Pregnant by the Mafia Boss

16

L I L I A N A

As the car slowed to a stop at the entrance of the lavish Russo estate, I felt a familiar rush of nerves and anticipation building up in my chest.

I took a deep breath, glancing down at the diamond necklace glinting at my collarbone.

The diamonds shined under the dim evening light, perfectly balanced by the satin black dress, which Alessandro had sent over last night.

When I first saw it, I almost hesitated to wear it for the birthday party.

But I couldn't resist how it hugged my curves, how the deep neckline and delicate straps made me feel powerful and beautiful.

I knew it would draw every gaze tonight.

Every detail was designed to be alluring, sophisticated, and impossible to ignore.

Marcello stepped out of the car, extending a hand to help me, and I accepted, slipping my fingers into his outstretched palm.

This was our routine, the perfect image of a couple, the dutiful wife and the attentive husband.

But this was just a performance, a show we both maintained.

I reminded myself that tonight was for appearances, for the birthday celebration of Marcello's younger sister.

And yet, my thoughts were somewhere else entirely, drifting back to Alessandro.

We walked up the grand marble steps, my heels clicking softly against the stone as we made our way to the entrance.

"Just remember," Marcello whispered as we approached the entrance, "you're my wife tonight. Play the part."

I nodded, forcing a smile. "I've got this."

We stepped inside the mansion as the door was opened by two butlers who were greeting the guests.

Inside, the party was already in full swing. The ballroom was filled with glittering chandeliers, endless trays of delicacies, and beautifully dressed guests.

A pianist played somewhere off in the distance, the notes drifting through the massive space, mingling with the hum of laughter and conversation.

I didn't think this was a birthday party for a sixteen-year-old, until I looked to my left, and there was a special room made for the teenagers.

I glanced inside, where the teenagers were busy sitting around the principessa, Bianca Russo. They looked like they were having a good time.

We made our way into the spacious living room, and heads turned as we entered, and I felt the familiar thrill of admiration wash over me, mingling with my nervous anticipation.

Alessandro was here somewhere, I could feel his gaze on me from the crowd of people.

I hadn't seen him since Paris, when he had given me this necklace with a look that was seared into my memory.

His gaze had been intense, lingering on me in a way that I couldn't quite define but could never forget. And now, the thought of seeing him again sent a shiver through me.

As Marcello stepped aside to greet a family member, I took a moment to scan the room, searching for that familiar face.

And then, I saw him.

Alessandro was standing across the room, engaged in conversation with a couple of guests.

Even from across the room, he radiated an aura that was both magnetic and intimidating, an air of confidence that made him stand out from everyone else around him.