Page 89 of The Mafia's Fake Wife

“Since he found out about the baby, he’s been different. More protective, which I didn’t think was possible.” I pick up a cherry tomato with my fork. “Yesterday, he had the entire security system in the penthouse upgraded. Again. He’s installed panic buttons in every room. He checks in hourly when I’m at the hospital.”

“That sounds suffocating,” she says.

“That’s the thing, it’s not, really.” I pop the tomato in my mouth, savoring the burst of flavor. “It’s like he’s trying to build this impenetrable fortress around us. Part of me finds it frustrating, but another part...”

“Finds it touching,” Liv finishes for me.

I nod. “He’s so careful with me now. The other night, I found him in the room that will be the nursery, just standing there, planning. He didn’t know I was watching. He looked...vulnerable.”

Liv raises an eyebrow. “The big, badbratvaboss? Vulnerable?”

“That’s what makes this so complicated.” I push aside my tray, no longer hungry. “I keep getting these glimpses of who he could be. Who heisbeneath all the calculation and control. The man who makes me breakfast, who holds me at night, and talks to my stomach when he thinks I’m asleep. He’s a good man in his heart.”

Liv’s expression softens. “Sounds like you’ve fallen hard.”

“I never meant to.” I trace the condensation on my glass. “This was supposed to be a business arrangement. Six months, then we’d reassess. Now there’s a baby, and everything’s changed.”

“Do you regret it?” she asks.

“No.” The answer comes without hesitation. “I don’t regret any of it. Not the marriage and not the baby, but I’m scared, Liv.”

“Of what?”

“Of raising our child in his world.” I lower my voice even further. “The kidnapping attempt was just the beginning.” I consider telling her about the hit but hold off, not wanting to furtheralarm her. I keep it vague instead. “As long as Damir remains who he is, there will always be enemies. Always be danger.”

Liv studies me, her dark eyes serious. “What are you saying?”

“I’ve decided to give him an ultimatum.” The words feel heavy as they leave my mouth. “After Nikolai is dealt with, he needs to leave the criminal life behind completely, or I’ll have to find a way to leave with our child.”

Liv’s eyes widen. “Elena, you can’t be serious. This is Damir Antonov we’re talking about. The man has resources and connections. You can’t just walk away from someone like that.”

“I know it sounds impossible.” I twist the emerald necklace he gave me absently, used to it around my neck now. “I believe he would let me go if it meant our child’s safety and happiness.”

“That’s a huge gamble.” She frowns. “What makes you so sure?”

I think about the way he looked at the ultrasound screen, and the way his hand trembled slightly when he touched the image of our son. “Because he wants this baby as much as I do. Beneath everything else, he wants to be a good father.”

“And if he refuses?” She arches a brow. “If he says he can’t or won’t leave that life behind?”

The question hangs between us. Outside, clouds drift across the sun, momentarily dimming the light in the cafeteria. “I’ll have to figure out something.” I straighten my shoulders. “I’m a doctor, Liv. I’ve spent years learning how to make impossible choices. How to weigh risks and benefits. This is no different.”

“This is completely different. This is your life and your child’s life.”

“Exactly.” I meet her gaze. “That’s why I can’t compromise on this.”

Liv sighs, leaning back in her chair. “When will you tell him?”

“Soon, or maybe after Nikolai is no longer an immediate threat.” I pick up my fork again, forcing myself to eat. “Right now, we need to be united. Focused.”

“And if Nikolai is never dealt with? These vendettas can go on for years.”

“Then I’ll have to make a decision sooner rather than later.” I take another bite of salad. “I won’t bring my son into a war zone.”

She watches me for a long moment. “You’ve really thought this through.”

“I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights lately.” I attempt a smile. “Turns out pregnancy insomnia is great for moral dilemmas.”

“Just promise me you won’t do anything rash,” says Liv. “No running off in the middle of the night. No heroics.”

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