Goodbye, Mafia Prince No More Tears Chapter 01
Viola’s POV
Romeo Cavallo flew to Alderhaven to be with Bianca Francesco while she sorted out family business, Our daughter was five days old before he came back..
He lifted Astrid Cavallo from the incubator like she might break. And for the first time, I saw something like guilt on his face.
That was when everything shifted.
The man they called the Devil’s Son started devouring parenting books and hand–picking night nurses himself. He even tracked every step of my recovery.
Every time Astrid cried in the night, he was up before I was, lifting her, rocking her, murmuring her back to sleep.
But the more he tried, the further I pulled away. I made up some excuse and moved into the guest wing at the opposite end of the estate.
My best friend Ellie Mercer came by. She cradled Astrid in her arms, all bundled and tiny, and shook her head.
“You collapsed and went into early labor. I was terrified. I called him over and over. He never picked up.”
“At least he’s back now, and he’s trying to be a good dad.”
I brushed my finger across Astrid’s cheek.
“Yeah, well. I think I’d be just fine raising her as a single mother.”
Ellie’s face dropped. She squeezed my hand.
I glanced up. Romeo was in the doorway, a bottle in hand, his expression unreadable.
Nothing moved in his face. His pale blue eyes locked on mine, and I knew exactly how angry he was.
I didn’t scramble to smooth it over the way I used to. I just dropped my gaze and let the silence sit.
He crossed the room, voice low. “I just warmed her formula.”
He tested the bottle against his wrist. “Temperature’s good.”
I took it. “Thanks.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. He exhaled. “Viola, we’re married. You don’t have to talk to me like I’m a stranger.”
Since the day he brought Astrid and me home from the hospital, I’d kept him at arm’s length, and I hadn’t let up once.
I said nothing. He waited a beat, then gave up. “Forget it. I’ll let you two talk.”
He turned and left.
I rocked Astrid until she took a few sips and drifted off.
Ellie let out the breath she’d been holding. “Viola, you’ve got
a death wish. A man like that could make you both disappear and nobody would blink. He’s bending over backward for Don’t push your luck.” you.
She didn’t stick around after that, probably afraid she’d be in
the room when Romeo’s patience ran out.
Sofia Navarro took over with Astrid, and I headed downstairs
for the late–night meal the chef had prepared.
Romeo was already there, sitting at the head of the table.
Those pale blue eyes tracked me like I was something he
couldn’t figure out, but his voice came out tired. “Is anything I do ever going to be enough for you?”
Since Alderhaven, he really had been trying. I couldn’t deny that.
I shook my head. “I’m not asking for more. Everything’s fine.”
“Then why are you avoiding me?”
I didn’t have an answer for that.
I’d been too obvious about it. Even I knew that.
I was still scrambling for an excuse when he cut back in.
“I didn’t forget your birthday on purpose.”
“And it’s not that I don’t want Astrid.”
I had no idea what to say to that.