Becoming Mrs DeLuca novel Chapter 88

**Through Shadows We Painted Our Forever by Erynn Vel Coren**
**Chapter 88**

**VALENTINA**

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I am Valentina DeLuca, and there exists a relentless ache lodged deep within my heart, a constant reminder of the turmoil that has taken hold of my life. The following day unfolded in a blur as I pretended that everything was perfectly fine, even as my world crumbled around me. In the living room, Stefan was engrossed in constructing an elaborate cardboard fort, his concentration unwavering. Meanwhile, Sofia sat cross-legged on the floor, her tiny fingers diligently sketching a family portrait. As she lifted the paper to show me, a wave of emotion threatened to engulf me.

Four stick figures.

Not five.

In that moment, I realized she didn’t even recognize the presence of another soul in this house, someone who believed she belonged to our family. A specter haunting the third floor—alive, yet burdened by the weight of secrecy.

“Mommy, look!” Sofia’s face radiated pure joy. “This is Daddy. This is me. This is Tefan. And this is you.”

I mustered a smile, forcing the words out through the tightness in my throat. “It’s beautiful, baby. Good job.”

My hands trembled, so I discreetly tucked them beneath the table, hoping she wouldn’t notice my unease.

Because tonight, if Serena had her way, everything would unravel.

–

As evening approached, I found myself compulsively checking every window, every corridor, each shadow that flickered in my peripheral vision. I had sent Sybil home for the night, craving solitude, especially after learning that she had been aware of Serena’s existence all along. Resentment simmered beneath the surface, but I chastised myself for feeling this way—it wasn’t her fault. She was merely following orders from her superior.

Elia had made two brief visits, dropping off paperwork and ensuring the locks were secure, but each time his gaze lingered on me, filled with an unsettling curiosity.

Like he suspected something.

I had to maintain the facade of normalcy, to act as if nothing was amiss, while secretly aiding his boss’s supposedly deceased wife in her escape from confinement.

And then there was Adrian.

He had sent a text that morning, his words laced with concern. Were we okay? Had I slept? Did I need anything?

But I hadn’t responded.

Trust had become a fragile concept, one I found myself unable to extend to him.

Or to her.

Or even to myself.

Chapter An

Everything felt like it was spiraling out of control, and it was my life that would be turned upside down.

I was consumed by thoughts of what I was about to do and how it would irrevocably alter everything. If Serena managed to escape and exposed the truth about what Adrian had done, what would follow? Would he face death? I knew the Underbosses had little regard for women, but I doubted Adebar would receive any leniency due to that fact.

The consequences could reach the Don, and from there, the entire brotherhood. It was an unforgivable crime. Was I truly destined to become a widow at just twenty-three? And what of the children? Would I be expected to raise them alone? Would I be compelled to marry another heartless man? And worst of all, would Serena take my children away from me forever?

After dinner, bath time, and reading Nolla her bedtime story twice—her little arms clinging to me, craving more hugs than usual—the children finally succumbed to sleep.

The house fell into an eerie silence.

I changed into jeans and a hoodie, zipping my coat up tightly. I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to prepare myself, but it felt necessary. My stomach twisted in knots, and my thoughts spiraled like vultures circling above.

What if this was a grave mistake…

What if Serena truly posed a danger…

What if Adrian was the one speaking the truth…

No, I shook those thoughts away. I had seen the evidence with my own eyes. Adrian had deceived me, and I needed to stop allowing my emotions to cloud my judgment.

At precisely 11:03 p.m., I ascended the stairs.

Serena stood poised just inside the door as I opened it, as if she had been waiting there all along. She was fully dressed, her hair cascading down her shoulders, her eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and fury.

“You’re late,” she said, her voice a low whisper.

“It’s three minutes past eleven,” I replied, equally hushed.

“Three minutes matter.”

A chill crept down my spine at her words, a cold bead of fear settling deep within me.

“I told you,” she continued, stepping past me with an air of authority, “you need to trust me. Do you?”

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat making it difficult to speak. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

Her smile was unsettlingly serene. “Good.”

She opened the door wider and stepped into the hallway, and I was struck by how different she was from the fragile woman I had encountered downstairs just over a week ago. Now, she moved with a predatory grace, each step deliberate and calculated.

I inhaled sharply. “Serena, slow down—”

“Don’t you dare start with the nerves,” she snapped, her tone sharp. “We don’t have time for that.”

The fact that she didn’t even check if the hallway was clear unsettled me more than anything else.

As we neared the top of the main staircase, my palms grew clammy, and my heart raced so loudly I wondered if it echoed in the air around us.

“Elia’s out front!” Serena whispered urgently.

“Yes,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. “But his car isn’t here.”

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