mafia husband · cruel mother in law · pregnancy · family drama · toxic relationships · passive aggressive · wealthy setting · dark romance · domestic conflict · italian mafia
The light from the crystal chandelier is cold, slicing across the expanse of dark, polished mahogany. My hand rests on the swell of my belly—seven months with a girl—as my mother-in-law Valeria’s stare pins me from the head of the table. My sister Gemma’s jaw is set in a hard line. Under the table, Lorenzo’s fingers tighten around mine, a silent claim. Both dynasties are here, summoned to decide a name. Valeria’s smile finally finds me, thin and sharp. "Shall we begin, darling?"