Page 29 of Doctor Billionaire's Surprise Baby

I couldn't take it anymore. The weight of their accusations and the suffocating tension in the room pressed on me like a vise, making it difficult to breathe. I could see the fear and sadness in Simone's eyes, and it broke my heart that she had witnessed the shit that my family was. I could feel my face burning with fury as my eyes met each member of my family, one by one. They stared back at me, momentarily stunned into silence by the outburst. My mother's hand trembled on the table, while my dad's eyeswere dark and unreadable. It hurt my heart to realize that they were all strangers to me. Connected only by name.

"If this is really what our family has become," I hesitated, feeling a wave of despair wash over me. "I want no part of it."

With that, I turned on my heel and stormed out of the room; the door slamming shut behind me with a resounding echo.

As I stood in the dimly lit hallway, my chest heaved with each breath, trying to calm myself down. But the hurt and anger still coursed through my veins, demanding an outlet. I leaned against the wall, my head falling into my hands as I struggled to process everything that had just happened.

Chapter 11

Simone

When the door clicked, signalling Hugo's departure, I felt suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

The table was silent and I'm sure the family was wondering why I was still there. All that remained was the cacophony of clinking utensils. The only time someone talked was to ask for a dish. It was a far cry from the warm family gatherings I had grown up with. My Nonna's tiny house and even the shitty house I lived in with my parents a million years ago was warmer. The condo I shared with Seth, with all his bachelor non-design, was warmer.

The air was thick with unspoken tension, as if the entire room were holding its breath. I could feel the weight of my own anxiety bearing down on me, like an invisible shroud.

"Simone, dear," Giuliana said with a strained smile, "do try the caviar. It's absolutely divine." Her twin sister, Giorgia, nodded inagreement. The two of them were so alike it was eerie, from their matching designer dresses to their identically manicured nails.

"Thank you, but I'm not really a fan of caviar," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. My stomach churned with unease as I picked at my plate, barely able to swallow a bite. I glanced around the table, searching for a friendly face among the sea of strangers. My heart ached for the comfort of my nonna's tender gaze, her soothing presence that always seemed to make everything right.

Suddenly, Hugo burst into the room.

"Simone, if you don't mind, we'll be leaving now," he announced.

"Hugo? Really? Do you have to do this?" I could see his father's shocked look on his face. He definitely didn't expect this outcome.

"Hugo, dear. Please, just take your seat again. We will behave, son." Catalina pointed to his chair.

"No," Hugo spoke with passion. "I bear no ill will. I am just finished for today. I think you will agree this has been quite enough for all of us. I have asked Matteo to move our bags to the car. We will be staying at the VIU hotel in the center. Simone, please." He held out his hand.

"Excuse me," I said as I rose from my chair. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to me. Even though we were leaving a meal part way through, it felt like a load was lifted off my shoulders. I couldn't help but feel relieved.

I took Hugo's outstretched hand, and we walked out of the diningroom. As we walked out of earshot, Hugo side-hugged me as we walked along and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Hugo, who is this man who stands beside me?" I pulled at his tie, seriously impressed with the courage he just showed. He pulled me in, I looked up and we shared a beautiful kiss, like our lips were made for each other.

"Thank you for understanding. I just had to get us out of there. It's like a moment of clarity. I don't have to be an obedient boy any longer." I kissed him again. His eyes held a fire in them that was both inspiring and incredibly hot at the same time. He faced the pressure from his family head-on and he had triumphed. I couldn't be more proud.

Matteo met us at the door.

"The suitcases are in the car, sir. Lorenzo will take you to your hotel." His white gloved hand ushered us toward the waiting car and Lorenzo.

We were like crazy teenagers in the car, sneaking kisses when we could. I was enjoying my time immensely with Hugo and what we just went through drove us closer. It was too crazy to not cause us to feel a deeper connection. Deeper than I had ever felt before.

At some point, Hugo was quiet and looked out the car window. It was clear we were approaching the busy city center.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked, reaching out to touch his arm. "You seem a bit stressed."

Hugo sighed, dropping his gaze for a moment before meeting mine again.

"Yeah, I guess I am," he admitted. "There's just been so much going on lately, and sometimes it feels like everything is coming at me all at once."

"I can imagine," I said empathetically, squeezing his arm gently. "But you're not alone either, Hugo, remember?"

A genuine smile spread across his face, making his eyes sparkle even more.

We arrived at the hotel, which looked absolutely amazing and modern. But before we could enter the hotel, Hugo stopped me.

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