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

CHAPTER 48

Three weeks have passed since Stefano's death, and the pain still feels as raw as the day I learned of his fate. Sometimes, I catch myself pretending he's just away on a long trip, that he'll walk through the door any moment with that crooked smile I loved so much. But reality always crashes back, leaving me breathless with grief.

Today, I'm heading to the airport to fly back to Miami. Stefano's funeral was a week ago, a blur of black clothes and tear-stained faces. I cried so much that day I feared for our baby's well-being. But our little one is strong, just like their father. I'm determined to take care of myself and this precious life growing inside me. It's what Stefano would have wanted.

As I descend the stairs, my hand trailing along the smooth banister, Aurora's voice breaks through my reverie. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I am," I reply, reaching the last step. The maid follows behind with my final bag, a bittersweet reminder that I'm leaving this place that holds so many memories.

Aurora gestures towards the living room. "Before we go, I'd like to talk to you about something."

Settling onto the plush couch, I brace myself. "What is it?"

Aurora takes a deep breath, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "It's been a few weeks since my brother died, but there's something I think you should know. The real reason Stefano broke up with you after your near-death experience has to do with a woman named Evelyn..."

My heart clenches at the mention of another woman. "Evelyn? Did Stefano cheat on me?" The words tumble out before I can stop them.

"God, no," Aurora assures me quickly. "My brother would never do such a thing."

"Okay, please explain why Evelyn is the reason," I say, bracing myself for the truth.

Aurora takes a deep breath, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and empathy. "Years ago, Stefano was deeply in love with a woman named Evelyn. They were young, and their love was passionate and all-consuming. She was his first true love, and they were blissfully happy together."

She pauses, the weight of her following words heavy in the air. "But then, one day, of Stefano's rival killed Evelyn. It was a devastating blow, and Stefano was consumed by guilt. He blamed himself for her death and swore he would never allow himself to fall in love again to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening to someone else he cared about."

Aurora's gaze meets mine, a flicker of pain in her eyes. "But then he met you, Andrea. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but fall for you. And when you survived Vladimir's brutal attack, Stefano made a promise to himself to keep you safe at all costs. Even if it meant letting you go and breaking both of your hearts in the process."

As the truth sinks in, I feel a wave of emotion wash over me. The pieces of the puzzle fall into place – Stefano's initial hesitation, his reluctance to fully commit, and the abrupt way he ended things between us. It all makes sense now.

"I can't even imagine the guilt and pain Stefano must have carried with him all these years," I whisper, my heart aching for the man I loved. "It explains so much about his behavior, both before and after we got together."

Tears prick at my eyes as I realize the depth of Stefano's love for me. He cared so deeply that he was willing to sacrifice his own happiness to keep me safe. I wish more than anything that he was here now so I could tell him that what happened to me was not his fault.

Aurora's voice trembles as she speaks, her own tears falling freely. "He decided to take a chance on love again because of me because I encouraged him to open his heart. But then the worst happened, and I can't help but feel responsible for putting your life in danger."