Becoming the Cruel Mafia's Wife

Chapter 2: A plan

A year later

It's been a whirlwind of a year since I moved into this place. Every night, I find solace in talking to Damon, even though I know he won't respond. The doctor's recent visit brought grim news about his condition, leaving Mrs. Lombardi visibly distraught. While I sympathize with her, I can't help but feel resigned to the inevitable outcome.

These past few months have been isolating. I've been confined to the house, focusing on my studies in the library. Despite my desire to return to college, I've been relegated to online classes due to baseless concerns about my intentions towards Damon. It's frustrating, but at least it keeps me occupied.

Arnold's arrival added another layer of complexity to the situation. His presence at home has made things more challenging, but I try to remain optimistic. With time, I hope to assert my independence and pursue my dreams, despite the obstacles in my path.

I grinned as I remembered how I had applied a moisturizing mask to his face the previous night. It was quite amusing, to be honest. I had a spa moment before going to bed, and I couldn't resist putting one on him as well. It was so funny to see him with his stiffened face, sporting a pink mask with sparkles. I even snapped a picture of us as a keepsake.

But then I felt guilty for poking fun at someone in a vegetative state, and my good mood disappeared.

That's why I've been holed up in the library since morning, burying myself in a book to distract myself from my little prank the night before.

"Mrs. Abby, they're waiting for you in the living room," Eliza informed me as she entered the room.

"Is everything okay?" I inquired.

"I believe so, but they need to discuss something important with you, so let's go."

I placed the book on the table and rose from the cozy sofa, following her. Since the doctor's visit, I haven't seen any of Damon's family members around.

I entered the spacious living room and approached to greet his grandmother respectfully. She smiled warmly, and I took a seat beside her. The woman was delighted to see me, even commenting that I looked lovelier than before. She inquired about my studies and invited me to visit her in England someday.

"Little Abby, I've come here to ask you for something very special," she began.

I smiled nervously, "What is it that you need from me, Grandma?"

“I hope you will become a mother.”

My eyes widened as I heard her direct request. I was at a loss for words, my heart racing with nerves at that very moment, and she noticed. She gently took my hands, caressing them, bringing me a sense of calm.

"I know this is sudden, but my grandson is in a dire situation. If he were to pass away tomorrow, he wouldn't have any descendants. His estate would go to his brother, and you would be left with nothing. Is that what you want? Do you want everything Damon has worked on for all these years to fall into his brother's hands? Don't get me wrong, but Arnold has always held a grudge against his brother. He would be overjoyed if his brother were no longer with us."

I looked at her, unable to believe what she was asking of me. But what's even harder for me to process is the fact that, without an heir, there's no inheritance for me. Was this something they planned without telling me? Or are they really asking me this to protect their grandson's assets? Was the brothers’ relationship truly that strained?

I felt like they were keeping something from me. I can't help but feel like a puppet at this moment.

There are so many questions swirling in my mind right now, but I won't let that deter me.

"Should I sleep with him?" The thought alone scared me.

"No need, Abby. It will be through artificial insemination."

I swallowed the lump in my throat before answering.

"Then yes, I will."

The elderly woman's face lit up with joy. She smiled, celebrating the possibility of a successful artificial insemination. In the midst of their celebration, my brother-in-law and his wife made an appearance, joined by my mother-in-law. Everyone took a seat, curious about the inexplicable happiness radiating from Grandma Debora.

"What's the reason behind your happiness, Grandma?"

"Abigail will have an insemination!" she responded gleefully. "She will give Damon a son!"

My mother-in-law was absolutely thrilled. She's overflowing with joy, clapping her hands in excitement. She came over to me, expressing her gratitude and congratulating me on my decision. However, my brother-in-law seemed a bit hesitant, not to mention his wife.

"Do you really think that's a good idea?" he asked skeptically.

"I'm confident that she will conceive and give birth to your brother's rightful heir. You'll see," Grandma assured him.

It's a rather safe statement, but deep down, I can't shake the feeling that my brother-in-law doesn't truly care for me. His grandmother barely tolerates him, and his mother must endure it all simply because he's her son.

Arnold gave me a cold glance, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips. He and his wife bid us farewell, mentioning that they'd be back for dinner.

I refused to bow down to him, refusing to let him think he intimidates me, even though he does.

"If you'll excuse me, I'll be in my room. I need to speak with my husband and inform him that, possibly in the near future, he'll become a father."

Both women beamed at me, and I offered them a smile in return. However, as I walked away, my smile faded.

Becoming pregnant wasn't part of my plans, especially when I was determined to graduate from university. But for the greater good, I'll have to postpone my studies. I won't allow my brother-in-law to take away what rightfully belongs to me, especially after enduring a year as the wife of a lifeless man, someone who hasn't opened his eyes since that fateful day. I left my true love for this, so it would be foolish to leave now after all the sacrifices I've made.

I haven't completely shut myself off from the idea of motherhood, as it's something I've always envisioned. Everyone in this household has subtly hinted at the need for an heir to the Lombardi family. I've overheard the staff whispering about it countless times, and while they treat me with kindness and respect, I despise hearing those words. Not because of the baby they have in mind, but because they assume there's intimacy between us.

I stepped into our chilly, desolate chamber, shutting the door behind me. I made my way towards him, studying his features intently. It's hard to believe how strikingly handsome this man is, yet it's equally difficult to accept that his vibrant life will come to such a cruel end at just thirty-six years old.

Being trapped in a lifeless body must be the ultimate form of punishment. As I delved into his case, I discovered that many comatose individuals are actually aware of their surroundings, while others aren't as fortunate, if you can call it that. So, what will Damon think when he hears me prattling on about trivial matters?

Perhaps he curses every time my voice reaches his ears, but if I have to endure being married to him, then he has to endure my presence as well. It seems only fair, doesn't it?

With a smile playing on my lips, I proceeded to change into my sleepwear.

…

The following week was a whirlwind of events. Early Monday morning, I rushed to the clinic as requested by Grandma Debora. After the doctor confirmed my fertility and good ovulation, an appointment was scheduled for me. By Wednesday, I was back home, feeling drained from the insemination process, with my mother-in-law by my side, bubbling with excitement that was contagious.

Finally, Friday arrived, and here I am in our room, facing him.

"Damon, I need to tell you something. They've asked me to give you an heir" I paused, taking a deep breath. “I underwent artificial insemination to conceive, and you might soon become a father. I have no aversion to babies, and I will love our child as a part of me. However, I want you to understand that my feelings towards you remain unchanged. I do not love you, but I am willing to fulfill my duties as your wife and share a bed with you.”

I offered a strained smile, masking my true emotions. Despite my lack of affection for him, I have grown accustomed to his presence in this room. If I do become pregnant, our child will be raised knowing that his father was a remarkable man. I will only share the positive stories I've heard about him before our marriage.

As for the negative remarks, I will keep them to myself.

With every beat of my heart, I felt a jolt of excitement as I indulged in his presence. My legs trembled beneath me, and a chill crawled up my back, enveloping my entire being. Those black eyes, so unexpected, pierced through me, leaving me in awe of this surreal moment.

My pulse accelerated uncontrollably when I saw him move his hand, and I felt like the world was collapsing upon me when I heard him murmur some words that I couldn't understand.

He had woken up!

Now he has really woken up from his coma.