At the grand Falcieri Derby, my husband Caius held his brother’s widow, Livia, nestled against him.
Her swollen belly carried the heir he was commanded to give her—the product of nights spent in her bed, not mine.
The air was thick with the scent of leather and whiskey. A few of Caius’s men stood at a respectful distance.
“Caius, look how gentle she is,” Livia cooed, stroking her stomach, “Our baby will love her.”
The horse was our wedding gift.
My gift.
Named after me—Alessia’s Vow.
Caius’s arm was wrapped tightly around Livia, just as he used to hold me.
I leaned against the oak fence, a silent spectator to this woman’s theater in my husband’s arms.
The Madre, Caius’s mother, stood nearby, the diamond on her hand glinting in the dim light. “Don’t be sentimental. You carry the Falcieri heir. The next Don. This horse was always meant for his mother.”
Only then did Caius notice me standing in the shadows of the stable entrance.
He slowly released Livia and walked toward me.
“The doctor said calm animals are good for the pregnancy,” he explained, refusing to meet my eyes. “Livia needs this kind of companionship.”
I looked at the man who had once sworn he loved only me.
Though a flicker of unease crossed his eyes, his pride kept his tone firm.
“Alessia, please understand. It’s temporary. Once the baby is born…”
He didn’t finish. Instead, the reins—a symbol of our vows—slipped from his grasp and into Livia’s waiting hands.
Livia feigned reluctance, but couldn’t hide the triumphant smirk that touched her lips.
As she reached for the reins, her foot conveniently caught on a stirrup.
“Ah!” she cried out weakly, collapsing into Caius’s arms.
“Careful!” Caius lunged forward to steady her.
“Oh, my God, the baby!” Livia clutched her stomach, tears instantly welling in her eyes. “I’m so clumsy.”
Everyone rushed to her side, fussing over her. I was the only one who remained where I stood, a cold observer to the melodrama.
