Chapter 55
Present
The real estate agent had just pulled out of the driveway of the brownstone Natalia had loved, when I glanced over at my fiancée in the passenger seat of my Ferrari. She was leaning against the window, her hand resting protectively over her small stomach, her expression a mix of excitement and happiness.
It was the first time she’d let herself imagine us settling down. The sight of her like that, lost in thought about our future, was enough to grab onto my heart and tug.
We’d been to three other houses already, and I’d make sure we got whichever one she wanted. But now, we had another stop – one far more important than square footage or how close schools were.
The doctor’s office wasn’t too far from the brownstone, tucked away in a clean, modern building downtown. As we stepped into the waiting room, Natalia checked in, and I took a seat beside her, unable to help myself from resting my palm on her stomach. She shot me a look, half amused, half exasperated.
“I’m not made of glass,” She teased, brushing her fingers over mine.
“You’re carrying something precious,” I replied, my voice low enough that only she could hear. “And I want to make sure you are good first and foremost. Let me be a little overbearing, alright?”
Natalia smiled just as her name was called. I was at her side in an instant, my hand lightly on her back as we followed the to the examination room.
Inside, the doctor greeted us warmly, congratulating us as she prepped for the ultrasound. It was early still – almost two months – but the idea of seeing even the smallest sign of our baby had me gripping Natalia’s hand a little tighter.
The screen flickered to life, and there it was – a tiny, almost indistinct shape, but it was there . Our baby.
My throat tightened as I stared at the image, and when Natalia turned to look at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears, I couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her temple.
“Everything looks good,” The doctor reassured us.
“See, baby?” I leaned in to murmur in Natalia’s year. “You’re already such a good mom.”
She smiled, squeezing my hand.
The doctor was smiling too. “It’s too early to determine the gender yet, but the heartbeat is strong.”
God, I hoped it was a girl .
Natalia’s voice broke through my thoughts, gentle but firm. “We don’t care as long as the baby is healthy. Right?”
I looked at her, seeing the strength and love in her eyes. “Of course, my love,” I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “As long as they’re healthy.”
It was the truth.
Be it a little baby girl with her caramel hair, or a little baby boy with her soft brown eyes – I knew they’d be perfect. Just like their mother.
When the appointment was over, and we were walking back to the car, I caught her staring at the ultrasound photo the doctor had handed her. The soft expression on her face was one that I’d never stop wanting to be the cause of.
I opened the car door for her, and as she slid inside, I couldn’t resist teasing. “So, about that last townhouse…”
She laughed. “We’re not making decisions until we’ve seen them all.”
I nodded, a grin tugging at my lips as I slid into the driver’s seat.
And with that, we drove off, the ultrasound photo safe in her lap, and my palm resting on her tummy.
The driveway to my parents’ mansion in Queens was lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and wrought iron gates that gave way to the estate. It looked as grand as always, the kind of place I had grown up in but never truly appreciated until recently, despite it not being my taste.
As we pulled up, I reached over, intertwining my fingers with hers. “Ready?”
She turned to me, her expression a mixture of nerves and affection. “Do I have a choice?”
“Not really,” I teased, lifting her hand to kiss her knuckles before stepping out and rounding the car to open her door.
The front door swung open before we even reached it. My mother stepped out first, her arms spread wide. “Trevor! Natalia!” She called, her voice as warm and inviting as ever.
Behind her was my father, his usual composed demeanor softened by a rare smile. My mother enveloped Natalia in a hug the second we were close enough, kissing her cheeks and stepping back just enough to get a good look at her. “You look beautiful, mija . How have you been?”
Natalia smiled, a little shy. “I’m doing well, Mrs. Su. Thank you. And you?”
“Oh, please,” My mother said, waving a hand. “It’s Maya. And I’m fabulous! So happy to see you two finally.”
My father shook my hand firmly, clapping me on the shoulder. “Good to see you, son,” He said, before nodding to Natalia. “And you as well, Natalia. Welcome.”
“I’ve been waiting ever since news spread about you two went official to the Cosa Nostra,” My mother went on, her arm intertwined with my fiancée’s as they walked inside.
My father and I chuckled, following behind. Word had spread fast about the stunt I pulled at the Italians’, and no one was even trying to hide how intrigued they were.
The dining room was warm, bathed in the golden glow of the chandelier overhead. Dinner was an elaborate spread of dishes, all laid out on the long dining table beneath a glittering chandelier. We took our seats, Natalia beside me, my hand resting on her thigh under the table.
“Where’s Kali?” I asked, searching the room.
“She’ll be here soon,” My mother reassured me, reaching for the platter of roasted vegetables and serving Natalia.
My father cleared his throat, setting down his silverware. “How’s work? Still handling cybersecurity for the Moretti’s, Natalia?”
Natalia took in a breath, glancing at me before responding. “Actually, my father and I have decided to split ways. I haven’t worked since the Yakuza job. Kind of taking a break,” Natalia replied politely, her tone warm.
“Good for you,” He said with a nod of approval. “Hard work is overrated. We must enjoy life.”
I smirked, leaning back slightly. “Says the man who used to work twenty-five hours a day.”
My father gave me a pointed look, though the corner of his mouth twitched. “That was before I learned the value of delegating.”
“And now you’ve delegated so much I’m stuck with you all the time,” My mother teased, her laugh soft and melodic.
Natalia smiled, visibly more relaxed as she listened to their banter. She reached for her glass of water, her hand brushing mine briefly under the table.
“What about you, Trevor?” My father asked, directing his attention my way.
“I’ve been busy,” I said, keeping my tone casual. “Lots of clean-up to do after the Yakuza. But it’s all finally starting to fall into place.”
“It better,” My father replied with mock sternness, though his eyes held a glimmer of pride. “Considering you’re now taking over the Su empire, Trevor.”
Natalia glanced at me, her lips curving slightly.
“You’re serious?” I asked, almost not believing that he was finally letting me take over.
“I’ve been wanting to retire for some time now. I was just waiting for you to get serious,” My father replied, his insinuation clear.
I stood to shake his hand, but he pulled me into a hug, slapping my back.
“I won’t let you down.”
“I know.”
The conversation drifted back to lighter topics, but I could feel the moment looming. Reaching for my glass, the cool weight of it grounded me as I cleared my throat softly.
Both my parents looked at me expectantly. Natalia turned slightly in her chair, her eyes meeting mine. Her hand found my knee under the table, a silent reassurance.
“We have something to share,” I began, my voice steady but carrying enough weight to shift the atmosphere.
My mother tilted her head in curiosity, while my father’s gaze sharpened, as though he already knew this wasn’t just business talk.
I reached for Natalia’s hand, lacing my fingers through hers as I looked directly at my parents. “Natalia and I are getting married.”
My mother gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, her eyes tearing up. “Trevor!” She rushed over to Natalia, wrapping her in another tight hug. “Oh, my dear, I am so happy for you both!” She said, pulling back to cup Natalia’s face.
My father’s smile widened, and he raised his glass. “Congratulations. This is wonderful news.”
“You have no idea how long I’ve prayed for this!”
“Really?” Natalia asked my mother softly.
“Since the Christmas gala when I forced you two to dance.”
I laughed. “We should thank you, right?”
She shook her head with a laugh before grabbing Natalia’s hand. “I have to see the ring! Oh, Trevor, it’s gorgeous! You picked it perfectly!”
“That’s not all,” I placed my hand over Natalia’s stomach, feeling the faintest flutter of her breath hitching. “We’re having a baby.”
The reaction was instant. My mother let out a choked sob, her tears flowing freely now as she hugged Natalia again, this time even tighter. “Oh, Natalia. You’ve made me so happy. Both of you.”
My father stood, rounding the table to shake my hand again, his grip firm. “A family of your own. I’m proud of you, son.”
Natalia’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling as she endured my mother’s affections.
The kitchen was warm and dimly lit, the faint aroma of spices in the air. My fiancée leaned against the counter, her arms crossed loosely, a teasing smile playing on her lips. I stood in front of her, my hands braced on either side of the counter, keeping her comfortably cornered.
“Happy now?” Natalia whispered, her voice soft but playful.
“ Very ,” I murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to her pouty lips.
She rolled her eyes, though her smile didn’t falter. “You should be. Your mom practically cried when she found out about the baby. And I’ve never seen your dad look so proud.”
“That’s because he’s already planning how to turn our kid into the next heir to the family empire,” I smirked, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “Don’t be surprised if the crib he sends over comes with built-in stock reports.”
Natalia laughed, the sound soft and warm, and my chest tightened at the sight of her so relaxed and happy.
“And you?” She asked, her tone lower. “Are you really happy?”
I leaned closer, my forehead nearly touching hers. “Happier than I ever thought I’d deserve to be.”
Her lips parted slightly, and I couldn’t resist anymore. I cupped her face gently, brushing my thumb along her cheekbone as I kissed her. The world narrowed to just her – her warmth, her softness, her sweetness.
The sound of a door opening behind us was followed by the familiar voice of my sister. “Oh, my God! Trevor!”
Natalia and I broke apart, though I didn’t step back.
Kali stood in the doorway, her expression flickering between shock and delight. “So, it’s true?! Oh, my God! You two are so cute!”
“You mean it?” Natalia asked softly.
“We’re going to be sisters now, Nat!”
“I thought we have been for years?”
“LEGALLY!” Kali smiled wide, full of excitement. But then her expression shifted to a small frown. “Wait… You guys didn’t have a thing in college, right?”
Natalia’s eyes flickered to mine, her eyebrows raising in mock warning.
My sister narrowed her eyes, crossing her arms. “Trevor…”
Natalia chimed in, her tone amused. “Kali, it’s a long story.”
Kali’s gaze landed squarely on me. Realization dawned, and her jaw dropped. “You’re the fucker that hurt her?! I’m gonna fucking kill you!”
“Kali, don’t–” I started, but she lunged at me. I darted around the kitchen island, using the counter as a barrier. “Calm down, you maniac!”
“You calm down!” She snapped, pointing an accusing finger at me as she chased me around the massive kitchen. “You hurt her! And now you’re acting all romantic like it never happened?!”
Natalia was laughing too hard to intervene, her hand covering her mouth as she sat on one of the island stools. “Kali, it’s fine! It’s ancient history!”
“Ancient history my ass!” Kali growled, still in pursuit.
Finally, I raised my hands in mock surrender, staying just out of her reach. “Okay, okay! I was an idiot, alright? But I’ve spent every day since making it up to her!”
“You’d better have,” My evil spawn huffed before turning to Natalia. Her expression softened instantly. She walked over and pulled Natalia into a tight hug. “If he ever screws up again, you tell me, okay? I’ll kick his ass.”
Natalia hugged her back, her laugh soft. “I will. Promise.”
Kali tightened the hold.
“Careful,” I muttered before I could stop myself.
She threw me a weird look over her shoulder.
“I’m pregnant…” Natalia spoke softly.
“What?”
“We’re having a baby.”
Tears welled in her eyes, and she cupped Natalia’s face with both hands. “Are you serious? Oh my God, I’m going to be an aunt!”
Natalia nodded, her own eyes glimmering with emotion. Kali hugged her again, softer this time, crying openly.
I stood back, my hands in my pockets, watching the two most important women in my life hold each other. A rare softness filled me as I leaned against the counter.