Arranged Mafia Marriage

Chapter 34Felicity

34

Felicity

I step out of the car, my hand instinctively moving to my growing belly. The ultrasound photos feel like a precious treasure in my purse. I inhale deeply and brace myself for another encounter with Santino.

The private medical facility is large and spacious, but it’s still clear it’s a place where people often go to die. Or maybe I’m just being morbid as I step inside. I nod at the men in dark suits standing near the facility’s security guards as I enter with Viktor shadowing me. His presence is a constant in this new life.

“Mrs. Pimaslov,” one of them greets me, giving me a once-over and Viktor a more thorough scrutinization before gesturing for me to proceed. These men must be on my father’s payroll and provide his personal security. “Mr. DeLucci is expecting you.”

I follow him down the sterile hallway, the smell of antiseptic filling my nostrils. My heart races as we approach Santino’s room. Despite our recent tentative steps toward reconciliation, there’s still a part of me that struggles with his presence in my life.

The guard opens the door, and I step inside. Santino is propped up in bed, looking better than I remember. He smiles when he sees me. “Felicity,” he says, his voice raspy but warm. “I didn’t know you were coming. Come, sit.”

I approach the bed, perching on the edge of the chair beside him. “How are you feeling?”

He waves his hand dismissively. “Better now that you’re here. How’s my grandbaby?”

I smile, reaching into my purse. “Actually, that’s why I’m here.” I pull out the ultrasound photos, handing them to him. “It’s a girl. The ultrasound tech said she was very cooperative for sixteen weeks, and he’s one hundred percent sure.”

Santino’s hands shake slightly as he takes the photos, his eyes misting over as he studies them. “A little girl,” he whispers. “She’s beautiful.”

“She’s the size of an avocado,” I say with tenderness in my voice. “The doctor says she’s healthy and strong.”

Santino looks up at me, and his lips tremble slightly. “Just like her mother.”

There’s a lump form in my throat, and I’m unsure how to respond. He seems to sense my discomfort and changes the subject.

“How are you handling everything?” he asks, his tone serious. “This life isn’t easy.”

“People keep saying that.” I sink back into the chair, which is surprisingly plush and comfortable. Another perk of this place. “It’s...overwhelming. Sometimes I feel like I’m drowning in it all.”

Santino nods, his expression understanding. “I know the feeling. When I first took over the family business, I thought I’d lose myself in it.”

“How did you manage?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He’s quiet for a moment. “I learned to compartmentalize. To keep my family life separate from the business.”

“But how? It seems impossible.”

Santino shifts in his bed, wincing slightly. “It’s not easy, but it’s necessary. When I was with your mother, or with Damiano when he was younger, even for those brief moments... I made sure to be present. To leave the business at the door.”

“But doesn’t it follow you everywhere?” I ask, thinking of the constant security, the whispered conversations, and the ever-present threats.

He nods slowly. “It does, but you have to create boundaries. Sacred spaces, where the business doesn’t intrude.”

I think of the dance studio, the one place where I still feel like myself. “I think I understand.”

“Good,” says Santino, reaching out to pat my hand. “And remember, Felicity, you have something I never did.”

“What’s that?”

“A partner who understands this life. I never married Damiano’s mother, and Susan refused to marry me. I don’t think I ever got over her…” He trails off with a distant look before blinking and focusing on me again. “Kiril is a good man. He’ll help you navigate this world.”

I nod, thinking of Kiril’s strength and support. “He does make it easier.”

He looks serious now. “But never forget who you are, Felicity. Don’t let this life change the core of who you are.”

“How do I do that?”

He squeezes my hand. “By remembering what’s truly important. Family, love, and the innocent life growing inside you. Let those be your anchors.”

Tears prick at my eyes, and I’m overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. “I’ll try.”

He nods, looking satisfied. “That’s all anyone can do. Now, tell me more about my granddaughter. Have you thought of names?”

I laugh, grateful for the lighter turn in conversation. “We have a few ideas, but nothing definite yet.” I hesitate, licking my lips. “Actually, there’s something else I’d like to ask you about, Santino.”

He arches a brow. “Of course.”

I exhale, steadying myself. His words about family and protecting what’s important echo in my mind as I consider my next move. I hesitate for a moment, then plunge forward. “I have a student in my dance class. Her name is Siobhan O’Malley.”

Santino’s eyebrows raise slightly, recognition flickering across his face. “O’Malley? As in Sean O’Malley?”

I nod. “Yes. She’s his daughter.”

Santino slouches in his bed, his expression thoughtful. “That’s interesting. How much does she know?”

“Not much, I don’t think, but she’s mentioned some things about her father’s business. Territories, shipments, and weapons. I’ve passed along what I can to Kiril without betraying the source.”

His eyes narrow. “And you’re telling me this because?”

I take another deep breath. “I’m not sure what to do. On one hand, this could be valuable information. On the other...”

“She’s just a child,” Santino finishes for me.

“Exactly. I don’t want to use her. It feels wrong, but I also can’t ignore the potential importance of this connection.” I’m also worried she might end up as potential leverage. I’m not sure I can avert such a plan again.

Santino is quiet for a long moment, seeming distant as he considers my words. When he speaks, his voice is low and measured. “The mafioso in me would tell you to use this connection. Information is power, and having an inside track to O’Malley’s operations could be invaluable.” He pauses, staring into my eyes. “The future grandfather in me sees things differently.”

I quirk a brow, eager to hear his perspective. “How so?”

“Family should be protected, Felicity. Not just our blood, but those we choose to care for. This girl, Siobhan, trusts you as her teacher. That’s a bond that shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

I nod, feeling relief and confusion. “So what should I do?”

Santino reaches out, taking my hand in his. His grip is weak, but there’s a warmth to it that surprises me. “You keep her safe, both from the dangers of our world and from being used as a pawn in it.”

“What about the information she might have?” I ask, torn between my loyalty to Kiril and this unexpected advice from Santino.

“Information will come and go,” says Santino, his voice firm. “But trust, once broken, is nearly impossible to rebuild. You have an opportunity here, Felicity. Not just to gather intel, but to make a real difference in this girl’s life.”

I sit back, considering his words. “I never expected this advice from you.”

Santino smiles, a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’ve made many mistakes in my life. Putting business before family was one of them. Don’t repeat my errors.”

His words resonate, and I nod. “Thank you, Santino. I’ll think about what you’ve said.”

“Good,” he says, squeezing my hand gently before releasing it. “Please tell me more about your pregnancy and my granddaughter. I want to hear everything.”

As I launch into stories about the baby and our plans, a surprising surge of warmth toward Santino hits me. This connection, unexpected and complicated as it is, feels real, and for the first time, I allow myself to truly see him not just as a mob boss or even as my biological father, but as family.

The rest of our visit passes quickly, filled with talk of the future and memories of the past. As I prepare to leave, Santino calls out to me one last time.

“Felicity,” he says, his voice serious. “Remember what I said. Protect that girl. She isn’t family by blood, but she’s under your care now.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I will. I promise.”

As I walk out of the medical facility, my mind races with our conversation. I’ll have to tell Kiril about Siobhan eventually, but for now, I hold onto Santino’s advice. Family first. Protection above all else. I hope Kiril will understand my position and not think I’m choosing an outsider over him and our family.