Chapter 7%
.
I blurted it out without thinking, but the moment the words left my mouth, the atmosphere inside the car instantly shifted.
Even though Rocco’s face didn’t change much, the pressure in the air suddenly dropped, heavy and stifling.%
Just when I started to overthink if I’d said something wrong, he abruptly looked away like he hadn’t heard a thing.
Then, without even glancing at me, he casually tossed a jewelry box into my lap. “Here. For you. You’ve been with us in the estate for a while now, and I haven’t given you a proper welcome gift.”
I opened the box–and froze.
Inside was an emerald ring.
Not just any ring. It was one of a pair, passed down by his grandmother when she was still alive, meant for her two future granddaughters–in–law.
In my past life, I wore the exact same one on my wedding day with Renzo.”
‘So now, why is Rocco giving me something so valuable? What’s he trying to do–test me?‘>
Back in this timeline, Renzo hadn’t proposed yet, and I had no idea this ring was a family heirloom.
I immediately shoved the box back toward Rocco. “Bruh, this is way too expensive. I can’t accept it.”}
But he didn’t take it. Instead, he lazily lifted his eyelids and locked eyes with me, his gaze sharp and unreadable.”
“Oh yeah?” he said coolly. “Then tell me–what makes it so expensive?“}}
“I mean… just look at it. It looks super valuable…” I fumbled, throwing out the first excuse that came to mind.”
He let out a short laugh, low and effortless. “What’s the most it could be worth? Ten million, max. You’re worth it.”
I opened my mouth, but for a second, nothing came out. I had no idea how to respond to that.
Before I could gather my thoughts, he suddenly leaned in close, his face just inches from mine. His voice dropped, steady and low.
“When I say something, I mean it.”}
The way he looked at me–it made my heart skip. But before I could read too much into it, he pulled back just as quickly and sat up straight again like nothing had happened. Then he opened his laptop and started typing, like he hadn’t just dropped a bomb on me.}
A while later, the car rolled to a stop in front of a café. I stepped out and turned back toward him.
“Thanks, bruh,” I said sincerely.
He just gave a simple “Mm.”}
I stood on the curb, watching as the car window rolled up and the vehicle slowly pulled away from view.
Then I turned on my heel and headed across the street, into another quiet little café.”
Inside one of the private booths, well–hidden from view, I pulled out a thick stack of cash and handed it over to a bald man wearing sunglasses.
In exchange, he passed me a tightly wrapped package in a brown paper bag.”
Neither of us said a word. Just a clean, silent deal–money for goods.
Later that evening, once I got home, my phone rang.}
It was Renzo.8
“There’s a small issue with the Project Shoreline,” he said. “I’ve got to fly over and take care of it.“}
Then, after a pause, he added, “But don’t worry–I’ll definitely make it back before your ovulation window. Promise.“}
I hung up the phone feeling weirdly… great.”
With him gone, things were going to be a lot easier for me moving forward.
Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, the day I’d been waiting for finally came–my ovulation day.
Renzo messaged me, saying he was flying back and told me to wait for him.”
But instead of him, someone else showed up–Ciara.}
The Illitchs had distant ties with the Powells. She called Renzo’s mom her aunt, so she treated the Powells estate like her own place. So honestly, I wasn’t surprised when she cornered me in the garden room.
With her arms crossed, she stared at my stomach for a long time, her expression ice–cold. Then she tossed a paper bag at me. “Renzo told me to make sure you wear this after your shower,” she said flatly.
I peeked inside–and immediately regretted it.”
It was a barely–there lace nightie, and to make it worse, there were cat ears stuffed in the bottom of the bag.}
“When’s he getting back?” I asked, trying not to sound as annoyed as I felt.
Ciara gave a mocking little smirk. “What’s the rush? He’ll be back tonight.“@
Then she turned around and walked off, still hugging her arms.
Honestly, I was starting to feel a little anxious.”
But then–the door swung open.
wallend D
2/2
63.6%
And in walked Rocco
He stood tall and composed, with long limbs and a calm, commanding presence. The red birth mark at the corner of his eye was faint, but impossible to ignore.
At that moment, my clenched fists relaxed.!!
I knew it
There was no way Renzo would let an opportunity like this slip by.
30
