The Don's Young Love (The Don's of Italy Saga Book 1) Age Gap Romance

Episode 43: Shadows of Doubt

Thalia's POV

My heart aches for Dominic while he's away in New York. But it's a bittersweet feeling, because I'm also heading to the Big Apple to visit my parents for a few weeks. I made the difficult choice to not apply for the internship that my boyfriend, Dominic, had started in our art class. It would be unfair for me to get the position solely due to our relationship, especially since I am now two months pregnant with his child.

As I throw clothes into my suitcase, I can't escape thoughts of how to tell Dominic about my decision. Should I call him or wait until we're face to face? The weight of this decision presses down on me like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe as I zip up my bag.

But then there's a knock on the door, jolting me out of my reverie. "Who could that be at this hour?" I wonder as I make my way to the front door.

I take a deep breath and try to compose myself before opening it. And there he is - Gabriele, standing in front of me with a sneer on his face. "Gabriele?" I snap in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello Thalia," he barks as he barges past me into my apartment and slams the door shut behind him. My eyes widen in surprise and fear.

"Gabriele, what do you want?" I plead, trying to maintain some control over the situation. "I don't have time for this, I'm on my way to the airport."

"It's about that damn internship," he spits out venomously. "Are you still screwing Don Dominic? Because if you are, you need to drop out of the internship before I expose your little secret." He roars, his voice echoing off the walls of my small apartment.

For a moment, we stand there facing each other, locked in a battle of wills. I try to steady my voice, "Gabriele, you have no right to come barging in here like this accusing me of something so absurd."

He sneers at me with contempt, "Oh please, Thalia. Everyone knows you've been cozying up to Dominic since day one. And now this convenient pregnancy? It's all too suspicious." How did he find out about my pregnancy? I only told Micola. This is not good.

Anger bubbles up inside me at his audacity. "My personal life is none of your business! How dare you come here and threaten me like this?"

Gabriele moves closer, his face twisted into a menacing leer. "You actually think Dominic will stay just because you're pregnant with his bastard child?" He chuckles maliciously.

My fists clench at my sides as I glare back at him, refusing to back down. "I won't let you manipulate me with your threats. Get out of my apartment right now."

He chuckles darkly, but then his expression turns serious as he leans in closer, his voice low and dangerous. "You have until tomorrow morning to withdraw from that internship and end things with Dominic. Or else be prepared for the consequences."

With a final intimidating look, Gabriele turns on his heel and strides towards the door before slamming it shut behind him, leaving me shaken and seething with anger at his intrusion into my life.

The door reverberated with Gabriele's forceful exit, I stood there, hands trembling with a mix of fear and rage. I couldn't believe that Micola had told him about my pregnancy. And why was he trying to manipulate me like this?

I took a deep breath to calm myself before reaching for my phone to call Dominic. I missed him more than words could express, and he needed to know what Gabriele had said to me. My trembling fingers dialed his number, and I waited anxiously as the phone rang.

Dominic's concerned voice answered after a few rings: "Thalia, is everything alright? What's happened?"

Panicked, I rushed out in a hushed tone, "Gabriele just left my apartment. He told me to give up the internship and he knows about the baby...our baby."

Dom growled angrily, "That little bastard did what? Did he threaten you? I'll take care of him. But how did he find out?"

Through sobs, I explained, "He's dating Micola, so she must have told him."

"Don't worry, baby girl. Get some rest. I'll handle Gabriele. And I miss you so much, my love. Can't wait to see you," Dominic whispered soothingly.

"I miss you too. I was going to surprise you, but I have to tell you now that I'm flying out to New York tonight. I'll see you soon," I announced.

Dominic's relief was palpable through the line, "Thalia, that's perfect. I have a surprise for you too. Just...be careful, alright? I love you."

He hung up before I could respond, but I felt a little better knowing he was there for me. After packing my bags, I looked out the window to see my driver pulling up. As the cityscape melted away, I couldn't help but feel a mix of trepidation and anticipation for what awaited me in New York.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for joining Thalia's journey thus far. As she navigates through challenges and unexpected twists, your support means the world. Hang tight as she faces new hurdles and explores the depths of her courage and love.

Warm regards,

Zapphire Zucca