Dangerous Secrets: My Mafia Stepbrother

“Well, Emanuele seems like a busy man,” Evelyn nodded.

Isabella turned on the TV and played her favorite variety show. Evelyn frowned, “Why are you still into these shows?”

This show had actually stopped airing. They used to watch it together back in college. Evelyn didn’t expect Isabella, now a married woman, to still enjoy it, especially when she seemed to be admiring a male guest.

“Wouldn’t Emanuele get upset seeing you like this?”

“Of course not. Emanuele is not that unreasonable.”

After a while, Emanuele returned home. As he entered, Evelyn, who had been chatting and laughing with Isabella, became quiet. She thought Emanuele, being a Mafia boss, probably wouldn’t appreciate her presence.

Evelyn and Pippo greeted Emanuele, who nodded at them. “Hello. No need to be nervous. Just make yourselves at home.”

Isabella managed a smile, recalling her advice to keep smiling to avoid scaring people. Emanuele usually had a serious face, and coupled with his violent reputation, he could be intimidating. Tonight, he was making an effort to appear friendly.

“Alright, Emanuele, let’s eat.” Isabella held Emanuele’s hand.

Lilly had prepared a lavish dinner, and everyone enjoyed the top-notch cuisine. Evelyn, unfamiliar with such delicacies, ate happily.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

During the meal, Emanuele behaved politely, taking care of Evelyn and Pippo. Evelyn, observing Emanuele’s gentlemanly demeanor and how he attended to Isabella’s needs, felt reassured.

After dinner, Isabella arranged for Tony to take Evelyn and Pippo back to their apartment, leaving the couple in their own world.

Isabella embraced Emanuele. “Emanuele, thank you so much for taking care of my friends’ feelings.”

At least Evelyn wasn’t as nervous as the first time she met Emanuele.

“You’re welcome to have them over anytime.”

Emanuele thought that Isabella’s friends were his friends too, and he would host them well.

“Good, but next week, I’ll be going to Italy to visit Grazia.”

“Alright, I’ll take you there.”

Italy.

“Isabella, long time no see. I’ve missed you so much.” Grazia immediately hugged Isabella, giving her a warm embrace.

Isabella looked at Grazia’s belly and gently touched it. “It’s still so flat, Grazia. I can’t believe you’re pregnant.”

“It’s only been four weeks. The little one is still just an embryo. Honestly, I don’t feel pregnant at all now. If Rocco hadn’t urged me to take a test and do an ultrasound, I wouldn’t have known.”

Isabella caressed Grazia’s belly. It felt magical-even though she couldn’t sense the baby yet, the feeling of nurturing life in the womb amazed her.

She wondered if she would feel the same when she had her own child. Probably.

She envied Grazia for having a child. Unlike her, with a flat belly that felt empty.

“Now you have to take good care of yourself and wait for the little one to be born. Congratulations on becoming a mom, Grazia.” Isabella hugged Grazia.

“Look, I brought you a gift.”

Grazia opened the bag Isabella handed her, revealing several sets of dresses.

“You can wear these when your belly gets bigger. The baby’s gift, I’ll give it after the birth.”

They didn’t know the baby’s gender yet, and Isabella didn’t want to complicate things by choosing the wrong gift.

“Thank you, Isabella. You’re so considerate! I haven’t bought any clothes yet.”

Grazia happily hugged Isabella. Isabella and Grazia shared a deep sisterly bond, seeming to have endless things to talk about. Emanuele felt like he had no presence.

However, he could see Grazia’s happiness, and he believed he had made the right decision. After Andrew’s death, he had married Grazia to Rocco. Isabella and Grazia resented him then, but he knew Rocco was a good man. Sending Grazia to Italy would ensure her safety.

Rocco approached Emanuele. “Thank you, Emanuele. I appreciate you introducing Grazia to me, giving me the chance to be a father.”

“Take good care of Grazia. It’s the least I can do.”

“What about you, Emanuele? When are you and Isabella going to have a child? You’re not getting any younger.”

“I think it’s still early. When I’m around your age, I might consider it.”

Rocco patted Emanuele’s shoulder. “Consider it sooner. You and Isabella have a great relationship. Having a child during this time would be good for both of you.”

“The situation is still unstable. I don’t want my child to become a pawn or a killing machine. I don’t want my enemies to use my child against me.”

Rocco nodded. “I understand your feelings. It took me many years to gather the courage to have a child. But, Emanuele, rest assured, everything will be fine.”

Emanuele’s gaze fell on Isabella. Watching her hands delicately placed on Grazia’s belly, he could see the sparkle in her eyes and the radiant smile on her face. She discussed the baby’s gender and future name with Grazia.

She seemed to genuinely love children.

Thinking about how Isabella had mentioned wanting to have a child several times, her eyes filled with longing, he cruelly rejected her every time.

Emanuele knew she must be heartbroken, but now she avoided arguing with him about it.

Was he being too cruel?