you don't need anything else?" I budged in my seat to face her, keeping my mask on in case she thought I still had the virus.

"We're fine here." Alodia gave me a quick smile. "I just bought supplies yesterday. But thanks. For everything."

"Glad to help." I shifted my gaze from the baby to her.

Like Mykaela's mother, Alodia's parents were Asian. Except Alodia was paler and had a more obvious yellowish skin tone. A knitted sweater and plain sweatpants covered up her slim figure, her black hair bunched up in a bun.

Her smiles looked mostly forced, but she didn't seem too uncomfortable with me sitting close to her and her baby. She seemed more lost in thought than uneasy.

"If you need anything, just phone me or Paula. She can help you with anything. She'll drive you back to town, or to the city if you need to go somewhere. Run errands or whatever."

"Okay. Thanks."

I gave her a slight nod, then took a deep breath as the nerves kicked in again. "You're fine with staying here for the meantime?"

"Um..." Alodia looked away. She avoided my eyes as the rain quieted down, as if she didn't expect my question at all. She just gave birth last week.

Fortunately she and the baby were alright, despite the pandemic and the other security issues our family had been dealing with the past few months. She and the baby were healthier than I expected. Her doctor reminded me to make sure she took her supplements, though.

"I don't really... I'm not sure yet."

"Aya, please," I said in a calm voice, hoping she didn't mind that I was calling her by her nickname. "You can't keep running away from him."

"I'm not anymore."

"Leo really wants you to stay here. For you and the baby's safety."

Alodia kept staring at the Persian rug.

"But if you really don't like it here, we can arrange something this week. Just don't leave the country without telling me or the guards," I said monotonously, trying my best to switch the conversation to a more serious note without overwhelming her, or making her feel cornered. Not my intention at all.

"Where is he now?" she asked before glancing at me, her accent still mostly American-sounding.

"Costarelle."

"Maximum security?"

I nodded.

It wasn't her fault that my brother was in a terrible place, but if she and their baby stayed here in Florence, in this property, it might be Leandro's only chance to bond with his child.

"Not too far. It's a high-security prison close to L'Aquila."

She looked away. The look on her face showed worry and a hint of guilt. "But he's okay? In there?"

"He's not being tortured everyday in the showers, if that's what you mean." I almost winced. My attempt at humor didn't seem to amuse her in any way. "Honestly, Leo's been begging me to talk to you. To convince you to stay here."

"For good?" Alodia made a face and shook her head. "No." Her voice wavered. "I can't, Enzo."

I fought the urge to scowl and sigh loudly. I inched closer to her, ignoring the awkwardness and unspoken tension that filled the pauses in our conversation. "Why not?"

"Because it's not..."

"Not what?"

"I just can't. Sorry."

"Aya..." I scratched my forehead and sighed. "It's just so you're safe, and well taken care of. And if the judge permits, he could see you two a few times a year at least." I glanced down at the sleeping newborn in her arms.

She hugged her baby to her chest, but he remained quiet and still inside his light blue swaddle.

"Fine. Rafa can come here whenever you want him to drop by. Sound good?" I gritted my teeth. It wasn't part of what Leandro and I talked about over the phone, but it might be enough to convince her that I only meant well.

"Leo wouldn't hear about it?"

"No. I'll talk to the guards. Bottomline is, he wants you to stay here so he could still see you and the baby whenever he's allowed. Whenever you're available. That's it."

"He wants me to, um, visit him in prison?"

"Yes. If you're willing to give him a chance to see and spend time with your baby," I replied.

Even though her lips moved, she only glanced at me as her baby stirred in her arms.

"Aya, I know Leo still scares you, and you still wish you never met him. But, I don't think he's capable of causing any more trouble from where he is now. Alright?" I took a deep breath, taking in the slightly dubious look on her pale face.

She bit her lower lip and stifled a sigh, clearly torn between her own desires and my brother's request. "I just don't feel comfortable talking to him face-to-face and... Honestly, it's hard. All of this is hard. Living here by myself and just..." Alodia sighed. "Everything in this house reminds me of him, and, it's not easy to forget everything he did, Enzo."

I understood her pain, but I also couldn't disregard my brother's desire to be a part of his son's life. "Yeah. I know, which is why I suggest you talk to someone every now and then." A licensed therapist, preferably. "I mean, talk to your sister if you want. Tell her to live with you here."

"Really?"

"Sure. I can help you with that." I stared into her baggy eyes. "Look. I know this is not ideal, you living in this house, alone with the baby. But it's for your own good. For you and your baby's safety."

After a moment of silence, Alodia gave a reluctant nod in response. Tears glistened in her eyes. Her dark hair, photogenic features, and even her soft voice reminded me of Mykaela.

Tomorrow evening, Mykaela's family and friends would arrive in New York to attend our engagement party. Therefore I had to be back at the airport before sunset. "You're staying?"

"For the baby," Alodia muttered with creased brows. A frown made her pinkish lips pout, her voice fainter than mine. "I'll stay. But only for him."

"Alright." I sat hunched over, rested my forearms on my thighs, then let out a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"I just don't want him to grow up without a dad."

"Yeah." I cleared my throat and clenched my fist. "I get it." The seriousness of our conversation only made me feel sorry for her and her kid, but I shouldn't be too obvious. I sat back. I couldn't help but steal glances at the infant in her arms.

My baby nephew. He looked tiny. So fragile. But he looked cuter than in the photos I saved on my phone.

Like I expected, he got his mother's eyes and lips, but his hair color and little nose definitely came from a Tomassini.

Staring at his angelic face up-close only made me contemplate the future. My own future with Mykaela.

Her stubbornness to return to Belgrade before Ilya succumbed to liver failure still kept me up most nights. Maxim had tried to dissuade her, days after I asked him to, but her resolve remained unshaken.

For weeks now, Mykaela had been convincing me to change my mind about Belgrade. She badly wanted to meet that clan of Russian criminals, particularly the one person her mother had tried so hard to hide her from.

As the muffled sound of raindrops and the thunderstorm filled the space around us, I sat closer to Alodia. I smiled to myself as she gently rocked her baby and hummed a lullaby.

Pity and a pang of guilt slowly gripped my chest again. I frowned, my gut clenching at the thought of my own baby.

The baby Mykaela and I just lost.

Our poor angel...

I held in a sigh. I'd been praying every night. Praying our angel was in heaven now.

Despite the grief I'd been trying to hide and manage by myself, I still hoped I'd get to meet our firstborn soon. And hold my own son or daughter in my arms. Create new and fun memories that didn't involve my family's dark past.

But I had accepted the fact that it largely depended on Mykaela. I knew her priorities like the back of my hand, including the things she feared most.

She actually believed Ilya would hire some hidden to murder me and my family if she didn't comply with his wish to see her in person again. Introduce her to his sons and all that. Mykaela wanted me to accompany her to Belgrade after we got married in a church somewhere in Schenectady, hoping that an official "marriage" and a fake pregnancy would pacify that mobster.

Shit.

Love really had a way of forcing us to make difficult choices. But to make her choose me and our relationship, I would do anything for her. Anything to make her happy.

***

New York.

MYKAELA.

My hands wouldn't stop sweating as I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, fingers growing numb on the sink, my heart thumping loudly as I patiently waited for my bestie to show up. I was specifically waiting for the brand new makeup kit and black pumps she promised she'd bring.

For about half an hour now, I'd been trying to decide if I'd made the right decision. Not about saying yes to Lorenzio. My brain just couldn't believe we were actually throwing our engagement party today. With our family and friends waiting for us out there.

Well, Enzo's family couldn't make it, but he did say Raffaele already left the airport.

I never thought this day would come this soon. But it was the right thing to do. To keep Lorenzio safe.

We had to convince Ilya and my half-brothers that Enzo was not just someone I met through the Falcos. We had to convince them that our relationship was not a mistake.

Right now it was the only way I could think of to make sure Ilya would never try to hurt Enzo again. If Ilya actually wanted me to meet my brothers and be part of their lives, he would value mine and not harm the most important people in my life.

I stared at my pale face in the mirror. But my complexion was an easy fix. With Gaia's help, I'd look alive in a matter of minutes. What I was questioning was my choice of clothing.

It was nothing serious to worry about right now. It was just a dress. However, my past experiences and intrusive thoughts kept saying my outfit would dictate my mood the rest of the day.

Shoot. I'd already spent more than an hour pulling every dress in my closet and checking their appeal one at a time. Either I turned my nose up or I scowled at every one.

I didn't really have the money or time to check out the nearest boutiques and buy a proper dress. So, this would have to do. The calf-length, silky fabric hugged my slight curves, the lines of the dress pretty and flattering, even in this crappy lighting. I also liked the ruffles around the hem.

Far from a wedding dress, but it wasn't too formal or boring that I'd rather wear it to work. Gaia's pumps would match this dress, including my only diamond earrings and the bracelet Miles gave me three years ago.

We didn't set a specific dress code for today's event, but Enzo did put "casual formal" on the e-vite.

“Whoa! You look hot, Nielsen.”

“Likewise, Kazan.” I turned to face the door and grinned at my best friend's taupe halter dress.

It looked simple. Classy. Not a bridesmaid's dress, but also lengthy. It hugged her petite figure and flaunted her flawless skin. Her longer braids covered part of her bodice and beautiful shoulders, while her peach-toned makeup made her look ready for anything.

“Thanks, cyst.” I reached for Gaia's wrist and gave it a squeeze. Half of my nervous thoughts dissipated when she snickered at our old nickname for each other.

“Like my new hair?”

“You try na look like Zoë Kravitz's long-lost twin?”

“Excuse me? I'm hotter and way more natural.” Gaia scoffed and unzipped her makeup kit on the counter.

“Crap. I look dead. I feel like I need a two-day spa day.”

“You're gonna be fine,” she muttered, giggling while she brushed my hair.

I didn't do much. I just blow-dried it and sprayed on some product. Some frizz stayed, though. I bit on the inside of my cheek, focusing on our reflection in the mirror while my thoughts digressed.

No going back. The only thing I could do now was own the choices I'd made and move forward. I was doing this for Enzo. For us. It was the easiest, most doable strategy I could think of to keep him out of harm's way.

“Deep breaths... You're doing great. Unqueens are in the hall, by the way.”

I stared at Gaia's profile, straightening my posture, keeping my breathing steady while my bare feet grew colder on the tiles.

“What's that look?” she mumbled with an arched brow.

“Stay the night.”

“Eh... Maybe.”

“Pretty please?”

“Depends if your future hubby doesn't rile me up tonight.”

I snorted at her new nickname for Enzo. Well, at least she didn't say "sugar daddy" this time.

“So, when's the date? You gonna be Mrs. Tomassini in a few months? Or weeks?”

“I-I dunno.”

“Ugh. You know better than to lie to me, Nielsen.”

“Shut up. You're making me nervous.” I faked a chuckle, pretending to be busy with my phone.

Gaia’s soft huff of laughter sounded laced with doubt. “Me? And why can't I ask? Hmm? Of all people, I deserve to know nothing but the absolute truth.” She propped a hand on her curvy hip.

“You sound like Mommy.”

“Did you tell him about your last appointment? With Doc Sharma?”

“Yeah.”

“When?”

“After our graduation. We had dinner on his friend's rooftop.” I sighed, recalling the immediate guilt and disappointment in Lorenzio's eyes when I told him about the miscarriage.

To my relief, he didn't turn the issue into another unhelpful argument. I had to promise him I'd talk to my therapist about it, though. I owed him that, at the very least. At this point, I just hoped this rushed engagement would work and not bite us in the ass later.

Gaia and I chatted about Lorenzio's work and my residency applications while she fixed up my hair and makeup. With her at my side, we headed for the backdoor after 20 minutes.

Some classical music was playing through the speakers. My sister Jill probably chose the tracks. I imagined her double-checking last-minute details while I was psyching myself up and trying not to puke in Enzo's guest room.

A variety of drinks and wine glasses lined up all over the mahogany patio table. Stretches of heart-shaped lights decked the buffet table, the poolside, and the garden. They looked so cute.

Except the ornaments on the bushes and on the cake. Definitely not Enzo's idea. It looked like the wedding cake design and wedding décor photos my mom sent me the other day. Oh jeez...

I stepped out of the patio with Gaia.

Jill and her best friend checked me out and gave me a thumbs-up. My mother sat near the cake, grinning at me, looking proud that I bothered to look presentable today.

“Chin up.” Gaia's rather gruff voice didn't quite drown out the noises around us. “Jeez. Would it hurt to smile?”

“Huh?”

“Seriously, Nielsen. You look like someone died.”

“I'm always around dead people,” I retorted, putting on the best non-awkward smile I could manage for my mother and our guests. My steps faltered the second I saw Lorenzio and his best friend.

Raffaele. Probably just waiting for us to get the party going. They both wore leather shoes and dark suits, but without a tie. At first glance, they could pass off as brothers. Rafa had darker and straight hair, though, stronger features, and a thicker beard.

They stood near the buffet table, chatting in Italian, their heads close together. The other guests looked busy catching up, drinking champagne and wine at their respective tables.

Too preoccupied to notice me and Gaia. Reluctantly, I took a few steps closer to where my brother-in-law sat.

David looked busy fixing something under their newly bought crib. Beside him was Meesha, his and Jill's toddler and first child.

Before I could decide what to do next, Rafa elbowed his best friend.

Lorenzio finally glanced in our direction. He grinned from ear to ear when our gazes met, then ogled me after his eyes scrutinized my outfit.

My intakes of breath wouldn't reach my lungs. My palms and armpits were already sweating.

Slouching beside Enzo, Raffaele smirked, as if he didn't expect to see me out of my scrubs and usual shirt-and-jeans getup.

I swallowed hard. Darn these stupid heels. My toes hurt, but, I could act like they didn't bother me, even as every doubt in my head only grew louder. The relentless, almost painful throbs in my chest were making my knees weak. I felt like passing out.

Good thing Gaia was here, hugging me to her side and keeping me upright. The giddy nerves started when I saw Enzo having a serious talk with my mom and sister this morning. Now my legs almost trembled at the thought that I'd be officially known as his bride-to-be after this.

Suppressing the keen urge to run for the door, I turned to my bestie and shot her a pleading look. "Get me out of here. I'm gonna—"

"No." Gaia rolled her deep-set brown eyes. "Stop it."

"I just—"

"Suck it up. You asked for this."

I scowled and pinched her hand. We probably looked stupid right now, hiding behind a tree and whisper-shouting at each other. If she could yell the words at me, she definitely would. But good to know I wasn't the only one worrying about the guests hearing us.

"The guy paid for your education and would sell his soul for you. What else did you expect?"

Well, at least that first part was true. Then again, I knew by heart the real objectives for this arrangement.

It was practically insurance. Just so Ilya would believe that I wasn't kidnapped and brainwashed by one of his business rivals' son, and deliberately forced into any kind of marital situation.

This was a mutual agreement. None of this was solely Enzo's idea.

But maybe I was just lying to myself. And to him.

Maybe, in the grand scheme of things, this was actually a terrible idea. Doomed to end in another depressing heartbreak and gnawing feelings of failure.

Or maybe this was meant to be?

I was done caring too much about what everyone else thought. I loved Enzo. I needed him in my life. Needed him more than I wanted to admit. I couldn't imagine being married to someone else.

Now it was my responsibility to keep him safe.

If it meant I had to rush our engagement and fake a wedding to keep him alive, so be it.