Serena.
The car made a siren noise, signaling that the doors were locked. Luca turned on the engine and drove off immediately.
The car ride was quiet, the atmosphere filled with tension. I stared out the window, trying to ignore the dull ache in my chest and the sinking feeling in my stomach.
How could Vicky just sign me over like that? Like I was nothing more than a piece of property, some item she could trade off without a second thought.
I felt a tear slip down my cheek, and before I could stop myself, the sobs started coming. I pressed my hand to my mouth, trying to muffle the sounds, but Luca noticed.
His voice cut through the silence like ice. "I don't like people crying around me."
I swallowed hard, blinking back more tears as I quickly wiped my face, but I couldn't hold back. "You don't know what it's like," I managed to say, voice shaky. "To be handed off…like this."
Luca sighed, not bothering to glance my way. "You should be thankful. I've taken care of your father's medical bills, and your family's debts are being paid off. You're better off with me than anywhere else."
"Better off?" I repeated, my voice laced with bitterness. "I barely even know you. How…how do you even know about my father, about all this?"
He shrugged as if it was nothing. "I have my ways, Serena. Let's just say I make it my business to know everything."
I wanted to scream, to question him, but I was too exhausted. Just as I was about to turn away, Luca's voice softened, his tone almost mocking. "Don't waste your time crying, get some rest. You'll be having a baby soon, and that's no small task."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut, and a wave of nausea rolled over me. I clenched my fists, biting my tongue to keep from snapping back. I wanted to tell him off, to let him know just how awful this situation was for me. But there was no point; it was clear that he didn't care.
When we arrived at his house, I was led inside a grand place with polished floors, high ceilings, and dark decor. The whole place felt like a castle, but cold and unwelcoming. Luca showed me to a room down a long, empty hallway.
"This is where you'll stay," he said, opening the door to a large but bare room. "Make yourself comfortable."
I stepped inside, taking in the heavy furniture, the dark curtains, and the giant bed that somehow looked too inviting and too daunting at the same time. As he was about to leave, he added, "You'll meet Isabella tomorrow. You'll be responsible for her as well."
Isabella? I blinked, stunned, but he was already gone, leaving me alone in the silent room. My hands shook as I took a seat on the bed, trying to process everything that had happened. My life had spun completely out of control, and now I was here, in this strange place, at the mercy of a man I barely knew.
The next morning, Luca brought me to a small playroom filled with toys. In the center of the room, a little girl with dark hair and big brown eyes looked up at me, clutching a teddy bear tightly.
"This is Isabella," he said, gesturing to the little girl. "You'll play her mum for now, until I find a permanent solution."
I knelt down, managing a small smile. "Hi, Isabella," I said softly.
She eyed me with a mixture of curiosity and caution, her grip on the bear tightening. Slowly, she nodded, and after a moment, she came a little closer. My heart softened at her cautious steps, and I reached out, gently patting her on the back of her hand.
"Do you like bears, Isabella?" I asked, pointing at the plush toy.
Isabella nodded, her eyes still wide, studying me like I was a new animal in her world. She whispered, "It's Mr. Fluffy."
"Mr. Fluffy," I repeated with a small smile. "He's very cute."
Luca watched from the doorway, arms crossed, a slight smirk on his face. I could feel his gaze, but I tried to ignore him, focusing on Isabella instead. It was almost a relief to focus on something… someone—other than myself.
When Luca cleared his throat, I looked up, startled. "Dinner is in an hour," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Be there on time. And bring Isabella."
I nodded, feeling a strange mix of nerves and defiance bubbling up. Even though I was here against my will, I felt like I had to do what he asked—if not for my own sake, then for Isabella's.
After a quiet hour with Isabella, where she showed me her toys and told me stories about her "other nannies," I led her down to the dining room as instructed.
The table was set with fine silverware and crystal glasses, and Luca was already seated at the head, looking as imposing as ever.
He gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit."
I glanced at Isabella, who seemed used to this routine. She climbed into the chair beside me, swinging her little legs as if this was just another ordinary day.
Dinner was tense. Luca didn't say much, and every time I tried to make polite conversation, he would respond in one-word answers or dismissive nods. It was like he wanted to keep a wall between us, reminding me that I was here out of necessity, not choice.
After we finished eating, Luca looked at me with a piercing gaze. "There's one more thing for tonight, Serena. The doctor is waiting in the study."
The doctor? I didn't even know what he was talking about, but the way he said it sent a chill down my spine.
"Why do I need to see a doctor?" I asked, my voice shaky.
"It's part of our arrangement," he replied with a smirk that didn't reach his eyes. "A check-up. To ensure everything is in order."
The way he said it made me want to run, but there was nowhere to go.
I followed him to the study, the doctor was waiting for us inside, dressed in a white coat that contrasted sharply with the dark room. He looked up as we entered, his expression unreadable. "Good evening, boss," he said, and then turned to me, his gaze softening slightly. "And you must be Serena."
I nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and confusion. "What's this about?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Luca leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching the doctor with an intensity that made me uneasy. "He's here to examine you," he said simply.
"Examine me for what?" I pressed, my heart racing. The realization of what was happening started to dawn on me. "You mean—"
"Relax," Luca interrupted, a slight edge to his voice. "It's a standard examination. You'll need to be checked before we proceed."
"Proceed with what?" I shot back, feeling my stomach churn.
The doctor stepped forward, holding a clipboard. "We need to run some tests, Serena. Just some basic checks and blood work. It's important to ensure you're healthy for the next steps."
Luca's next words sent another chill down my spine. "We'll be starting the process soon. I just want to make sure everything is as it should be."
I turned to him, my frustration boiling over. "What process? You're not making any sense!"
He merely smirked, and the doctor looked at me with a level of pity that made my skin crawl. "Let's just get this done, shall we? It won't take long."
With that, the doctor began the examination. I was too stunned to argue. He checked my vitals, listened to my heartbeat, and asked me various questions about my health. All the while, Luca stood silently, his gaze piercing and unwavering.
As the doctor prepared to take my blood, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a nearby mirror. I looked pale and frightened, like a ghost haunting this lavish room. The doctor gently squeezed my arm, and I flinched, still feeling the weight of Luca's presence in the room.
"Just a little prick," the doctor assured me as he inserted the needle. I felt the sharp sting and then the warmth of blood leaving my body. "You're doing great."
Once the blood was drawn, the doctor began writing notes on his clipboard. "You'll need to wait for the results, but I don't foresee any issues. Given your situation, it's good to be cautious."
I couldn't shake the feeling of dread. "What situation?" I demanded. "What do you mean?"
Luca's gaze locked onto mine, his expression darkening. "You'll find out soon enough, Serena. Trust me; it's for the best."
I wanted to scream at him, to tell him that he was ruining my life, that I didn't want any part of whatever dark plan he had. But the words caught in my throat, leaving me with nothing but a sense of helplessness.
The doctor wrapped up the examination and left the room, leaving me alone with Luca again.
When he came back, he had a smile on his face. "Now," he said, stepping closer to me, "I have some news to share."
My heart raced, fear and curiosity swirling within me. "What is it?"
"Congratulations, Serena," he said, his tone almost mocking. "You're going to be a mother."
"What?" I gasped, my mind racing. "What are you talking about?"
Luca chuckled softly, the sound chilling. "Are you serious, doc?" He asked, grinning like he had just won the lottery.
"I am, Serena is—"
Before the doctor could finish his statement, Luca raced out of the room, I could hear him across the room, he seemed to be talking to someone on the phone, and his words did nothing to ease my dilemma . "Hello uncle, you can spread the news, my heir is on the way."