Page 106 of The Don's Soulmate

And only one name comes to mind.

"Could it be…?" I say to myself, grappling with this newfound knowledge. The thought of Carlotta carrying a child – possibly Ettore’s – makes revenge seem even sweeter.

And I know just how to spark the chain of events that will get me what I want. Her death. I pull out my phone, waiting for the receiver to pick up.

“Hello?” a thick, boisterous voice booms through.

"Ugo," I say tersely, trying to control the tempest within me. "I have news about Carlotta."

"Speak," he barks.

"She’s pregnant," I reveal with a small smile. “I assume it’s Ettore’s.”

Silence fills the line for a moment before Ugo's voice returns, seething with rage. "That spoiled bitch! She is worthless to me now. You know what to do, Vittorio. Eliminate herand him. Make sure you do it before a baby comes. She should feel her child die within her."

"Of course," I reply with a cold smile. The thought of ending Carlotta’s life ignites a surge of power within me, burning away any doubts. This is my purpose—seeking vengeance for those who have wronged me and my family.

"Good. Make sure she doesn't escape this time," Ugo snarls, his voice dripping with disdain.

Chapter 52

Carlotta

Screams rip from my throat as I bolt upright, sweat drenching my skin. The nightmare plays on repeat, Ettore's body torn limb from limb in that horrific contraption.

I gasp, my breath catching in my throat as I shoot up in bed, tears streaming down my face. I cling to my belly, hugging my baby, worrying he or she is as afraid as I am. The remnants of the nightmare cling to me, wrapping around my mind like a dark shroud. Ettore stirs beside me, his brow furrowed with concern as he sees my distress.

"Carlotta, what's wrong? What happened?" his hands reach out to gently hold my trembling shoulders.

"I... I had a nightmare," I manage to choke out, my voice barely a whisper. "It was so vivid, Ettore. You were being tortured...killed right in front of me. Your body was torn apart in this horrible, ancient machine. I couldn't do anything to help you."

I close my eyes tightly, trying to will away the gruesome images. Ettore pulls me into a strong embrace, trying to provide me some semblance of warm comfort.

"Shh, amore mio, it was just a dream," he murmurs into my hair, his voice soothing my heart to calm down just a little. "I'm here, safe with you. Nothing will take me away from you."

I take a shaky breath, allowing his reassurance to seep into my bones. But the fear still lingers. "What if something does happen, Ettore? What could the dream mean?”

"Amore mio, listen to me," he says, cupping my face in his hands, forcing me to look into his piercing blue eyes. "We're soulmates, bound together by fate. It was a nightmare from the past, of a different life. In this lifetime, things will be different.”

“But how do you know that?” I almost scream, shaking my head in protest. “We’ve been torn apart hundreds of times over. Why would this time be any different?”

There’s a quiet lull for a few moments, Ettore warring in his head. And then, he nods, a decision having been made.

"Carlotta, there's something I need to tell you,” he begins. "The curse that has plagued our souls can be broken. I've discovered that if we have a child, as soulmates, we can’t be parted. Ourunborn child has the power to break the curse and bring an end to the suffering we have endured for generations."

“What?” I ask, my fear running deeper. “You’re saying…”

“Once the baby is born, we will be together for all lifetimes to come. Nothing can get in our way.”

While it is hope that I should feel, I have petrifying paralysis. “But that means the gods might do everything to keep our child from entering this world,” I speak out the unthinkable.

“The gods will try, as they have for generations, but we’ve always found our way to one another. Besides,” he touches my belly. “You’re almost eight months pregnant. We’ve survived it all so far. We’ll fight harder, run longer, hide deeper for the next two and no harm will come to our child, will it now?”

His logic settles over me, and I feel a newfound determination take root in my heart. We have, must and will continue to do everything in our power to protect our child.

“No harm will come,” I say softly, looking down at where Ettore’s hand now rests gently on my belly. I glance up to see his eyes, so often filled with cold intensity, now soften as he gazes at the life growing within me. Our unborn child has become the center of his universe.

Something inside me shifts, and an overwhelming wave of love for this man washes over me. This is the Ettore who captured my heart – the fierce protector, the loving father-to-be. And in thismoment, I realize that we're not only bound by fate, but also by the love we share for each other and this family we hope to build.

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