𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

Chapter One-Hundred

ADELINE
MARIANO

The pregnancy test slipped from my trembling fingers, clattering to the floor as I stared, breathless, at the result. Was this pounding in my chest excitement, or was it a hint of fear winding its way around my heart? What if Luciano wasn't ready to be a father? This wasn't something we'd planned for, and even though the thought of a family had always stirred something warm within me, I wasn't sure if he felt the same way. Luciano had taken on so many responsibilities already, raising his brothers, leading his family—would a child be too much?

I quickly tossed the pregnancy test in the garbage and stepped out of the bathroom, trying to keep my expression neutral as I walked back into the bedroom.

Mia looked up from where she was lounging on the couch, her gaze sharp with curiosity. "So, what's the verdict?" she asked, eyebrow raised. "I told you it's probably just hormones. You're on birth control, aren't you?"

"Mia..." I swallowed hard, my voice barely more than a whisper. "I'm pregnant."

Her eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly shrugged, looking almost unfazed. "So? Why do you look so freaked out? Be happy! You and Luciano are perfect together."

I felt my stomach twist. "It's not that simple, Mia. How can I be sure Luciano even wants a child? He's been taking care of his brothers all these years—that's already so much responsibility. What if this isn't something he wants?"

Mia sighed, rolling her eyes as she pushed herself up off the couch, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Adeline, you two are engaged," she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "He's committed to you, isn't he? And think about all the times Damiano's joked about you two having kids—Luciano never objected. He always just smiled along with it."

Our wedding was next month. Oh, my God.

I bit my lip, torn. "But that's different. Jokes are easy to brush off, but actually becoming a parent? That's a lifetime commitment. What if he feels trapped?"

Mia gave me a look, a little smirk playing at her lips. "And if he's that stupid not to want it, divorce his ass," she said, a hint of playfulness in her tone, but there was seriousness in her gaze. "Find someone who will accept you and this baby."

Divorce? The word alone made my heart seize. Luciano wasn't the kind of man to just let me go, and the thought of us being apart felt impossible, unthinkable. No, I couldn't even imagine it.

A notification buzzed from my phone, and I glanced down to see a message: Luciano was back from his business trip, earlier than expected. He was finally home after a long, exhausting week.

Mia took that as her cue, giving me a quick hug and slipping out the door with a wink, leaving me alone with my thoughts. My heart raced with anticipation as I hurried to greet Luciano, a smile tugging at my lips. Yet, a flicker of uncertainty remained. As much as I wanted to tell him about the pregnancy, the words felt heavy on my tongue, and I knew I couldn't share the news until I was sure. Until I was ready to face whatever came next.