Page 14 of Surprise Pregnancy for Villain

“We have unlimited funds. Three months will be a cakewalk,” Dad replies, his tone calm as he climbs the stairs.

“Yes, but I have classes and—”

“For the last time, my love, your attendance at school is only a pastime. You won’t require a degree when you become Lucca’s wife.”

“But I don’t want to be an uneducated doormat, Daddy!” I stomp my foot, and he turns around with a warning look. “At least give me a fighting chance.”

“A fighting chance to do what, disrespect your husband?” He shakes his head. “I should’ve made you marry Lucca right out of boarding school instead of giving you false hope.”

“Please.” I close the distance between us, giving him that puppy-dog stare that used to make him melt when I was a kid. “Just give me some time to get used to this. I promise, you won’t get any more arguments from me.”

“Oh, I certainly won’t, for in three months, you’ll be Lucca’s problem, not mine.”

The finality of that statement drops something heavy in my gut. Just the thought of getting married to Lucca, living in his house, sharing his bed, being subjected to whatever sick plans he has for me… I can’t do it. I won’t do it.

“Daddy—”

“No, Nicoletta. My decision stands. I’ve done my best as your father, but it’s obvious it’s not good enough. Your husband should have better luck.” He turns to go, then twists to look down at me. “Wipe those tears. Fulfil your duty. Make me proud. You’re not the first woman to have an arranged marriage, and you won’t be the last.”

I watch him go while swiping the residue of tears from my face. He’s right; scores of arranged marriages have preceded my existence, and they’ll continue long after I’m gone. Yet, he’s wrong about one thing. I’ll never be one of them. I’ll never marry Lucca.

Even if it kills me.

***

“Oh my God, girl. I was about to file a missing report of you!” Katie exclaims as I join her in the corridor outside the lecture hall.

Ignoring the curious stares of our classmates, I pull her away from the crowd. “Not so loud, please.”

“What happened?” she whispers. “I tried calling your phone a gazillion times.”

“My dad confiscated it for the entire weekend. Punishment for sneaking out,” I mutter.

“Oh, damn, I’m sorry. I know they were probably scared about the accident, but I must admit that it’s super weird. You’re like, twenty.”

“Tell that to my dad and my super nosy Aunt Carlotta,” I reply, rolling my eyes.

“I tried coming into your hospital room, but a big guy in a dark suit wouldn’t let me.”Katie winces, gingerly touching the bandage on my forehead. “How’s your head?”

I let out a sigh. “Not as bad as my ego,” I reply. “I think it’s bruised permanently. The entire floor must’ve heard him shouting at me.”

Katie throws me a sympathetic smile. “Must’ve sucked feeling like a kid again.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter wistfully. “I imagine it sucks as much as your car being totaled. I’m sorry.”

She fans my comment aside. “Dad has already promised to buy a new one. Insurance will take care of the refund. I’m just happy we’re both still in one piece.”

“I still feel bad since I was the one who told you to speed up.”

It was after noticing the Maserati had been following us for the last three blocks. Not believing in coincidences and knowing about Daddy’s dangerous line of work, I didn’t want to take any chances. I didn’t count on Katie panicking and flipping the vehicle, though. For a moment, I thought we were goners.

Then something strange happened.

It felt like a dream. At least, I thought it was. Being lifted by strong arms, pressed against a hard body that felt so good, it couldn’t be real. I must’ve died and gone to heaven, or at least the gated community next to it. His gentle caress on my cheek felt so real, though. So good. I swore that I stirred for a moment, and I saw his long legs as he walked away. If it wasn’t a dream, where did he go?

“Helloooo…” Katie waves her hand in front of my face. “Earth to Nicki. You okay?”

“I think so.” I grab her arm. “Let’s go outside and talk. Too many ears around here.”

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