Becoming Mrs DeLuca novel Chapter 102

**Chapter 102**

**VALENTINA**

The moment I glanced at my father, his expression transformed, becoming as unyielding as granite. I could see the tension radiating from him as he fixated on his plate, and an unexpected wave of guilt washed over me. Despite the myriad of his flaws, a part of me still clung to the love I held for him. In a world filled with men who fell short of their roles, he had, in many ways, been a better father than most.

“How dare you speak to your father in that manner? Show some respect!” Mom’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and accusatory.

I took a deliberate bite of the beef tenderloin, focusing on the flavors to maintain my composure. Lately, staying calm had become a Herculean task, especially with the whirlwind of pregnancy hormones swirling within me. “I do respect you, but your ambition is on a collision course with our lives. I don’t care if this baby is destined to become Underboss. All I want is the best for him, and that path you envision isn’t it.”

“You’ve always been a dreamer, Valentina. That’s one of the things I admire about you,” Dad interjected, trying to soften the tension, but his next words struck like a thunderclap. “But as a man, I cannot afford to indulge in foolish fantasies. I’m well aware of the harsh realities we face. The only thing that matters is power. I refuse to have the son of a cheating whore as our Underboss. Our grandson will rule Chicago! Not that other boy.”

“Dad,” Marco began, his brow furrowed in concern.

“No! We will not discuss this any further. Once you take on the role of Underboss next year, you can make the decisions. But for now, my word is law in this house. I will go to any lengths to ensure our bloodline remains in power, even if it means confronting every member of the Brotherhood myself.”

In a surge of defiance, I dropped my fork, the clatter echoing in the charged atmosphere. “If that’s how you feel, then today marks the last time you’ll ever see me.”

Marco reached out, his hand gently touching my arm. “Stay. You shouldn’t drive back alone, especially not in your condition.”

“I’m perfectly fine. Please don’t worry about me. I refuse to remain in this house for another moment.”

Dad stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. “I’m doing this for our family. One day, when your son is born, you’ll understand and thank me for it.”

A sad smile crept onto my face, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “You’re mistaken, Dad. I know you and Mom will never grasp this. You simply can’t.”

“You should feel grateful,” Mom whispered, her voice tinged with heartbreak, as though I had personally shattered her dreams. I was exhausted from this twisted game they were playing, and I could feel my frustration boiling over.

“I’m grateful that I didn’t inherit your insatiable ambition. I will never turn my children into pawns in this grotesque game for power. Not Stefan, not Sofia, and certainly not this baby.” I placed a hand protectively over my belly. “They are my children, and I will fight like a warrior to shield them from the horrors of this world—even if those horrors come in the form of my own parents.”

“How could you say that? After everything we’ve sacrificed for you?” Mom’s voice was a fierce whisper, laced with disbelief.

“After everything you’ve done?” I shouted back, my voice rising in indignation.

A sharp pain twisted in my stomach, but I pushed it aside, unwilling to show weakness. “You married me off to Adrian to secure Dad’s position. You even married your own niece to the monsters from Las Vegas for the same reason, and you expect my gratitude?”

With a heavy heart, I turned away, clutching my belly as my pulse raced with anxiety.

Elia was waiting for me in the lobby, his hand resting on his gun, his expression taut with concern.

“You better take your hand off that gun, or you won’t live to see tomorrow,” Marco growled, his protective instincts flaring.

Elia ignored him, stepping closer to me and gently cupping my elbow. “Are you okay, Valentina?”

I offered him a terse nod. “Take me home. I’m done here.”

Elia guided me outside, grabbing my coat as we went. Marco trailed behind us, and as I sank into the passenger seat, he leaned in, his voice low and serious. “Text me when you get home so I know you’re safe.”

A shaky smile crossed my lips. “I wish you were already Underboss so you could put an end to this madness.”

“Even then, I wouldn’t be able to stop Dad from spreading the news. You know our parents—they see this as their opportunity.”

“I know,” I replied quietly.

“I’ll try to talk some sense into them, anyway.”

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