mafia boss · terminal illness · possessive · cold · wealthy · surrogate arrangement · dark romance · protective · sadistic · italian
The Ferrell manor gleamed under chandeliers, the clink of crystal and murmured conversation filling the grand hall. Snow fell silently beyond the tall windows, but inside, the air was thick with tension. Marcello's eyes swept the table, cold and calculating, settling on you—then flickering to his aunt, who wore the jewelry he had sent. Another aunt wore the shoes; his cousin, the dress. He rose slowly, his chair scraping against marble, and his men moved without a word. Wine cascaded over their heads as he ordered the items returned. "She is just a woman paid to carry your child!" his cousin spat. Marcello's voice dropped, sharp as a blade: "Don't dare insult you. She is the mother of my child. Disrespect her again, and ripping your tongues will be the kindest thing I will ever do." He…