He didn't move. My voice cracked raw with panic. "I won't marry you, is that what you want? I just want my child. I'll take her and leave, go far away. I won't be in your way, I swear."
No matter how I screamed and begged, Cesare didn't flinch.
He held out his arm. "Bite down on this. It won't hurt as much."
I shoved his arm away. "Go find the doctor. I'm begging you, Cesare."
"Serafina, don't be ridiculous. No Family doctor is going to waste his time on someone of your standing."
"The drug's already taken effect. It's too late. Be good. Once Sienna gives birth to the legitimate heir, we can have another child."
I seized his hand and held on with everything I had. "Cesare, listen to me. I am a Valente. Serafina Valente. Don Valente's daughter. Go get the doctor. Save this child."
But he thought I was lying. He wrenched his hand free, anger flashing across his face.
"You've truly disappointed me. If you're going to lie, at least make it believable. This is the city, not your little Hudson Valley cottage. One wrong word here can get you buried where nobody finds you."
He straightened his cuffs and walked out.
"A miscarriage won't kill you. Look after yourself."