I met Joseph at Columbia and fell in love. What he didn't know? I wasn't just some ordinary girl. I was Angelina Romano—only daughter of Vincent Romano, Chicago's legendary Mafia King.
My father gave us two years. Two years for Joseph to prove his love and loyalty. If he passed, I'd reveal my identity and we'd inherit the Romano empire together. If he failed... divorce.
I hid everything because I wanted to be loved for me, not my father's power. We married, lived in a tiny Manhattan apartment, and I was so happy.
Then Joseph's brother died. We had to return to Chicago, to the Valentino family estate.
His mother demanded Joseph give his widowed sister-in-law Rosanna a child through IVF. "For the family legacy."
Joseph begged me on his knees. "Just one child. Then we go back to New York."
I thought: only ten days until the trial ends. Father will come for us. I can protect Joseph then. So I agreed.
Three months later, Rosanna was pregnant. Joseph spent every moment in her room. "The baby needs the father's voice."
His mother mocked me daily: "Your useless womb can't even give us a child."
I stayed patient. Just a few more days until I could reveal who I really am.
Then I felt sick. Went to the hospital.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Valentino. You're six weeks pregnant."
I bought a beautiful announcement kit and rushed home, bursting with joy. Finally, our baby. Joseph and mine.
I called his name, walking through the mansion.
Then I heard her voice from the study. Breathy. Desperate.
I pushed open the door.
And saw—
