CHAPTER 10: BOUND BY SECRET

Vincenzo sat in his office long after Vanessa's words had sunk in. I'm pregnant. The news had shaken him, throwing him off balance. He had built his life on caution and control, refusing to let anyone close enough to use his feelings against him. And now, with Vanessa carrying his child, everything had changed. But he couldn't ignore the looming threat of the traitor within their ranks. The pregnancy had to remain a secret.

That night, he went to her quarters, the weight of his decision pressing heavily on him. Vanessa looked up as he entered, her gaze steady. There was no fear in her eyes—only determination.

Without a word, Vincenzo walked over, reaching out to place his hand gently on her stomach. The reality of the life growing inside her hit him hard. "This child… changes everything," he murmured, his voice rough with mixed emotions. "But we can't let anyone know. Not until I've found the one who betrayed us."

Vanessa nodded, her resolve clear. "I won't say anything. But I'm not going to hide. This child is as much mine as it is yours. We'll keep them safe together, Vincenzo."

He squeezed her hand. "If they found out… they'd come for you. For our child. And I can't let that happen."

"Then find the traitor," she said, her voice strong. "Protect us the way you promised to protect this family. I'll be ready for whatever comes."

Vincenzo took a steadying breath, her strength giving him courage. He knew the stakes were higher than ever, but he wouldn't back down. They shared a silent promise in that moment: they would fight to protect each other and their child, no matter the cost.

But as they stood together in the darkness, both knew the clock was ticking. The sooner they found the traitor, the sooner they could end the danger that threatened their growing family.