Vanessa stirred awake, her body aching as the events from earlier replayed in her mind. She found herself nestled on the soft mattress in their bedroom, the faint aroma of lavender lingering in the air. Vincenzo sat on the edge of the bed, his hand gently brushing her hair away from her face.
"You're awake," he said softly, his gaze filled with guilt and tenderness.
Vanessa nodded, her fingers instinctively moving to her stomach. "The baby?"
"He's fine," Vincenzo assured her. "The doctor said there's no harm, but you need rest."
Vanessa exhaled in relief, but her mind quickly shifted back to the ordeal. "Vincenzo, they came for the contract. This isn't over, is it?"
Vincenzo's jaw tightened, the familiar coldness returning to his eyes. "No, it's not. Silver may be gone, but Freesia escaped. And she won't stop until she finishes what he started."
"Then let me help," Vanessa said, her voice firm despite her weakened state.
"No." Vincenzo's response was immediate and absolute. "I won't risk you or our child. You're my priority."
Vanessa frowned, her frustration evident. "I'm not a porcelain doll, Vincenzo. I can handle myself."
His gaze softened, but his tone remained resolute. "Vanessa, you're the reason I can fight. If anything happens to you…" He trailed off, his voice breaking for a moment before he composed himself. "I won't let them take you from me."
---
Hours later, Vincenzo convened a meeting in the estate's underground chamber. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension as his trusted inner circle gathered.
"We have a problem," Vincenzo began, his voice carrying the authority of a leader who demanded unwavering loyalty. "Freesia knows too much. She has Silver's intel, and she's likely aligning with other enemies. We need to find her before she finds us."
Lucia, his right-hand woman, stepped forward. "Boss, I've already sent out scouts. She won't get far."
Vincenzo nodded, his expression grim. "Good. And make sure the mansion's security is airtight. I won't allow another breach."
"What about Vanessa?" one of the men asked cautiously.
Vincenzo's eyes flickered with a dangerous intensity. "Vanessa is under my protection. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on her will face worse than Silver."
---
Meanwhile, Vanessa sat by the window in their bedroom, staring out at the sprawling estate. Her fingers traced the edges of a photograph on her lap—a memory of simpler times. She felt a mix of emotions: love for Vincenzo, fear for their future, and frustration at being sidelined.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock. The door opened to reveal Brain, her brother, who stepped in quietly.
"You look like hell," Brain said, his attempt at humor falling flat.
Vanessa managed a weak smile. "Thanks for the observation, big brother."
Brain sat beside her, his tone turning serious. "I heard what happened. Vincenzo's furious. He's doubling down on everything."
"I know," Vanessa murmured. "But I can't just sit here, Brain. I'm part of this, whether he likes it or not."
Brain sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're pregnant, Vanessa. You should be focusing on your health, not plotting revenge."
"I'm not plotting revenge," she retorted. "I just want to protect what's mine."
---
Later that night, Vincenzo returned to the bedroom, exhaustion etched into his features. Vanessa was sitting on the bed, waiting for him.
"Did you find her?" she asked.
"Not yet," he admitted, his voice heavy. "But we will."
Vanessa reached for his hand, her touch grounding him. "Vincenzo, you don't have to do this alone. Let me in."
He knelt in front of her, his hands cradling her face. "You're already in, Vanessa. You're my heart, my strength. But if anything happened to you…" He shook his head, unable to finish the thought.
Vanessa leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "Then don't shut me out. We're in this together, remember?"
Vincenzo closed his eyes, letting her words sink in. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability.
"I'll protect you, Vanessa," he whispered. "No matter the cost."
And as the night stretched on, the shadows of their enemies loomed ever closer, testing the fragile balance of loyalty and love that bound them together.