Chapter 3

• EMILY'S POV
• For days, after I was unceremoniously sent out of the Ferrari mansion, I had been at my maternal cousin, Agatha's place.
• I was finally pulled out of my hiding place, when I saw the recent news flying everywhere on the internet.
• My father had officially announced my marriage to Marco Russo, without my consent.
• As I walked into the living room, my father looked up at me in disappointment. Very much expected.
• "The prodigal daughter finally returns home." Alina dramatically clapped, and I watched in silence as my stepsister; Laura, glared at me.
• "You published news of my marriage to Marco?"
• I found the courage to speak, my anger overriding my fear. This was the first time I was standing up to them about anything.
• "That's because you are getting married to him." Alina nodded, standing from where she had been sitting.
• "I will not marry him."
• My head suddenly flung to the side, under the impact of her palm. She had slapped me..... and it hurt sooooo bad. I fought the urge to tear up.
• Meanwhile, my father just remained on his seat, acting like I didn't just get hit by his wife.
• Couldn't he stand up for me? Didn't I deserve that much?!
• Tears eventually stung my eyes, when I saw Laura smiling to herself.
• "11 years ago, when my husband brought home his bastard daughter, unlike every other wife, I accepted you in my home. Your junkie mother never cared about or wanted you, but I....."
• "You never cared for, or wanted me either." I flatly cut her off, making her eyes go wide in shock.
• "How dare you speak to my wife like that....?" My father was still speaking, when I cut him off.
• "So what do I stand to gain?" I asked.
• "Meaning?" He scowled.
• "You hate me. You have never regarded or treated me as your daughter. You make me feel privileged for every single thing you have done for me."
• "I never chose to be born by you, neither did I make you cheat on your wife. But you have only ever treated me with disdain. I have nothing to gain from this marriage, so I wouldn't go ahead with it."
• I finished, looking at him in the eyes.
• I had made the tough decision, and I knew what that meant. I may no longer answer the Collombo family name, after today.
• But I was ready. My mind was made. I wouldn't let them shove me around anymore, all for that one surname.
• "Oh?" He let out a dark chuckle. "You've suddenly grown wings, huh?" He asked. "Who gave them to you? That Ferrari lady you hang around?"
• It was even more painful that I lost my only friend because of all these. Because of them!!
• "Since you so badly want Russo's vote, why not let him marry Laura? She's your daughter as well." I challenged.
• I hadn't expected he would give me a second slap on my other cheek.
• My face went hot in pains.
• "Only if she were as worthless as you are." Came his response, and the tears eventually fell from my eyes, while Laura cackled behind me.
• I couldn't believe he'd actually say that to me. I always knew he felt that way, but saying it was a totally different thing.
• "Yesterday, a call came in from the metropolis police station." He informed, effortlessly ceasing my attention.
• "Your shameless mother has been jailed for battery and assault against the wife of one of her numerous boyfriends. Asides that, some hard drugs were found in her possession."
• "What?" I whispered. No!
• "For the battery and assault charges, she could be bailed with a fine. Money that she most certainly doesn't have."
• He mocked, a smirk on his face.
• "But for possession of hard drugs, trust that your mother would be in jail for a minimum of six years."
• Oh God!
• "I have always saved her sorry ass, but not this time. If you want your mother to survive this round, then you do as I say."
• **************
• **************
• DANTE'S POV.
• I strolled into Alexa's room to see her laying on her bed. She seemed to be so taken with whatever she was watching on her phone, that she didn't notice I was in.
• I came closer and caught a glimpse of what she was looking at. I wasn't surprised.
• It was a picture of that Collombo witch and Marco Russo, together in a mall. Probably posted by one of those blogs.
• "You need to forget about that lady." I said. "She has shown you whom's side she's on, and it's definitely not ours."
• "I don't think she willingly wants to marry him, Dante."
• "Enough of this, Alexa. I have somewhere to be this morning, and I only thought to keep you abreast of my most recent plans."
• "You're finally getting married again?" She blew a raspberry, looking bored.
• "Stop it." I bit out, not the least bit amused.
• "I'm sorry." She sighed, her shoulders slumping.
• The place went silent for a while, before I spoke again.
• "You're not really far behind though. I may never have plans of remarrying, but I still do want an heir."
• She slowly locked gazes with me, a small smile appearing on her face.
• "I was afraid you might have given up on that."
• I was also afraid I had given up.
• As a result of prostate cancer years back, I underwent a surgery which reduced my chances of naturally impregnating a woman, to zero.
• Luckily, my doctor had stored up some of my sperm for the future, when I was ready to have a child.
• After the last failed insemination, which was also the sixth by the way, I decided to give it a break.
• "I want to give it another try, Alexa." I sighed. "The doctor has adviced we make use of younger surrogate this time. He claims it increases chance of fertilization "
• "That's true. Research has shown that fertility declines with age." She nodded in agreement. "So, when is the next procedure?"
• "Not sure. But I'm supposed to meet up with the selected surrogate today, in about.... an hour."
• "Ohh? Get going already, so you don't be late." She softly pushed me away.
• "Eager for a nephew, huh?" I teased, and she released a chuckle.
• "Go already."
• ********
• As I stepped into the doctor's office, my eyes fell on the reserved looking lady by the corner.
• "Good morning Mr Ferrari." Doc stood to greet me, and I eagerly shook hands with him.
• "Is this she?" I asked, going straight to the point.
• "Yes, that is she." He nodded. I stared at her for a while, a bit bothered she wasn't saying a word.
• "Doesn't she speak?" I asked at some point, and the Doctor released a chuckle.
• "Of course, she does."
• "I.. I sp..... speak!" She rushed out, stuttering as she did. "My name is Elizabeth Collombo." She stretched her hand for a shake.
• "Miss Collombo..." I called, her name sounding annoyingly familiar. Collombo was such a common surname here in Italy.
• "I'm guess you know who I am already. And I'm sure the Doctor also briefed you about the non disclosure agreement?"
• "Yes, he did." She nodded. "I signed them already."
• "Good then." I nodded. "But why does it seem like you're unsure about this?" I asked, and she looked away, confirming my suspicion.
• "If you're uncomfortable with this arrangement, then it's better we canc...."
• "Not at all!" She rushed out. "It's just the nerves. They would be gone before you know it. It's my first time doing this, and..... I guess it's normal to feel nervous."
• "Miss Collombo....."
• "I promise, you have nothing to worry about." She cut me off. "I really need this money, sir." She pleaded, making me release a sigh.
• After a moment of thought, I nodded in agreement.
• "So Doctor, has a date been fixed for the procedure?"
• "Yes sir. In two days time. She had her reproductive health check last week, and is supposed to have begun her ovulation by now."
• "Great." I nodded. "Would I be required to show up for the procedure?"
• "Not at all. Except you want to."
• "Alright Doc. Is there anything more?"
• "None for now. We would contact you after the procedure is done, and when the results are ready. Congratulations in advance sir."
• "I hope so."