The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 47

It's been a few days since I witnessed that horrifying video of Ivan torturing the love of my life. The images haunt me, seared into my mind like a cruel brand. I try to stay strong for the tiny life growing inside me, but it's a constant battle. Every time the memories resurface, tears flow unbidden, and my thoughts spiral into the dark abyss of what horrors Stefano might be enduring at Ivan's merciless hands.

In a desperate attempt to find him, I tried calling the number Ivan used to contact me that fateful day. But it was a futile effort - the calls never connected. He must have used a burner phone, discarding it the moment our conversation ended. The video itself arrived on a phone Ivan mailed to me, a calculated move to avoid leaving a digital trail. As much as I loathe him, I can't deny his cunning. Had he sent it via email or social media, tracing the device back to him would have been far easier.

The Costanzo family has been relentless in their search for Stefano, mobilizing every resource at their disposal. Yet, even with their vast influence, progress remains elusive. I shudder to think of the lengths Ivan must have gone to in order to successfully abduct a man as formidable as Stefano.

Lost in the labyrinth of my thoughts, I almost miss the sound of my phone ringing. Glancing at the screen, I see it's my mother. I take a deep breath, steeling myself before answering.

"Hello, Mom," I say, my voice strained with the effort to sound normal.

"How are you doing, dear?" Her worry is palpable, even through the phone.

"I'm good. How about you?" I lie, not wanting to burden her further.

"I'm good too. How's the baby doing?"

"The baby's fine." I place a protective hand on my stomach, drawing strength from the life within.

"That's wonderful to hear." Mom pauses, her tone shifting. "How are you holding up? I can't imagine how difficult it must be, being pregnant with Stefano missing."

I close my eyes, swallowing the lump in my throat. "It's not easy, but I'm trying my best to stay strong. For the baby and myself."

"That's good, dear." Another pause. "There's something your brother and I wanted to discuss with you."

"I'm listening, Mom." Apprehension coils in my gut.

"With Stefano missing and the danger posed by Vladimir, we were thinking... maybe it's best for you and the baby to leave Sicily. Go somewhere safe until the Costanzo family handles this."

I understand their concern, but the thought of leaving, of being far away when Stefano is found, is unbearable. "I know it's not safe, that I should be as far from this city as possible. But I can't leave yet. I need to be here when they find him."

Mom sighs, her empathy evident. "I understand how you feel, dear."

Relief washes over me at her acceptance. "Thank you for not pushing the matter. How's Santiago?"

"He's doing fine, and send his love."

"That's good to hear." I manage a small smile, grateful for their support.

"I'll let you rest now. I'll call again later. Bye, love you."

"Love you too, Mom. Bye." After ending the call with Mom, I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. The need to know more about the search for Stefano propels me forward, and I find myself walking toward the gang's headquarters, my heart pounding with each step.

As I reach Thomas's office, I pause for a moment, my hand hovering over the door. I take another breath, steeling myself, and knock firmly.

"Avanti," Thomas calls out in Italian, his voice muffled by the heavy wooden door.