Page 27 of Second in Command

“Sit…back…down.”

“Do as he says, Francesca,” her father blurts out, trying to smooth the situation.

Francesca watches her papa as he walks over by her side and cowers over her. “The wedding is set for next week. We thought it best to rush than to wait. Once the baby comes, we’ll say it was premature.”

Vincenzio laughs again, “I, myself was born four months early—it happens.Le cose succedono…Life happens.” His laughter is immediately reduced to a menacing stare. “You will marry Gabriele Caldarelli—have Andonetto’s baby—and no one will know the verity.Capisci?”

epilogue

An arranged wedding.

A loveless marriage.

Life with a secret.

A little girl who will never know her real parentage.

Sofia Isabella Caldarelli was born in the middle of the night, to an over-protective mother who swore fealty to a dead man.

five years later

Carla Marie Caldarelli was born. Conceived on one coked-up night where Francesca mistook Gabriele for her one true love.

She would never sleep with Gabriele again.

THE END