Alessia's POV
I drove home leaving work behind, my grip tightened excitedly on the pregnancy test result to show my fiancé.
Earlier, I had fainted at the office and was taken to the hospital, where I was confirmed to be two weeks pregnant.
I had always felt dizzy and shrugged it off as fatigue.
My joy knew no bounds as I rushed home to celebrate with Derek.
As I approached the house, I noticed the door was unlocked, which was unusual. I heard voices - Derek's deep laughter and another familiar voice, accompanied by soft music. I walked towards the room, following the voices. From the slightly opened door, I was shocked to my bones by what I saw.
It was Derek and Viola, my best friend, holding each other intimately. Viola rested her head on his chest, their hands wrapped around each other.
"I can't bear to share you anymore with that bitch," Viola said, her fingers tracing Derek's broad chest slowly.
"Don't worry, babe," Derek replied, pecking her forehead. "It's only a matter of time. Once we get married in two days, I'll finally get what I want - after I kill her."
Viola chuckled. "Oh, baby, the way you said it made me shiver. I love it!"
Derek smiled, "It's just a matter of time. Once she's dead, all the properties and businesses that were supposed to be in her name would come to me. Most especially the influence." He said.
"We would be so untouchable." Viola said, almost shrieking with excitement.
"Yeah." Derek said and he brought his face closer to hers and they both shared a passionate kiss.
My legs began to wobble. I closed my eyes, shaking my head, hoping it was just a dream, a hell of a nightmare. But it was reality, my reality.
My whole body trembled with anger, shock, and my eyes stung with tears. I had heard stories of women who were cheated on with their best friend, sisters, or people they trusted. Never did I imagine this would happen to me - with the same people I felt I could trust my life with, people who I would brag about how much they would sacrifice for me.
I closed my mouth, muffling the cry that threatened to escape. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and hearing.
"Go easy on her, though," Viola said, breaking the kiss. "Let her have a silent and less painful death. You know we've been friends, and we're like blood sisters." She caressed his beards.
Derek looked up, a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Should I drown her?" he mused. "She actually spends a lot of time in the bathtub, washing her bony body. I should just sneak in and bury her head in."
"What if you push her down the stairs?" Viola said. "Or better still, lure her into a smoky kitchen. You know she's asthmatic, and within minutes, she would die. Poor Alessia."
Derek chuckled, "Wow, you're so smart, my evil vixen." Their laugh filled the house.
I gasped, my rage boiling over. I wanted to storm in, drag Viola by her hair, and scratch Derek's face. No, I'd kill them before they could kill me! I was furious, mad, and hurt. My best friend and the man I loved, the one I was supposed to spend my life with, were planning my murder with such joy.
I clutched my chest, my heart pounding with pain. But I knew I couldn't kill them. Instead, I would tell my father and ruin their sinister plan.
I cradled my stomach, already deeply in love with my unborn child. I felt a strengthened. Other women had survived similar betrayals and thrived. I wouldn't be weak, I will rise above this.
I breathed in, steeling myself, and managed to slip out of the house, my heart racing as I tried not to make a sound or leave a trace of my visit.
I hailed a taxi and gave the driver my destination: my father's mansion. I was determined to tell him everything and break off the alliance. It was a mistake, a huge one.
Our marriage was arranged by our families - the Rossis and the Bianchis, two of the most powerful Mafia families. The union was meant to consolidate power, reduce competition, and eliminate rivals by forming a formidable force. I had never been interested in Mafia politics, instead focusing on my role as the head of innovation at one of my father's companies.
But that all changed when I met Derek. I fell deeply for his charming smile and captivating presence. We both agreed to the arranged marriage, and as time passed, I thought we had fallen in love - or at least, I had.
Blinded by my feelings, I made the decision to move into Derek's house.
I couldn't wait to be finally his, but now I realize how much of a fool I was.
****
Before long, we arrived at the mansion. I steadied myself, clutching my bag beside me. The security guards knew me well, so I was granted immediate access. I headed straight to my father's study.
Dad immediately extinguished his cigarette upon seeing me. "Alessia, my dear, did you miss Daddy that much, that you left work to see me?" he asked, approaching me.
I had planned how I would tell him, but the words caught in my throat. Instead, I burst into tears - the same tears I'd been holding back. "Papa!" I sobbed, hot tears streaming down my face.
My body quaked as memories flooded back. My dad's expression transformed from surprise to worry as he took in my pitiful state. He wrapped me in a warm hug, holding me close until I calmed down.
"Alessia, tell me who hurt you," Dad said, his voice low. "I'll tear that person into shreds, just for you."
"Dad, I don't want to get married to Derek," I said, wiping away my tears.
"What? Why?" Dad asked, his brow furrowed.
"Dad, he doesn't love me," I began.
But Dad cut me off. "You guys had a little quarrel, and you don't want to get married to him? Seriously, I thought you'd grown."
I took a deep breath. "No, Dad. He's cheating on me with Viola!"
Dad's expression changed, and he raised an eyebrow. "Cheating on you?" he repeated.
I nodded, my voice shaking. "If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed either."
I sniffled, my heart still aching.
Dad's voice was husky. "So?"
I looked up, confused. "What do you mean, "so"?"
Dad's expression was cold. "What if he is cheating? Is that a reason to break the
alliance? You're getting married to Derek in two days, and that's not negotiable."