Page 166 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

I shake my head because it wouldn’t have mattered.

In fact, it would have made things more difficult.

Or perhaps led to his death.

Maybe even my children’s deaths.

"It doesn't change anything.” I can’t endure this discussion, being alone with him.

One would think after all this time, the feelings would have waned, but they haven’t.

Luca is the only man I’ve ever loved.

The only man I’ll ever love. "I need to check on my kids.”

"Elena—" Luca reaches for me again, but I step back.

"Our time together is in the past, Luca. It should stay there. We're different people now."

His eyes narrow slightly, studying me with that penetrating gaze that always made me feel transparent.

There was a time I liked it, liked that he could see me, knew me, loved me.

"What matters is that we've both moved on,” I finish. “You’ll be back in Italy and I’ll be here, and we’ll keep on with our lives.”

“Actually, I'm not just back for Christmas. I'm back for good.”

The room tilts slightly. "What?"

"My father needs me here now. His condition…" Luca shakes his head. "It's time I stepped up."

My mind races through the implications.

Luca, here permanently. Luca, attending family gatherings. Luca, inevitably spending time with the triplets.

"I see," I manage, though all see are complications, the carefully constructed life I've built threatening to collapse around me.

"This changes things," he says softly.

You have no idea,I think. "It changes nothing.”

Luca studies me for a long moment, his dark eyes searching mine for something I can't afford to let him find.

"I guess I'll see you around," he finally says, his tone casual, his eyes anything but. He turns and walks out.

I stand paralyzed, wondering how long I have before everything falls apart.

I've built our lives so carefully, created a family unit with Dominic as my children’s protective uncle, crafted vague stories about their father that satisfy curious questions without revealing too much.

I've made peace with my choice, knowing it protected everyone involved, including Luca.

But now Luca is back.

Not just visiting, but staying.

Taking his place in the family business.

It's only a matter of time before my world falls apart.

Before Luca discovers the kids he thinks belong to another man are actually his.

Before that knowledge could get us all killed.

To be continued.