32. Mia
32
MIA
T he familiar scents of new leather and perfume envelop me as I step into the luxurious boutique. It’s been a week since my last visit home, and I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as I scan the store for my sisters and mother.
Bianca spots me first, her face lighting up as she waves me over. “Mia! Over here!”
I make my way to them, my heart swelling with joy as I’m enveloped in a flurry of hugs and kisses. Chiara looks radiant, despite the dark circles under her eyes that speak of sleepless nights with her newborn.
“How’s little Nico doing?” I ask, grinning at her.
Chiara sighs, a mixture of love and exhaustion in her voice. “He’s perfect, but he’s definitely keeping us on our toes. I don’t think I’ve had a full night’s sleep since he was born.”
Mama chimes in, her voice full of wisdom. “That’s normal, Tesoro . All four of you girls were the same way. It gets easier, I promise.”
As we browse through racks of designer clothes, the conversation naturally flows to motherhood and babies. Bianca shares stories about Cara’s latest milestones, while Chiara seeks advice on getting Nico to sleep through the night.
I listen, trying to participate in the conversation, but I can’t help feeling a pang in my heart. I’m the only one without a baby now. The realization hits me harder than I expected.
“Mia, are you okay?” Bianca asks, noticing my sudden quietness.
I force a smile. “Of course! Just thinking about how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday, we were all kids ourselves.”
But I can't shake the feeling of being left behind as we try on ridiculous outfits and laugh at ourselves in the mirror. I know I’m only eighteen, and Luca and I have only been married for a few months, but I can’t help wondering why I haven’t fallen pregnant yet.
Is there something wrong with me?
I push the thought aside as Mama insists on buying us each a new dress, ignoring our protests. But as I watch Chiara absentmindedly rubbing her belly, a habit left over from pregnancy, the longing resurfaces.
“Mia, what do you think of this one?” Chiara asks, holding up a beautiful blue dress.
I snap out of my thoughts. “It’s gorgeous, Keeks. It’ll look amazing on you.”
As we move from store to store, I can’t help but notice the discreet presence of our family’s bodyguards. They maintain a respectful distance, but their watchful eyes never leave us. It’s a stark reminder of the world we live in, even in these moments of normalcy.
During a break for coffee, Bianca regales us with stories of Cara’s latest antics. “She’s into everything now,” she laughs. “I swear, I turn my back for one second and she’s halfway up the bookshelf! And Rork is just useless. He finds everything that child does to be charming and perfect. He will not allow me to tell her no.”
“You were the same way, Bianca,” Mama says, a wistful look in her eye as she heads down memory lane. “You kept Papa and me on our toes. I thought the nanny was going to have a nervous breakdown!”
I laugh along with them, but inside, I’m imagining what it would be like to have my own baby. Would they have Luca’s eyes? My smile? I want that so badly—to have children who grow up alongside my nieces and nephews, to share in the joys and challenges of motherhood with my sisters.
“Mia?” Mama's voice pulls me from my reverie. “You’ve been quiet, my love. Is everything alright?”
I nod, plastering on a smile. “Everything’s fine, Mama. Just thinking about how lucky we all are to have each other.”
By the time we return to the house, laden with shopping bags and thoroughly exhausted, I’m a mix of emotions. The day has been wonderful, full of laughter and sisterly bonding, but the undercurrent of longing for a child of my own lingers.
As we step into the foyer, I’m surprised to see Sofia there, deep in conversation with Dom. Her dark hair gleams in the soft light. They both look up as we enter, and Sofia’s face breaks into a wide smile.
“Mia!” she exclaims, rushing over to embrace me. “I’m so sorry I missed the shopping trip. How are you?”
I hug her back tightly, my earlier disappointment at her absence melting away. “I’m good, Sof. It’s so good to see you.”
Dom approaches, his arm sliding around Sofia’s waist, resting protectively over the slight swell of her midsection. There's an air of excitement about them, something I can’t quite put my finger on.
My gaze flicks between them. “What’s going on?”
Sofia glances at Dom, who nods, and then she turns back to the rest of us. By now, Mama has joined us in the foyer, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“Sofia?” Mama asks, her eyes darting between the two of them. “Is everything alright? Is the baby okay?”
“Yes, Mama. Everything’s fine with the baby. We have news, though. Big news.”
The silence that follows is almost palpable. I can feel my pulse hammering in my throat, a strange, uneasy feeling creeping over me.
Dom takes a deep breath, his chest swelling with pride. “My father has decided to retire,” he announces. “As of next week, I’ll be taking over as the head of the Sicura Family.”
For a moment, I don’t understand. I just stand there, staring at them, the words not quite sinking in. Then it hits me, and I feel the world lurch beneath my feet.
“What?” Mama gasps, her hand flying to her mouth. “But… but that means…”
“It means Dom is the new head of the family,” Sofia finishes softly, her gaze never leaving mine. There’s something almost challenging in her expression, but I can’t focus on it.
Can’t focus on anything except the sudden, sickening realization crashing over me.
Dom is the new head of the Sicura family.
The room erupts in cheers and congratulations. Mama bursts into tears of joy, pulling Dom into a fierce hug. Bianca and Chiara crowd around Sofia, squealing in excitement.
The world seems to tilt on its axis as the implications of this news hit me full force. Dom, head of the Sicura family.
The very family that Luca has sworn vengeance against.
I try to smile, try to say something, anything, but the words stick in my throat. All I can think about is Luca—Luca, who’s finally started to let go of his hatred, who’s started to believe in a future that’s more than just revenge and bloodshed.
Luca, who’s finally let himself be happy.
And now…
My stomach twists violently, and I have to swallow hard against the bile rising in my throat. This is bad. So bad. He’s been trying to move past it, but if he finds out about this…
Panic flares, sharp and sudden. I need to tell him. I need to make sure he hears it from me, not from someone else. But how do I break this to him?
How do I tell him that his worst enemy is now even more powerful than before?
He needs to hear this from me, though, not through some grapevine or worse, from his own sources.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to focus. “Congratulations,” I manage, my voice sounding thin and strained to my own ears.
Sofia’s smile doesn’t falter. Instead, her gaze sharpens, almost challenging. “Thank you, Mia,” she says, her tone cool and measured. “This is a big step for our family. For both our families.”
I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her words. There’s an undercurrent there, a reminder of where our loyalties should lie.
“Of course,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “It’s… it’s wonderful news.”
Dom’s expression is a mixture of pride and determination. “It’s more than wonderful,” he says, his voice carrying through the room. “This is the beginning of a new era. The Sicuras and Marinos, united as never before.”
I feel a chill run down my spine at his words. United, yes, but at what cost?
Sofia nods, her eyes never leaving mine. “We’re stronger than ever now,” she agrees. “Unstoppable, really. I hope everyone can see that this is for the best.”
The implication is clear. She knows exactly what this news will mean for Luca and me. And she’s made her choice.
“Mia,” Dom says, his voice softer now, almost patronizing. “I know this might be… difficult for you, given your situation. But you have to understand, this is bigger than any one person.”
I bristle at his tone. “My situation?” I repeat, unable to keep the edge out of my voice.
Dom exchanges a glance with Sofia before continuing. “Your marriage to Luca,” he clarifies. “We know it’s been… complicated. But now, with our families truly united, we might be able to find a way to… rectify that situation.”
The room goes silent. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting for my reaction. My hands clench into fists at my sides, anger bubbling up inside me.
“Dom,” Bianca says warningly.
“Rectify?” I spit out. “What exactly do you mean by that, Dom?”
“What Dom means is that we have options now, Mia,” Sofia says, her voice smooth but with an edge to it. “We could potentially find a way to nullify your marriage. Bring you back into the fold properly.”
This is the Sofia I sometimes forget exists—the ruthless leader, the one who puts family above all else. Even if that family doesn’t include my husband.
I can’t believe what I’m hearing. The audacity, the sheer fucking arrogance of it all. “Bring me back into the fold?” I repeat, my voice rising. “I never left the fold. I’m still a Marino, even if I’m married to Luca.”
“Are you?” Sofia challenges, her eyes flashing. “Because from where I’m standing, your loyalties seem… divided.”
The accusation hangs in the air, heavy and suffocating. I look around the room, at the faces of my family. Mama looks torn, worry etched into the lines of her face. Bianca and Chiara exchange uneasy glances. But Sofia and Dom stand firm, united in their stance.
“My loyalties ?” I say, my voice shaking with anger now. “I have been nothing but loyal to this family. But Luca is my husband. He’s my family too.”
Dom shakes his head, a hint of pity in his eyes that makes my blood boil. “Mia, you have to understand. Luca Strambo is not, and never will be, part of this family. He’s a threat, a liability. And now that we’re in a position to do something about it, we will.”
Something inside me snaps. “You have no right,” I seethe. “No goddamn right to make decisions about my marriage, about my life. Luca is my husband, and I love him. Nothing you say or do will change that.”
Sofia’s expression hardens. “Love?” she scoffs. “Mia, grow up. This isn’t about love. This is about family, about power. And Luca Strambo has no place in that equation.”
I take a step back, suddenly feeling like I’m among strangers rather than family. "I married him to save your husband,” I snap, balling my hands into fists at my sides. “Have you forgotten that? And if that's how you feel, then maybe I don’t have a place in that equation either.”
A heavy silence falls over the room. I can see the shock on Mama’s face, the hurt in Chiara’s eyes. But Sofia and Dom remain unmoved, their expressions a mixture of disappointment and resolve.
“Don’t be dramatic, Mia,” Sofia snaps. “You’re a Marino. That doesn’t change just because you’re throwing a tantrum.”
“A tantrum ?” I repeat, incredulous. “Is that what you think this is? Me standing up for my husband, for my marriage, is a tantrum to you?”
“Mia, think carefully about what you’re saying,” Dom says, his voice low and serious, his eyes never leaving mine. “About where your loyalties lie. Because once this ball starts rolling, there’s no stopping it.”
I meet his gaze, feeling a strength I didn’t know I possessed. “My loyalties lie with my husband,” I say firmly. “And if you can’t accept that, then maybe it’s time I reevaluate my place in this family.”
With that, I turn on my heel and head for the door. I can hear Mama calling after me, Bianca’s worried voice, but I don’t stop. I can’t. I need to get out of here, need to get home to Luca.
I’m shaking, a mixture of anger and fear coursing through me. What have I done? Have I just alienated myself from my entire family?
And how on earth am I going to tell Luca about this?
The drive home is a blur. I rehearse different ways to break the news to Luca, but none of them seem right. How do you tell the man you love that his sworn enemy has just become even more powerful?
As I pull up to our estate, I take a moment to collect myself. The sun is setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold. It’s beautiful, but I can hardly appreciate it through the fog of my anxiety.
I step out of the car, my heart pounding in my chest. I love Luca. We’ve come so far, found such happiness together.
But this news… it has the potential to shatter everything we’ve built.
Taking a deep breath, I make my way into the house. I have to tell him. No matter what happens, no matter how he reacts, Luca deserves to hear this from me.