Italian Obsession

Chapter 15

Valentina

"Thank you for doing this, Ben."

"You're welcome."

"Are you alright?"

"Honestly, no."

"Why?"

Ben sighed and placed his hand on my stomach. "I don't want to pretend, Valentina."

"What are you trying to say?"

"I don't want to fake an imaginary relationship with you any longer. I was okay with it at first, but I truly want you all to myself."

"Ben..."

"I know what you are going through and I don't like seeing you like this."

"Like what?"

"I know how you feel about him, I can tell, but I want to be with you and I want to be here raising your child with you."

"But the baby isn't yours."

"And?"

"I don't know."

"I want to be in your life, Val. I hurt you and I hate myself for it."

"Ben..."

He grabbed my face and lightly kissed me. "Please," he whispered in my ear. "I want to give us a chance."

"Are you asking me..."

"To be my girlfriend. Please, Valentina."

"How do I know that you won't repeat the past behavior that made me break up with you the first time?"

"I went to therapy after you left. Please just give me a chance."

"Okay. I will give you one chance."

"Really?"

"Y-yes." I knew that I shouldn't have accepted his offer but for the time being, I had no choice.

"I promise you that I will make you forget about him. At least for a little while."

"I know you will."

*** Several months later, I was days from my delivery date and I was beyond nervous. "Babe, are you alright?"

I looked at Ben and nodded. "I'm fine."

"Well, I got you this for our seven month anniversary."

He grabbed a box out of his pocket and handed it to me. "Ben, what is this?"

"Just open it."

I opened the box, revealing a set of Neal Lane diamond earrings. "Oh my god, I love them."

"I figured you'd like it."

"I do. Very much."

"Good."

"I'm just scared, Ben."

He gently brushed his fingers through my hair and raised his eyebrows. "Why?"

"Because he is supposed to be due in three days, and I'm scared. I am so young and not even prepared to do this."

"Regardless, I am here for you. No matter what."

"Thank you."

He kissed my forehead and wrapped his arms around me. "Of course."

Later that night, I sat up and felt excruciating pain. "Are you okay?"

I looked at Ben and shook my head. "I think it's time."

"Alright, babe." He grabbed my hand and handed me my jacket. "Let's go to the hospital, shall we?"

"Sadly."

*** Five hours later: Everything felt so surreal as I held my son in my arms. "He looks just like you, what are you choosing to name him?"

"Maverick Jace."

"I like it."

"You do?"

Ben nodded. "Absolutely. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

"You don't have to worry about being alone anymore, I'm here for you from now on."

I truly deep down wished that Danny was here instead of Ben, but that was only something of my imagination.