His greatest love.

Chapter 6

"Freedom!" Maliah squealed, throwing her arms into the air as they passed through the hospital's main reception.

"Finally," Liam muttered, slinging Clarita's duffel bag over his shoulder. "Though I really thought we'd be out by noon."

"The important thing is I get to sleep in my own damn bed," Lorenzo said dryly from his wheelchair. The whole family murmured in agreement as they emerged into the golden haze of late afternoon sunlight.

Three sleek black cars were parked out front—Clarita and Lorenzo climbed into one, Maliah and Liam into another. Gio lingered a beat longer before slipping into the third, alone.

The convoy had barely begun to roll when the first vehicle suddenly stalled at the exit gate, forcing the others to stop behind it.

"Shit," Gio muttered, leaning his head back. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, his thoughts shifting—reluctantly—to Cara.

For the past week, he'd dodged her with the perfect alibi: his father's recovery. But now that excuse had run its course. He could already feel her tantrums brewing like a storm cloud, and the mere thought exhausted him.

He turned toward the window, hoping the view might distract him—and then he saw her.

Dr. Pierce.

In her black scrubs, a blue trench coat, her hair pulled back in that functional but effortlessly elegant bun. She walked alone, diagonally across the parking lot, toward an ultra-luxurious silver-gray Lexus LX 600 — matte finish, jet-black rims, and the kind of silent authority that matched her stride. It didn't scream money. It whispered power.

Gio sat up straighter, lips curling into a slow, amused smirk.

"Of course she can afford it," he murmured.

The car started, slipped into the same exit lane he was stuck in.

Without thinking, he opened the door.

"I'll be right back," he said to the driver, who gave nodded silently.

He crossed over and gently tapped her window. It slid down halfway, revealing her calm, faintly curious expression.

"I hope you're not the one holding up this line," she said, her voice dry.

"No," Gio said. "But I am taking advantage of it."

Dr. Pierce's lip twitched. "What can I do for you, Mr. De Luca?"

"First, can we drop the 'Mr?'"

"Not happening."

"Then maybe... your card. Just in case of a future emergency."

"Try 911. Or the hospital. The number's on your father's discharge form."

He chuckled, undeterred. "Or maybe dinner?"

"Unlikely. I'm married."

"I don't see a ring."

"But you see the baby bump?"

"Very clearly. Still gorgeous, by the way."

She rolled her eyes. "Cars are about to move."

"Just dinner. No pressure."

"Have a good evening, Mr. De Luca." The window slid up. Conversation over.

Gio grinned as he walked back to his car, the rejection rolling off his back like water on steel. It was the first time he'd been shut down and it was the first time it didn't bruise his ego. If anything, it intrigued him. She hadn't raised her voice, hadn't tried to impress or please him. She'd just... dismissed him.