Page 157 of Milo

"I agree," Luisa scowls. "She was an idiot to think we would not find out."

"It is over now." Milo squeezes my hand, casting me a knowing look. He did it. He told them that she was the mole. "Let us move on, yes?"

"Yes!" Julia claps her hands, a cunning smile on her face. "Now we can start planning the wedding." She gasps, covering her mouth. "Oh my God! We must do it now! Before she gets fat!"

"Julia!" Antonia clicks her tongue. "Pregnant is not fat."

"Tell that to Chanel!" Julia bites her lip in thought. "Oh! We can do it on New Year's Eve! We are having a party anyway; we will make it a wedding! It is perfect!"

Milo clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "New Year's Eve will not work," he says, glancing at Paolo. "It is too soon."

I purse my lips. "Is there somewhere you need to be on New Year's?" If he thinks he's going to Russia to blow up the warehouses himself, he's lost his damn mind. "Well?"

"Paolo and I will be out of town," Milo states. "We will return on New Year's Day."

"Paolo!" Julia crosses her arms. "When were you going to tell me about this? You are leaving? Why? For what?"

Irritation and fear flush my cheeks. He is not going to fucking Russia.

"I think New Year's Eve is a great idea, Julia,” I state, casting Milo a subtle glare. "I'm sure whatever is happening that night does not require their personal attendance. Right? Perhaps, you can participate from afar?"

"No, I cannot?—"

"Milo, please!" Julia snaps. "What is more important than Kiara? Hmm? She is carrying your fucking child! Do you not want to marry her?"

I suppress a grin as Milo's jaw clenches. Julia, my greatest weapon. "Of course, I want to marry her, Julia."

"Then what is the problem?" Julia asks through her teeth. "If it is a matter of time constraint, do not worry, little brother, I will take care of everything."

"Yes, baby," I say, feigning a pout. "What's the problem?"

Milo sighs, glancing at Paolo who nods in approval. "I suppose there is no problem."

"Then it's set!" Julia exclaims, giddiness exuding from her body. "Luisa and I will get started on preparations right away! We only have five days! There is so much to do!" She perches on the edge of the hospital bed. "What kind of flowers do you like? Colors? Silver or gold? And your dress? Mermaid? Ballgown? A-line? Trumpet? White? Cream? Champagne?"

"Uh—" I stammer, suddenly feeling overwhelmed and nauseous. "I?—"

"Perhaps this can wait until Kiara has fully recovered," Dr. Giardini pipes up, catching my flustered demeanour. "I think it is best if you all leave. She will return home later today but for now, we should let her rest."

I mouth thank you, casting him a grateful smile before squeezing my future sister-in-law's hand. "Honestly, Julia, I trust your judgment. Do whatever you want." I look over at Luisa. "Can we keep this small? Under fifty people? Is that possible?"

Luisa scrunches her face. "It is doable, but we might offend some of our allies if they are not invited."

Our allies. My allies.

I take in the smiling faces of everyone around me. They're here for me. They're here because they care about me. Because they love me. Because I am one of them.

They're my family.

The last time I was in a hospital, I was alone. Thirteen and alone.

I don't feel alone anymore.

I place my hand on my belly. I will never be alone again.

"Okay," I say, letting out a content breath. "Invite everyone we know."

"Big is always better, cara!" Julia exclaims as Natalia attempts to crawl up on the bed. "Talia, what are you doing?"

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