Page 12 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

I didn't understand why he wanted me to hide this from Dante. Dante already hated me—keeping secrets would only make it worse. And now I was supposed to have his child? The whole thing felt impossible.

Salvador must have sensed my hesitation. "Don't worry. I'll help you. These conditions aren't as difficult as they sound."

I bit down hard. "Fine. I agree."

He continued, "Alfredo will draw up a contract. Once you sign, your problems disappear. But the contract binds you aswell. If you break these conditions, your life—and your parents' lives—will be mine to do with as I please."

Salvador, the ruthless old Don. So careful I almost wanted to applaud him.

"Okay."

What else could I say?

I left his room and called Maggie, forcing my voice into something resembling calm. "It's handled, Mom. Everything's fine."

Maggie's voice cracked with disbelief. "How? Elena, that's a hundred thousand dollars! What did you do? Did you do something dangerous—"

"No." I lied, needing her to believe me. "I borrowed it from my boss. He's advancing my salary. I just... I probably won't be able to come home for a while."

Maggie started crying. "I'm sorry, Elena. I'm so sorry..."

"It's okay, Mom." My nose stung. My throat tightened. I pushed it down. "Someone's going to come see you soon. They'll set you up with a new job and a house. Move in right away. And whatever you do, don't let Richard know where you are. You have to keep yourself safe. Start fresh. Don't let him threaten you anymore. Promise me."

Maggie could barely speak. "What is all this?"

"My boss is a good man." Another lie.

I didn't want Maggie to sacrifice herself for me. And she'd never want me to sacrifice myself for her. But this was the only way. To keep her from worrying, I had to lie.

She was still anxious, but I had to end the call. There were more pressing matters ahead.

"Take care of yourself, Maggie."

Soon after, Alfredo arrived with the contract. I stared at the terms—cold, transactional clauses spelling out my future.Slowly, I signed my name. My happiness was over. I'd sacrificed it all.

When I returned to the attic, I found Lucia waiting at my door with a stranger.

Lucia was the closest thing I had to a friend at the manor. She was in her fifties, gentle and kind, always ready with comfort when I needed it most.

Even exhausted, I managed a smile. "Lucia. Who's this?"

"Mr. Morreti is hosting a party at the manor tonight. This is your makeup artist." Lucia's eyes were soft, maternal. "I heard they're announcing your engagement to Dante. What wonderful news."

My nose stung again. Lucia had no idea what I'd agreed to. She didn't know this marriage had no love in it—only interest and danger.

But still, she blessed me with genuine warmth. "Thank you, Lucia."

Inside my room, a red strapless gown with a long train lay across the narrow bed. Satin. Exquisite. The kind of dress I'd never imagined wearing.

The makeup artist got to work. I sat numbly, watching my reflection transform. Layer after layer of makeup. The plain little maid disappeared. In her place—a polished, beautiful stranger.

"You look stunning, Elena."

Lucia's voice was full of praise.

The artist pinned my hair up. My entire head looked like a doll's.

Then came the dress. And immediately—a problem. The bodice was too tight. The zipper wouldn't close.