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She stared.
Stunned.
Uncomprehending warmth spilled all over her as her mind went blank. She didn’t know how to register such praise or his open and tender expression.
But this is what she had wished for, throughout the night and through the first rays of dawn: some sort of sign or validation that her hard work and efforts had been enough. That she was enough–for someone, if not her family.
Ana had never expected that validation to come from her stoic and powerful husband, a man who expected nothing but the best from others.
Proud to have you as mi donna.
When the first tears started to fall, she did not know. They just emerged…one by one, then all at once. Her vision clouded over.
“Ana–”
A low sob burst out of her.
She covered her eyes, the phone cradled in one hand, as everything poured out of her. The stress, the insecurities, and heartache. They echoed in each ragged hitch of her breath. Had she ever heard this growing up? A kind word, affection. No. All she’d ever heard was distaste at her lowly background and accusations that she had somehow ‘stolen’ the privilege of being a Mancini.
Time and time again, Ana killed herself to be the dutiful adoptee. She had perfected her manners and her business operations. But their contempt had never faded. Not Grandfather’s or vipers' like Celia.
But all those voices dimmed into an unintelligible hum as Gio’s arms closed painfully around her. She dazedly realized that he had gathered her into his arms and carried her over to the settee. The scent of his cologne surrounded her as his palm cradled her head, pulling her closer. She burrowed deeper into his strong embrace until they were almost one.
“Shh, easy,” Gio urged when she choked on the sobs, her chest heaving convulsively.
“S-sorry.”
His hand rubbed along her back, soothing, before his lips dropped to the top of her head. “Don’t apologize…you should’ve told me something was wrong.”
Somehow, she had a feeling it wasn’t just last night he was referring to. Things had been off since her nightmares resurfaced weeks ago. But she couldn’t broach that topic; she didn’t have the strength for it just yet. Instead, she chose to open her clenched fist, revealing the phone hidden there.
His hand arrested on her body before reaching for it.
The notification was still on the screen.
9:47 AM
Auntie: After all that time preparing for this event, it was a total waste. Father is so upset. I can only imagine the embarrassment Gio feels. You couldn’t have just made nice with Vitello?? People will think I haven’t taught you anything with that type of vulgar backtalk.
The phone squeezed so hard in his grip that the glass crackled. Tension invaded every inch of his body, with the muscles in his wrist flexing.
She stiffened and started to retreat. With deliberate control, Gio relaxed and resumed tracing circles on her back, soothing her. But anger simmered beneath the control. “You know this is bullshit, right?” he spat.
Ana wiped the tears off her face and shrugged, ashamed that he had to read that. “It’s…j-just–Grandfather is unhappy about Vitello’s business going under, and…well, he’s trying, through Auntie…to get me to convince you.”
She prayed she’d done the right thing by telling him. The last thing she wanted was a war between their families. Her hand clutched his shirt, grasping for calm.
“Francisco is an ornery old-timer,” Gio said harshly.
Raising her teary gaze to his, Ana found him scowling into the distance. His expression was gentle when he turned back to her. His thumb wiped under her eyes. “I held my tongue because he’s your grandfather and, unfortunately, a powerful leader in Pittsburgh. But he’s always been a massive pain when it comes to any new ideas. Mine seem to be his least favorite.”
Gio huffed wryly, but Ana couldn’t find the humor in it. She had been so focused on her own hurt that she hadn’t realized Gio had also been affected by Grandfather’s vitriol. It sent a wave of anger through her. She could forgive the old man for insulting her, but she could not bear the thought of him insulting Gio. Did her family see their wedding as a license to flout the Don?
“At one point…I even suspected him of the attack,” Gio groused.
“What?”
Shock flashed across her features.
