Becoming Mrs DeLuca novel Chapter 109

**Through Shadows We Painted Our Forever by Erynn Vel Coren**

**Chapter 109**

**VALENTINA**

“Where is he? Where are they?” I gasped, bursting through the hospital doors, my heart racing like a caged bird desperate for freedom. My parents flanked me, and Marco’s wife trailed closely behind, her face a mask of fear. I gripped the reception desk so tightly that my fingers throbbed with pain. “My son… my brother, Stefan DeLuca and Marco Romano. My husband swore he brought them here. Someone, please—tell me something—”

Words tumbled from my lips, barely coherent, as I fought to keep my composure. Each phrase dissolved into a choked sob, and I felt the weight of despair pressing down on me. I was oblivious to the curious glances around me, the hushed whispers that rippled through the waiting area. My knees trembled, threatening to buckle beneath me, but I refused to give in to the overwhelming tide of panic.

The nurse at the desk looked up, startled by the desperation in my voice. “Ma’am, I need you to take a breath—”

“My son was taken!” I cried out, my voice cracking with anguish. “He was—he—my brother was shot—please—just tell me where they are!”

Behind me, the sound of my mother’s wails pierced through the chaos, a raw, primal scream of a mother’s fear.

Mom pressed her hands over her mouth, stifling her sobs as she leaned heavily against my father, who stood rigid and unyielding. He paced back and forth, fists clenched and jaw tight, muttering curses that mingled with his heavy breaths.

“This damned life,” he seethed, his voice low and furious. “This cursed, violent life! My children, my family… we’re all caught up in this mess…”

I barely registered the end of my father’s tirade as Adrian entered the waiting area, his presence a jarring contrast to the chaos around us.

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, rushing toward him, my heart dropping as I took in the blood that stained his clothes. My protective instincts kicked in, and I began to inspect him, my fingers trembling as I sought any sign of injury.

“Valentina,” he said, grabbing my shoulders with a firm yet gentle grip, shaking me slightly to bring me back to reality. “Val, hey… hey, I’m okay. It’s not mine. It’s not my blood, okay?”

“Okay. Okay,” I replied, fresh tears streaming down my face. “Stefan? Where’s Marco? Please tell me… please…”

“He’s okay. I promise.” Adrian’s voice held a steadiness that I desperately clung to. He turned to my parents and Marco’s still-sobbing wife. “Marco is in surgery right now, but they’re optimistic about his recovery. I’ve arranged a private room for him, complete with couches and a bed, so you can wait there. I’m truly sorry, Mrs. Romano, but I assure you Marco will be alright.”

A flicker of relief washed over me as I shared a small, grateful smile with my parents, who began to move toward the room. It felt as though a colossal weight had been lifted from my chest.

Adrian brushed my hair back gently, his touch soothing. “Stefan’s in pediatrics. He’s stable, but they’re just running some tests to be sure.”

I clung to Adrian, refusing to let go. His presence felt like my lifeline, and I was terrified of what would happen if he released me. Time slipped away as we stood there, surrounded by the sterile scent of antiseptic and the muted sounds of the hospital, until I felt Adrian stiffen beside me.

I followed his gaze and was taken aback to see Gemma approaching, her expression a mixture of surprise and dread. “Gemma?”

“What are you doing here?” Adrian asked, his voice low and cautious.

Her eyes widened further as she drew closer, and I noticed the glistening trail of a tear on her cheek. “Is that blood?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Adrian shook his head, frustration evident in his features. “I’m okay. Why are you here? What’s going on?”

The look on her face told me everything I needed to know. Something was terribly wrong.

“Gemma, what’s going on?” Adrian pressed again, urgency creeping into his tone.

She whimpered softly, wiping away another tear. “It’s Dad… he’s dying.”

—

**Chapter 109**

**ADRIAN**

“They don’t think he’ll make it through the night.”

Those words echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain as I rode the elevator with my sister, the weight of the world pressing down on my chest.

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