After the memorial, Carina began parading herself around as Lorenzo's widow. She dropped hints to anyone who would listen that she and her "brother-in-law," Matteo, would soon be an item, stirring up a storm of gossip.

"Matteo" must have noticed how pale I was after the service, because he rushed home to explain himself.

"Eliana, what happened today wasn't about shutting you out. There were too many people at the memorial, and you're pregnant. I was worried something might happen to you in the chaos. Please don't misunderstand."

He placed some expensive supplements in my room and carefully instructed the housekeeper, Lucia, to take good care of me.

He used to be like this with me, so thoughtful and attentive. But now, every gesture felt like a mockery.

They wouldn't acknowledge me publicly, yet they feigned concern for my health. Even these so-called apology gifts weren't for me—they were to ensure the safe arrival of the De Luca heir.

You're a brilliant actor, Lorenzo, I thought bitterly.

I forced a wry smile. "It's alright. There were many guests today; it's natural for the De Luca family to be cautious. It's just… those rumors in the family, don't you—"

A flicker of panic crossed his eyes. "Lorenzo asked me to protect Carina. As long as she agrees, I'm willing to marry my brother's widow."

I couldn't help but laugh—a sharp, hollow sound.

So that was their game. They were already entangled, yet they had to pretend their union was a noble sacrifice for the family.

How long do you plan on keeping up this act, Lorenzo?

But I no longer had the strength to expose them.

Without the child, there was nothing left to tie me here.

Just as I was about to be wheeled into the operating room, my phone buzzed. It was him. Thinking it was urgent, I answered the video call, only for the screen to fill with the sickening sight of him thrusting into Carina, their ragged breaths filling the audio.

"Lorenzo, what if Eliana refuses to leave after the baby is born?"

"Don't worry. I'll throw her out then. If it wasn't for giving the De Luca family an heir, I couldn't be bothered to even look at her."

"That's wonderful. I knew you loved me the most."

The sounds on the other end dissolved into lewd moans. I hung up.

"Ms. Ricci," the doctor asked gently, "the fetus is developing very well. Are you certain you want to terminate the pregnancy?"

"Yes," I said. "Begin the procedure."

If this child was fated to be born into such a venomous conspiracy, it was better for it to be gone before it could feel any pain.

After the surgery, I steadied myself against the wall and left the clinic. Outside, Lorenzo's car was waiting.

"Lucia told me you were here. Are you feeling unwell?"

His anxious gaze darted to my stomach, terrified that something had happened to the baby.

"It's nothing. Just morning sickness. I had the doctor prescribe something for me."

He let out a breath of relief, though a flicker of guilt crossed his face.

"Just now… my phone might have accidentally called you. You didn't see anything, did you?"

"No," I lied smoothly. "The doctor took my phone as soon as I answered."

"Good, that's good." He finally relaxed his shoulders.

"Let's go home. I had Lucia make your favorite dish."

"Mm."

We drove the rest of the way in silence.

The moment we returned, Carina bounced over and threw her arms around his neck gleefully.

"Matteo, I've chosen our wedding date! Next weekend! Everyone in the family thinks it's a great date. What do you think?"

He tapped her nose affectionately. "Sounds good. Whatever you want."

"But... isn't that the same weekend as Ms. Eliana's prenatal check-up?" Lucia piped up from the kitchen. She had been with me since Lorenzo and I first started dating and was naturally more partial to me than to Carina.

Carina's face fell instantly. "Matteo, even your maids dare to talk back to me. It seems there's no place for me in this house."

He pulled her closer, looking pained, and turned to glare at Lucia. "This doesn't concern you. Leave."

After Lucia scurried away, he hesitated for a moment before softening his tone toward me.

"Eliana, I know Lorenzo always went with you to your check-ups. But a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I can't let Carina have any regrets. Is it alright if Lucia goes with you this time?"

I nodded obediently, pretending not to see the triumphant glint in Carina's eyes.

But Lorenzo, you don't know it yet, but I don't need any more check-ups.

He led her upstairs. The two of them whispered about their wedding plans, and their laughter floated down the staircase, cutting into my skin like knives.

I picked up my phone and dialed Don Valerio De Luca's number.

"Father, Mother, 'Matteo' is getting married next weekend. And there's something else I need to tell you."