The agony had blurred my vision, but I still heard Dr. Pastore's careful, measured words: "Boss, the lady's previous miscarriage already damaged her body. If we don't intervene now, she may never conceive again."
Silence. The room held its breath. Then Omero spoke. "It doesn't matter. Do as I told you. When I take a woman someday and she bears children, I'll give one to Penelope to raise in her old age."
"Understood, Boss."
So it was true. He thought I was filthy. He had never wanted a child with me.
The last ember of hope inside me turned to ash.
Dr. Pastore was still working to save me when one of Chloe Volpe's attendants burst through the door. "Boss, the Don's daughter-in-law has been suffering from stomach pains today. She's requesting Dr. Pastore come examine her."
Omero's expression changed instantly, open concern written across every line of his face. Without a moment's hesitation, he grabbed Dr. Pastore by the arm and pulled him toward the door. A man who wouldn't lift a finger to save the child in my womb moved like the compound was on fire for Chloe Volpe's stomachache.