Page 88 of Wretched Choices

Led by anger, I throw a punch at the mirror. Glass shatters all over the sink, mixed with my blood that drip from my knuckles. Not caring about it, I leave the room with a trembling hand and a hangover.

“Where have you been? Your men are looking for you. They thought something happened to you.” My wife greets me as soon as I cross the threshold of our home. If I wasn’t an asshole, I would acknowledge the worry on her face, but since I am one, I say the worst thing I can think of.

“Well, something has happened, hasn’t it?” I motion to her stomach that is still flat. “It’s disastrous enough.” I climb the stairs to our room.

“You know you could at least pretend you don’t see this as if it is the end of the world.” I can hear the hurt in her voice. “Like it or not, it’s happening, and we need to figure things out.”

I turn on the middle of the stairs. “There is nothing to figure out. It’s too late for that. There are no options left.”

“Salvatore.” Isabella climbs after me as I keep going. “I know what you promised and what you vowed to your father, but what about you? What about your life and what you want? Is that really what you want?”

Here we go again, the same thing Gabriel said. I turn to her before I reach our bedroom.

“Yes, that is exactly what I want!” snap at her.

She flinches. “To go against what your father wanted? To make a point? Is that what you want? You’re only hurting yourself, Salvatore. Look at you. You’re devastated.”

“I’m devastated because I don’t want that child. I don’t want to be a father.” Isabella’s eyes fill with tears as I growl at her.

She shakes her head. “You are going to regret these words. One day, you will regret everything from your promises to your decision.”

She leaves in a hurry, her sobs following her, and so does my roar as she disappears down the hallway.

thirty-five

Isabella

A week has passed since I drowned myself in work just to not feel any pain. The crush of my heart when he said all those hurtful things. The ache in my chest at the thought that my baby isn’t wanted by its father. The hatred in his eyes when he said those awful things.

Instead of working at home like I have the last few months, I returned to the office of Hall Media until late.

I haven’t seen him since that day. I know he comes for clothes. I, however, don’t see him.

Who calls his child a disaster?

My love for him shattered the moment he said those words. I’m glad I didn’t have the courage to tell him how I feel about him. I showed him my love, but I never told him.

I ignore Valentino and Bastian’s looks. Their presence with me only reminds me of what my life has become. Gabriel’s plea to give Salvatore time and understand him only angered me more. I wanted out of this life once more, even more than when I ran from my father.

I end the phone call I received. Darcy insisted on seeing me and said she has information I need. I debated going alone. I know Valentino is here somewhere, but I don’t have the strength for that. I need space. Besides, I used to work alone all the time.

I don’t need anyone.

I was an idiot thinking Salvatore would accept this child. I expected him to accept something he isn’t ready for, and I can’t force him. I just need to figure out what my next step is.

I will have this baby, and if I have to raise it alone, I will. I will do whatever I need to protect this baby.

The story of the senator stayed on my desk because after I talked to him, he gave me a better story, including reconnecting with his daughter.

So why Darcy is calling me is a mystery, plus there is a feeling inside me that is tearing me between my better judgment and my curiosity.

After I slip away from Valentino, I drive with all the questions filling my head. I don’t notice a black van driving beside me until the car in front of me suddenly stops and I almost hit him. I didn’t see the black van stopping until the door of my car door is unlocked in seconds.

My survivor reflexes kick in, and I start to scream, only to be kicked in my stomach and backhanded. The only thing I can think about is protecting my belly.

So, I stop fighting, not that I have a chance against them. I’ll do whatever they want so they don’t hurt me or my baby.

Three men in ski masks, a black van, a pickup truck. I try to gather as much information as I can before I’m bound and gagged, my head covered, and I’m thrown in the back of the van.

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