Chapter 15
LEONARDO
I was so deliriously happy that it almost felt unfair.
Who knew that, with one snap decision, my life would be thrust on a completely different trajectory?
At forty-five, I was prepared to remain on my own, refusing to settle for second best, as that’s what any other woman would have been.
Now, as I spooned a napping Gabriella on the couch and rubbed rhythmic circles over her pregnant belly, I wholeheartedly knew that belief to be true. No one else would have compared or evoked this insane level of devotion. She was, and had always been, my everything.
A hard impression pushed out against my palm, causing Gabriella to stir awake.
“Oof,” she said.
“Is our princess causing trouble?” I teased, soothing over the protruding mini foot.
“It’s your fault. She always wants to say hello to Daddy.”
I pressed my grin into the hollow of her neck, breathing in her scent. “Can’t help it if I’m her favourite already.”
Gabriella raised a hand over her shoulder and scratched against my day-old stubble. I hadn’t been able to keep my hands off her after our long day in court, needing the extra reassurance that my girls were safe and happy in our home and in my arms.
I was so fucking proud of Gabriella and how she’d handled herself. She was a powerhouse, the definition of a girl boss as she walked through those doors, and I was more than happy to play her sidekick.
What I wasn’t prepared for was my former best friend, Nico. After being so close to him for years, I believed I knew what to expect: pristine appearance, prideful mask, an air of importance. But when I caught sight of him, I was immediately taken aback.
Nico wore a wrinkled suit with a coffee stain on the front, his hair a dishevelled mess as his eyes tracked Gabriella—and never deviated.
He wasn’t outwardly threatening. If anything, he invoked a little pity.
But my instincts kept blaring at me to stay vigilant.
There was an underlying knowing I couldn’t pinpoint, a certain unhinged quality that couldn’t be fully hidden, tethered just below the surface.
Was I overprotective? Maybe. But I was not taking a chance with my girls.
Surprisingly, Nico didn’t contest the claims against him. And with the mountains of evidence, he never stood a chance, anyway.
In conclusion, Nico was hit with fraud—intentional misrepresentation—for the concealment of his vasectomy.
Intentional infliction of emotional distress, as he knowingly allowed Gabriella to endure futile fertility treatment for nearly a decade.
And breach of fiduciary duty, since he failed to disclose his infertility, violating the duty of honesty and fair dealing with his legal wife.
But my Ella didn’t stop there. Nope. One Care Fertility was now ruined, their reputation in tatters as former patients went public with their own experiences. The claims against the company for medical malpractice escalated, with my girl leading the way.
In total, Gabriella was awarded $2.5 million dollars, a clear-cut divorce and the assurance that she had finally reached the end of that heartbreaking era.
Due to his actions, Nico had inevitably lost his wife, his best friend, his career, and, as I had promised so long ago, found himself entirely alone.
The past year had been fraught with many challenges, and Gabriella had shown immense bravery throughout. But within that darkness also came light, love and the little miracle of us.
“I can’t, Leo. I can’t.”
“But you’re doing so well, darling. You’re so close. I’m right here with you.”
Gabriella kneeled on the hospital bed, bearing down on all fours as she breathed through another contraction.
She was breathtaking, beautiful and unbelievably strong. I massaged down her spine as her whole body tensed when she pushed one last time.
A newborn wail split the air, and something vital in my psyche immediately stirred—one of protection and overwhelming love.
Everything followed like a surreal dream, from cutting my baby’s umbilical cord to watching my daughter try to suckle at her mother’s breast for the first time. I was beyond grateful for the experience, my entire being overloaded with happiness.
Hours later, and I still hadn’t adjusted to the arrival of our new human. I cradled my baby to my chest as I whispered sweet words and promises I never intended to break.
“I love you,” Gabriella sleepily murmured from the bed, a dopey expression coating her features.
I scooted closer, grasping her hand. “You’re supposed to be sleeping, darling.”
“How can I sleep when my whole life is right in front of me?”
I bent low, kissing the new addition I had added to her finger while she was asleep.
Gabriella gasped as she processed the solitaire diamond engagement ring, and tears gathered in her lash line. “Aren’t you supposed to ask?”
“I don’t need to ask, Ella. You’re mine, as I am yours. You have given me your heart, our daughter, and I promise, I’ll give you the world in return. I love you, darling. More than you will ever know.”
“I have an inkling,” she said, gaze tenderly tracing over our baby. “I’ve chosen her name. One that fits perfectly.” I gave her a nod in encouragement. “Angelina.” She’s right. It is perfect.
“Our little angel,” I hummed in agreement.
Gabriella sniffled, running light fingers over Angelina’s cheek. “My little miracle.”
As evening settled around us, my soon-to-be-wife dozed as I refused to let go of our baby. Getting comfortable in the bedside recliner, I checked my phone for the first time.
My messages were overloaded with congratulations and well wishes, everyone no doubt having a conniption at the self-proclaimed bachelor settling down with a wife and family.
Until I saw one text in particular, from an unknown number.
You stole my life.
Which was shortly followed by another.
I’m going to steal it back.
I immediately killed the threatening growl building in my chest. That wasn’t the time or place to react. If anything, holding my Angelina helped dissipate the sudden rage. But it did nothing to soothe the crushing need to guard and protect.
I would do anything—everything—to keep my family out of harm’s way. And if Nico wanted to test that theory, he would experience exactly what that meant.