Page 38 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

On the drive to Manhattan, I barely spoke. But as we neared the company, I couldn't hold back. "Marco, you've been with Dante a long time. His feelings for Valentina—can anyone shake them?"

Marco glanced at me in the rearview mirror. I looked at myself too. My reflection looked pale, weak, awful. Terrible.

He said, "I can't say what's in Dante's mind. But you're the lady of the Moretti family now. That's an unchangeable fact."

His words gave me some confidence. Yes—at least during my time as Dante's wife, I'd done well. Our relationship started because of Salvador's deal, but I'd given my genuine heart to it and played the role of wife well. No matter what, Dante shouldn't betray me.

I followed Marco into the private elevator to the top floor—where Dante's office was.

Marco knocked. Dante's voice came from inside. "Come in."

The instant the door opened, I prayed Valentina wouldn't be in the office. Thank God—when we entered, only Dante was there. He looked like he hadn't slept well either. Exhaustion lined his face, his brow deeply furrowed like he'd been wrestling with something difficult.

When he saw me, his eyes widened for a moment. He set down his lit cigar. "Elena, what are you doing here?"

I entered the office. Marco left, thoughtfully closing the door.

"I..." I walked up to Dante, tilted my head back to look at him. The words came out bitter. "Dante, I know you still have feelings for Valentina. If she is the one you love, I'm willing to accept that. As your wife, I never expected you to love me with all yourheart. I only want to have your child. After that... if you want to divorce me and be with Valentina, I think I'll be able to accept it."

I should be able to accept it, right?

During this time together, Dante had made things difficult for me, tried to make me leave. But I knew he was someone who took things seriously, who took responsibility for his family. And he'd never truly hurt me. His actions came from anger, not a desire to attack me.

I hated admitting it, but right now, the sourness in my heart was becoming an ocean that drowned me.

I could no longer deny it. I loved Dante.

Hearing my words, Dante's frown deepened. Like he'd heard something hilarious, he said mockingly, "You just want to have a child. Even if I wanted to divorce you, you'd accept it?"

My heart felt like someone was jabbing it with needles.

I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze. "Yes."

Dante laughed loudly. He grabbed my shoulder, one hand gripping my chin, forcing me to look up at him. "Elena, what kind of man do you think I am? Valentina came back, so you think I'll abandon my wife and run off with her? Is that who I am to you? That shitty of a man?"

I didn't speak, but my defeated eyes already gave him the answer.

"You've surprised me, Elena." He let go, clapped twice. "I've never met a wife as generous as you. You'd hand over your husband just like that. Makes me wonder—you don't seem to love me much either. So why did you go to such lengths to marry me?"

His eyes bored into me. I opened my mouth but didn't know what to say. I couldn't control this situation. Even if I'd fallen in love with him, what would that solve?

Suddenly my stomach churned. Nausea rose in my throat.

Dante saw my reaction and grabbed my shoulders, worry flickering in his eyes. His voice softened slightly. "What's wrong?"

Chapter Fourteen

Dante

This woman was something else. A few words and she'd made me lose control all over again. When she said she could accept a divorce, I wanted to strangle her.

If she didn't love me, why the hell did she go to such lengths to become my wife? I humiliated her, said horrible things to her, and she took it all in silence. I'd always assumed she loved me so desperately that she'd endure anything.

But now? What the hell was coming out of her mouth?

I should've had my hands around her throat, demanding answers. But the moment she frowned, looking uncomfortable, the words died in my throat.

"Haven't you been resting?" I scooped Elena up and set her gently on the sofa, getting her a glass of water. "You left on your own last night. How'd you get back?"