Page 78 of Married to the Ruthless Mafia Heir

"You're injured. A hospital gown makes sense." I couldn't help laughing at him. "Don, are you nervous?"

"This is different." For once, he didn't deflect. "She's your mother."

When Maggie arrived at the hospital, she carried a thermal food container and a bag of fruit. She paused at the door, peeking in at Dante propped up in bed, before entering.

"Mom." I waved her over. "Come sit."

Maggie set the container on the nightstand and opened it—a pot of rich, white chicken soup. She glanced at Dante, then at me, then at my slightly rounded belly. Her eyes suddenly brimmed with tears.

"Elena." Her voice cracked. "You went through something this terrible and didn't tell me sooner."

"I didn't want you to worry." I took her hand. "Look, we're both fine."

Maggie sniffled and turned to Dante, studying him carefully for a long moment.

Dante stiffened under her gaze, sitting straighter. When he spoke, his voice was lower than usual. "Ma'am."

"Thank you, Dante." Maggie looked at him. "If you hadn't risked your life to save Elena, I might never have seen her again."

Her voice broke. I patted her shoulder quickly.

"I didn't want you two together before, because your world is too dangerous." Maggie continued. "But a man who brings Elena back from death's door—you care for her. You'll protect her. So I trust my daughter. The man she chose can't be wrong."

Dante froze, then very quietly said, "You have my word."

Maggie didn't press further. She ladled out the soup, handing me a bowl first, then serving Dante. Dante held his bowl, took a sip, then another, then looked up. "Thank you. It's really good."

Maggie smiled, the wrinkles at her eyes smoothing out. "If it's good, drink plenty. It helps with your healing."

She stayed a while, then checked the time and stood to leave. "I'll head back and make you both something else. You two rest up. Don't worry about anything else."

I walked her to the door. She suddenly stopped, glanced back at Dante, then lowered her voice to me. "The way he looks at you—that can't be faked. I'm at peace now."

My nose stung. I nodded. "Be careful going home, Maggie."

After Maggie left, Dante pulled me back to the bed and made me sit. He was quiet for a moment, then said, "You and Maggie look alike."

"Everyone says that."

"She loves you." Dante looked at me. "Back at the manor, you must have missed her terribly."

I lowered my head. "I had no choice. I worked hard at the manor so she could have a better life."

Dante took my hand, his thumb stroking my knuckles. "Never again. She'll be near us from now on. You can see her whenever you want."

I looked at him and nodded. "Okay."

That afternoon after rounds, Marco came again.

This time he knocked before entering. Seeing me sitting by Dante's bed, he hesitated, then closed the door and approached Dante.

"Dante." Marco kept his voice low. "The Cruz family situation is wrapped up. Hector's men either fell in line or got cleaned out. Their New York territory is under our control. As for Mexico, I've cultivated our forces there. Our informants are in place."

I kept my head down, carefully peeling another apple. Dante never hid these things from me, but I didn't understand enough—just caught pieces here and there.

Dante listened to Marco's full report and simply nodded. "Got it."

"One more thing." Marco glanced at me, hesitating. "Valentina... we sent her back to Mexico. She's under watch."