HIS

Chapter 19

Domenico's POV

I couldn't bring myself to sleep, knowing that the love of my life is lying here, fighting for hers. The night stretched endlessly, giving my mind too much space to wander—and it's true what they say: your own thoughts can be your worst enemy. I spent the hours watching her nearly lifeless body in the bed beside me, holding her hand, hoping for any sign of change.

The doctors came in a few times throughout the night, but their updates were the same—no improvement, no decline. Just stillness. Despite their uncertainty about her full recovery, I believe in her. She's strong. And I'm holding onto that hope.

I left Olivia in that hospital bed with a heavy heart, but I'll be back to see her later. I've already informed Marco and my parents, and their reaction was exactly what I expected—furious. Marco and my father are on their way back, and my mother has come to stay by Olivia's side.

I'm certain my mom loved Olivia from the moment she met her—not just because she's beautiful, but because a mother with a genuine heart can sense when someone is truly good for her child. She never liked my ex, and she didn't hesitate to tell me exactly how she felt about Isabella the moment they met—especially after finding her in my bed. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a family that not only supports me, but genuinely loves the woman I plan to spend my life with.

I headed home to shower, change, and pack a few sets of clothes—I wasn't leaving Olivia's side until she recovered. I messaged my secretary, Maggy, asking her to inform Scott that I was in the area and wanted an update on the project. On the surface, it's business. But beneath that, I need to make sure I get my money back. He doesn't need to know my real reason for showing up.

As for Sophia—she'll get what's coming to her. I'll make sure they all learn never to mess with Olivia again. Every single one of them will pay for what they did.

After getting dressed in a classic black suit, crisp white shirt, and polished black dress shoes, I stepped into my matte black Ferrari 458 and hit the road. On the way, Olivia's phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Tessa's name flash on the screen—again. They'd been calling all night, and my patience was wearing thin.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hi, this is Tessa. May I please speak to Olivia?"

"Olivia's in a hospital bed, in a coma," I replied, my voice sharp. "She's hooked up to machines, fighting for her life after being heavily drugged. Someone tried to take advantage of her while she was unconscious—but I got there before it went any further. Her heart stopped more times than I care to count, but she pulled through. So, is there something else I can help you with?"

I made sure my tone left no room for misunderstanding—I wasn't in the mood to be gentle.

On the other end, Tessa broke down. "No! Please tell me she'll be okay. This can't be happening. She tried to call me, but I didn't hear my phone because of the noise. I thought she was still sitting there—I didn't see her leave, I swear."

I waited for her to collect herself, but she kept going. "Can I see her, please?"

I couldn't blame them entirely for what Sophia did, but right now, I was angry—and I needed time to cool off before letting anyone near Olivia.

"I'll let you know when she's cleared for visitors," I said, keeping my voice controlled.

"Thank you so much, and we're truly sorry. We should've kept a closer eye on her," Tessa said, her voice trembling.

I ended the call without saying goodbye. They didn't deserve courtesy right now. While they were enjoying themselves, I was racing from the airport to save Olivia's life.

I arrived at the mansion and was greeted by a guard at the gate. "Mr. Scott is expecting you, sir," he said.

Driving up to the front entrance, I was met by a middle-aged woman with blonde hair and a rigid expression.

"I'm here to see Victor Scott," I said, my tone flat.

"Welcome. I'm Julia, Victor's wife. You must be Mr. Mancini?"

I nodded, and she led me to a formal sitting room. "Victor will be with you shortly," she added before leaving.

It was still early. Moments later, a young woman with similar blonde features entered—presumably Sophia.

"Hi, I'm Sophia. My mom asked if you'd like something to drink?" she said, her tone suggestive, posture deliberate.

I didn't bother hiding my disinterest. "No, thank you," I replied curtly, eyes on my phone, ignoring her presence. I could feel her watching me, but I didn't care.

"Good morning, Mr. Mancini," Victor said as he entered, extending his hand.

"Morning, Mr. Scott. Thank you for having me," I replied, shaking his hand.

"My wife prepared breakfast. Would you care to join us?" he offered.

I nodded, though I had no intention of eating. I wasn't about to trust anything coming from this house.

He led me to the dining room and gestured to my seat. He took his place at the head of the table, and his wife and daughter joined us—dressed to impress, though their intentions were transparent.

"You've met my wife, and this is my daughter, Sophia," Victor said, gesturing toward them.

"Yes, I've met them both," I replied, nodding politely as Sophia sat across from me and Julia beside her husband.

The maids brought in trays of food. "Please, help yourself," Victor said.

I took a piece of toast and buttered it, more for appearances than appetite.

"Mr. Mancini," Victor began.

"Please, call me Domenico," I interrupted.

"Then call me Victor," he replied with a smile. I nodded in agreement.

"So, Domenico, I'm not sure if you've met my daughter before today. She's a second-year student at NYU, studying toward her bachelor's in arts. She's an aspiring actress," he said with pride.

I played along. "That's great. I wish you success," I said. "Do you have any other children, Victor?"

For a brief moment, I caught a flicker of discomfort on Julia's face, but Victor didn't flinch. "She's my only daughter," he said smoothly, while Sophia batted her lashes at me.

I nodded and pretended to sip the water in front of me.

"Is there someone special in your life, Domenico?" Julia asked.

"Yes," I said calmly. "She's currently unavailable, but she should be back in a week or two."

Julia leaned toward Sophia and whispered, "Plenty of time then," clearly unaware I could hear every word. A mother teaching her daughter the wrong kind of lessons.

After some idle conversation, I decided to shift gears. "Do you have an update on the project, Victor?"

"Everything is progressing well. We expect completion in three weeks. I'd like to formally invite you and your partner to the grand opening, scheduled for one month from now."

"Thank you. We'll be there," I said. And they'll get the surprise of their lives—assuming Olivia is well enough by then.

"I'll send you a full report later today with the current project plan and timelines," he added.

"Appreciate it. I have another engagement to attend, so I'll take my leave," I said, rising from my seat.

"Please visit us again," Sophia said sweetly.

I offered a polite but insincere smile.

Leaving the house, I was met with waves and smiles from the family. All while Olivia lay in a hospital bed, fighting for her life. Their time will come. I just need to be patient.

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