Chapter 4

The next evening, I attended the gala for the last time as Mrs. Valenti. Representatives from twenty-six families filled the estate, and the band played the song from our wedding. For twelve years, I had worn the pale dresses Dominic preferred. I had stood at his right side with my wedding ring on and managed every name, feud, and private concern in the room.

That night, I wore a black dress and no Valenti jewelry. My hair was pinned back, and the Moretti signet was on my right hand. Conversation slowed when I entered. Several older Dons from New York recognized the ring, lowered their heads, and welcomed me back as Miss Moretti.

Dominic stood at the end of the table. His eyes moved to my hand, and his face tightened. He still placed an arm around my waist when I reached him because he wanted everyone to believe our marriage was secure. He told me I looked beautiful, and I thanked him by name. My calm answer reassured him. He believed my request for a divorce had been made in anger.

Halfway through dinner, the doors opened and Helena walked in. She wore a loose gray coat instead of an evening dress. Her face was pale, and one hand rested over her stomach. "I am sorry," she said as tears filled her eyes. "I know this evening belongs to you. I should not be here."

Dominic removed his hand from my waist and went to her at once. When he asked why she had come, Helena said the doctor had called the pregnancy unstable and she had been unable to reach him. "I was scared. I feel better now that Mrs. Valenti is here."

She sounded polite and helpless, but every person in the room understood that she was carrying my husband's child. Dominic supported her arm and asked why she had not brought the doctor. Helena said she had not wanted to cause more trouble because it was our anniversary and she had already damaged enough.

Then she looked at me. "Mrs. Valenti, I never wanted your place. You and Dominic have twelve years together, and I have nothing. I only want my child to have a father." The room became silent. If I refused her, I would appear cruel to a pregnant woman. If I ended the marriage, I would be blamed for humiliating the Valenti family in public.

Dominic looked at Helena's pale face, and his guilt turned into protection. He told her that his child would have a father. When she began to cry and said I must hate her, he promised to handle the situation.

Then Dominic looked at me. His eyes asked for help, but his voice carried an order. "Isabella, do not make a scene tonight. She is pregnant, and the doctor said stress is dangerous." I set down my glass. Twelve years earlier, he had promised to protect me. Now he stood in front of another woman and asked me to step aside.

I asked what he expected from me after Helena came to our anniversary gala carrying his child. Dominic lowered his voice and told me to keep my composure. I had protected his dignity through every family dispute and every mistake. He had brought his mistress into my anniversary dinner and still expected me to protect him.

Helena caught his sleeve and said he should not pressure me because she could leave. She turned, lost her balance, and Dominic caught her around the waist. "You are not going anywhere," he told her.

Helena rested against him and looked at me over his shoulder. The tears were gone from her eyes, and she had gotten the answer she wanted. I smiled and walked toward her. Dominic moved in front of Helena before I reached them.

I raised my hand. His face turned hard, and he pulled Helena farther behind him. "Isabella, what are you doing?" His voice carried a warning. "Don't you dare."