Pain shot through my arm. My ankle twisted under me. His grip was unrelenting.
“You poisoned this house,” he growled. “You cursed her. You knew she was carrying my child and you still brought death into my home.”
“I didn’t—”
He pulled me forward violently, cutting my words off mid-breath.
“She almost died tonight!” he shouted. “Is that what you wanted? Huh? You wanted her gone?”
He dragged me into their room and shoved me hard.
“KNEEL.”
I stayed standing.
“I said kneel.”
“No.”
The slap came fast.
My head snapped to the side. White flashed behind my eyes.
“On your knees.”
I still didn’t move.
So he kicked the back of my legs.
Pain exploded upward. My knees hit the floor hard. Skin tore. Warm blood spread beneath me.
Lena sat on the couch like she was watching a stage performance. Perfect posture. Controlled breathing. One hand resting on her stomach like she was protecting something precious.
But her eyes—
Her eyes were sharp.
“I don’t believe her,” she whispered. “She doesn’t sound sorry. Make her say it louder, Vincenzo. I want to hear it.”
Vincenzo stood behind me like a shadow waiting to fall.
“Apologize,” he ordered. “Until she forgives you.”
My voice trembled as it came out.
“I’m sorry.”