Page 125 of The Don's Soulmate

As if on cue, the door opens, and Sofia rushes in. Her brown eyes are wide with concern, but there's a determined set to her jaw that I've come to know well over the years.

"Carlotta," she breathes, hurrying to my side. She takes my hand, squeezing it gently. "How are you feeling? They told me the baby is in the NICU. He's small, but they say he's fighting. I just went and checked on him."

I feel a rush of pride and worry. "Just like his father," I murmur, then look up at Sofia. "I need to see him. Can you help me?"

Sofia nods, her blonde hair catching the harsh hospital lights. "Of course. But first, are you okay? I heard raised voices..."

I bite my lip, wondering how much to share. "I called my father," I admit. "I told him everything. About the baby, about Ettore... about leaving."

Sofia's eyebrows shoot up. "Wow. That's... that's big, Carlotta. Are you sure about this?"

I meet her gaze steadily. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

A slow smile spreads across Sofia's face. "Then I'm with you, one hundred percent. Whatever you need."

Tears prick at my eyes. "Thank you," I whisper, overwhelmed by her loyalty.

Sofia helps me into a wheelchair, her movements gentle but efficient. As we head towards the NICU, I can't help but wonder what the future holds. But with my best friend by my side andthe thought of my baby and Ettore, I feel a flicker of hope. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together.

My heart races as we approach the NICU. I clutch the armrests of the wheelchair. As we enter the NICU, my eyes immediately search for my son. When I spot him in the incubator, so tiny and fragile, my breath catches. "There he is," I say, my voice trembling.

A nurse approaches us, her smile kind. "Would you like to touch him?"

I nod eagerly, and she guides my hand through the opening in the incubator. As I stroke my baby's soft skin, tears blur my vision.

"He's perfect," Ettore murmurs from beside me. "Just like you and the life we’re going to build.”

Chapter 61

Ettore

I sit on the edge of the hospital bed, my hands clenched into fists. Memories flash through my mind - not just from this life, but from countless others. In every one, I see her face. Carlotta. My soulmate. My salvation.

"Are you sure about this?" Carlotta's soft voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. She places a gentle hand on my arm, her touch grounding me.

I turn to look at her, drinking in the sight of her perfect face, those striking green eyes filled with concern. "I have to do this," I growl, my voice rougher than I intend. "It's time to end this bullshit with my father once and for all. You did the same, and inspired me to face my own demons, amore."

Carlotta nods, squeezing my arm reassuringly. "I'm here for you, no matter what," she murmurs.

Her unwavering support fills me with courage. I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. My hands are shaking as I pull out my phone.

"Fuck," I mutter, fumbling with the device. Get it together, Ettore. You're a fucking Mancini. Act like it. And yet, my decision is so final. After this call, all ties end.

I punch in my father's number, each digit feeling like a nail in my own coffin. As my thumb hovers over the call button, I hesitate.

Am I really ready to burn this bridge, to walk away from everything I've ever known?

I look at Carlotta again, at the gentle swell of her stomach where our child grew. Yes. For her, for our baby, I'd burn the whole world down.

I hit call, bringing the phone to my ear. My heart pounds so loudly I can barely hear the ringing. Carlotta's hand finds mine, her fingers intertwining with my own, and I cling to her like a lifeline.

The ringing stops abruptly, and my father's gruff voice fills my ear. "Ettore. It's about time you called. Did you change your mind?"

My jaw clenches, anger surging through me at his tone. I force my voice to remain steady, cold as ice. "Listen carefully, father. I'm only going to say this once."

I can almost hear his frown through the phone. Good. Let him be caught off guard for once.

"I'm done. With all of it. The family, the business, the whole fucking empire. You can take my inheritance and shove it up your ass."

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