I wake up with a contented smile on my face, basking in the afterglow of a restful night's sleep. At nines months pregnant, with my due date rapidly approaching, it's become increasingly difficult to find a comfortable position that allows for uninterrupted slumber. But last night, the stars aligned, and I was blessed with the gift of deep, rejuvenating sleep.

As I stretch languidly, I feel Stefano's strong arms snake around my rounded waist, pulling me closer to his sleep-warm body. He nuzzles his face into the crook of my neck, his stubble deliciously rough against my sensitive skin, and inhales deeply as if trying to absorb my very essence.

"Morning," I murmur, my voice still husky with sleep.

"Good morning, luce del Sol," Stefano replies, his lips brushing the shell of my ear and sending delightful shivers down my spine. "How was your night?"

"Not bad," I say, relishing the feeling of his large hand splayed protectively over the swell of my belly, his wedding band glinting in the soft morning light.

It's hard to believe that just two short months ago, Stefano and I pledged our lives to each other in an intimate ceremony surrounded by our closest family and friends. He had originally planned to propose during our trip to his family's private island, but my custom-made engagement ring - a stunning rose gold marquise diamond that takes my breath away every time I look at it - wasn't ready until we returned. A week after we got back, he dropped to one knee and asked me to be his wife, and I said yes without a moment's hesitation. We married two months later in a beautiful, understated affair that perfectly suited our desire for privacy, especially given my delicate condition.

"That's good to hear," Stefano says, his fingers tracing idle patterns on my stretched skin. "What time are you leaving?"

"In about an hour," I reply, reluctantly extricating myself from his embrace and heaving myself into a sitting position, no easy feat with my center of gravity thrown off by my burgeoning bump. "Aurora will be here soon to pick me up."

My best friend is deep in the throes of planning her own wedding, and today we're going dress shopping. I'm so excited to help her find the perfect gown for her big day.

"Alright," Stefano says, propping himself up on one elbow and eyeing me with a familiar heat in his gaze. "Do you want to shower with me?"

I know that look and the promise it holds. Even with my body transformed by pregnancy, Stefano's desire for me hasn't waned. If anything, he seems even more enamored with my new curves, worshipping my changing form with reverent hands and lips at every opportunity. It's a far cry from the days when my mercurial moods would get the best of me, leaving me feeling self-conscious and unattractive. But Stefano is always there to remind me of how beautiful I am, inside and out.

"I woke up horny today," I confess with a coy smile, feeling a familiar tightening low in my belly that has nothing to do with the baby.

Stefano's eyes darken with lust, his voice dropping an octave as he growls, "Good. I'm ready to please you until you can't scream my name anymore."

Hand in hand, we make our way to the bathroom, giggling like newlyweds. Under the steamy spray of the shower, Stefano proceeds to make good on his promise, bringing me to dizzying heights of ecstasy again and again until I'm boneless and sated in his arms.

Afterward, we share a leisurely breakfast, talking and laughing between bites of fluffy pancakes and crisp bacon. The love between us is a tangible thing, filling the sunlit kitchen with warmth and joy.

When Aurora arrives, I kiss Stefano goodbye and waddle out to her waiting car. The drive to the bridal salon is filled with excited chatter as Aurora, and I catch up on the latest wedding plans. The warm Italian sun filters through the car windows, casting a golden glow over our smiling faces. As we pull up to the elegant storefront, I can't help but feel a bittersweet twinge in my heart. While I'm thrilled to be sharing this special moment with my best friend, I know that beneath her brave facade, Aurora is struggling with the forced marriage looming on the horizon.

We enter the luxurious salon, immediately greeted by the heady scent of fresh flowers and the glimmer of crystal chandeliers. Katherine and Emily are already waiting for us, their faces lighting up as we approach. Emily is here to get fitted for her bridesmaid dress; she came with Santiago. They are going strong; I have my fingers crossed about them getting married in a few years. Hugs and kisses are exchanged, the air buzzing with anticipation for the bridal appointment ahead.

"I can't believe you're getting married soon!" I exclaim as Aurora emerges in a breathtaking ivory gown from the changing room. The delicate lace hugs her curves, the sweeping train pooling at her feet like a river of silk.

Katherine dabs at her misty eyes, her voice thick with emotion. "Me neither. My baby girl is all grown up."

Aurora offers a tight smile, her eyes not quite reaching the expected sparkle of a blushing bride-to-be. "Even I can't believe it," she murmurs, smoothing her hands over the bodice.

My heart clenches at the flicker of sadness in her expression. I know that Aurora doesn't love her betrothed. As much as I wish I could save her from this fate, the ironclad contract she signed leaves no room for escape. All I can do is stand by her side and offer my unwavering support.

Emily, radiant in a bridesmaid dress of soft blush, steps forward to adjust Aurora's veil. "You look beautiful, Aurora," she says warmly.

"Thank you," Aurora replies, mustering a more convincing smile for her mother's benefit.

Sensing the need for a change of subject, I turn to Emily with a curious tilt of my head. "How are things back home and at the office?"

My life has taken a dramatic turn since marrying Stefano and relocating to Sicily. While I miss the familiarity of the States and the fulfillment of my corporate job, I've found a new passion in owning a cat café here. And though the distance from my loved ones can be difficult, the frequent visits and unbreakable bonds keep us close despite the miles between us.

Emily opens her mouth to respond, but before she can utter a word, a searing pain rips through my abdomen. I double over with a strangled cry, clutching my swollen belly.

"Andrea! What's wrong? Is it the baby?" Katherine rushes to my side, her face etched with concern.

I gasp as a gush of warm liquid trickles down my legs, soaking my dress. "I think my water just broke," I manage through gritted teeth.

Aurora's eyes widen in panic, the bridal appointment forgotten in the face of this unexpected development. "Oh my God, we need to get you to the hospital!"

Emily, ever the voice of reason, is already dialing Stefano's number with trembling fingers. "I'll let him know what's happening. Just breathe, Andrea. Everything will be okay."

As another contraction seizes my body, I can only pray that she's right. The journey to motherhood, it seems, is starting sooner than planned.

STEFANO

The dank air of the torture chamber presses heavily against my skin as I rain blow after punishing blow on the fool who dared to cross my family. Blood splatters across my knuckles, my breathing ragged with exertion and barely contained rage. How dare this worm think he could challenge our power and walk away unscathed?

Just as I'm about to deliver another bone-crushing strike, the door bursts open, revealing my brother's ashen face. My heart seizes in my chest. Thomas has my phone. The only reason he would interrupt me now.

"What happened to Andrea?" I demand, dread coiling in my gut like a venomous snake.

"Her water just broke. They're already on the way to the hospital." Thomas's words hit me like a sledgehammer, stealing the breath from my lungs.

"Oh my God, is she okay? The baby?" Panic rises in my throat, threatening to choke me. It's too soon. She's not due for another two weeks. Dear God, let them be alright.

"The person on the phone said they're both doing fine," Thomas assures me, but the worry in his eyes belies his calm tone.

I stalk to the sink, my hands shaking as I frantically scrub the blood from my skin. "How far apart are her contractions?"

"Eight minutes. They knew you'd ask."

A strangled laugh escapes my lips. Of course, they did. Ever since the moment, Andrea told me she was carrying my child, I've devoured every scrap of information I could find about pregnancy and babies. I've been to every doctor's appointment listened attentively to every piece of advice. This baby, our baby, is my entire world.

"I'm going to be a father, Thomas." Wonder and terror war within me as the magnitude of this moment crashes over me in waves.

Thomas hands me a clean towel, his face splitting into a wide grin. "Yeah, you are. Now go be with your woman. I'll take care of things here."

I'm halfway out the door when his voice stops me. "What should I do with him?" He nods toward the barely conscious man slumped in the chair, his face a ruined mess.

I pause, considering. Any other day, I would finish what I started, teach this scum a lesson he wouldn't soon forget. But today...today is different. Today, I become a father.

"Give him food and water. Today, my child comes into this world. It's not a day for death." The words feel foreign on my tongue, but as they settle in my heart, I know they're true.

Thomas barks a laugh as I stride out of the room. "You're one lucky bastard," he tells the prisoner.

But it's me who's lucky, I think as I race through the winding halls of the compound. I am lucky to have a woman like Andrea by my side, fortunate to be mere hours away from cradling my son or daughter in my arms.

I burst into the golden Sicilian sunshine, my heart hammering against my ribs as I peel out of the driveway in a cloud of dust. Hold on, amore mio. I'm coming.

As the miles fly by, my mind whirls with a thousand thoughts and emotions: excitement, fear, overwhelming love. I've faced down rival families and stared death in the eye more times than I can count, but nothing has ever terrified and thrilled me like the prospect of becoming a father.

I screech to a halt outside the hospital, tires squealing against the asphalt. The car sits at a haphazard angle, but I couldn't care less about parking etiquette or the curious stares of onlookers. My world has narrowed to a singular focus: Andrea and the tiny life we created fighting its way into the world.

The automatic doors whoosh open as I sprint through, the sterile hospital smell hitting me like a wall. My heart pounds a frantic rhythm in my chest, matching the urgency of my footsteps as I race down the fluorescent-lit corridors. I follow the signs to the maternity ward, Andrea's name a mantra on my lips.

A nurse's shout of "Sir, you can't run here!" barely registers as I round the final corner. The sounds of Andrea's cries guide me like a beacon to her room.

I burst through the door, immediately assaulted by a cacophony of beeping monitors and the heavy scent of antiseptic. But all of that fades to background noise as I lock eyes with Andrea. She's a vision of raw beauty and strength, her face flushed and hair plastered to her forehead with sweat. Another contraction rips through her body, and she grits her teeth, a low moan escaping her lips.

"Where the hell is Stefano?" she cries out, her voice raw with exhaustion and frustration.

"I'm here amore mio," I say, rushing to her side.

Andrea's eyes, bright with unshed tears, lock onto mine. "What took you so long?" she asks, her voice quivering.

I take her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "I'm so sorry I'm just arriving, amore mio," I murmur, using my handkerchief to tenderly wipe the sweat from her brow. "How far apart are they now?"

Mom's face etched with concern, she answers, "Two minutes apart."

Excitement bubbles up inside me. "We're getting closer," I say, unable to keep the joy from my voice.

Andrea turns to Mom, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you for staying with me, Katherine." Then, her mood shifting like quicksilver, and she snaps at me, "Why do you look happy, Stefano? Is my pain bringing you joy?"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my composure. "No, I'm happy our baby will be here soon."

"Better," she growls, "because you're the reason I'm in this situation right now."

Confusion furrows my brow. "Me?"

"You're the one who got me knocked up," Andrea snarls, her face contorted with pain and anger.

I hide my smile, knowing her comment stems from the pain she's enduring. "I love you," I say softly, "and everything will be alright soon."

For what feels like an eternity, Andrea alternates between screaming and cursing at me. Finally, Dr. Angelina enters, her calm presence a balm to the charged atmosphere.

"You're fully dilated. We can begin," she announces.

Andrea's grip on my hand tightens to near-crushing levels as she pushes, her screams echoing off the sterile walls. I offer words of encouragement, my heart aching at her pain.

After what seems like countless pushes, Andrea collapses back against the pillows. "I can't do this anymore. I give up," she sobs.

"You can do it, amore mio," I urge, my voice thick with emotion. "Just one more time, right, doc?"

Dr. Angelina nods encouragingly. "Yes, Mrs. Costanzo, I can already see the head."

With a deep breath and a final Herculean effort, Andrea pushes. Suddenly, the room is filled with the most beautiful sound I've ever heard - our baby's first cry.

"Did I do it?" Andrea asks, her voice filled with wonder.

"Yes, you did, amore mio," I say, kissing her forehead, my eyes brimming with tears. "You gave birth to our first baby."

Dr. Angelina places a tiny bundle wrapped in a pink blanket in my arms. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Costanzo. Here is your beautiful, healthy baby girl."

The moment I hold our daughter, a tear slides down my cheek. I'm overwhelmed by a love so profound it takes my breath away.

"Can I see her?" Andrea asks eagerly, all traces of her earlier anger gone.

As I place our daughter in Andrea's arms, I watch in awe as her face transforms with pure, radiant joy. "She's beautiful," Andrea whispers, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"What's her name going to be?" Dr. Angelina asks.

"Elda," we say in unison, our eyes meeting in a moment of perfect understanding.

As Andrea cradles our little warrior, I'm struck by the magnitude of this moment. Despite all the pain and hardship that led us here, I know we'd do it all again for this perfect little being we've created together. Our journey wasn't easy, but as I look at my wife and daughter, I know that every step was worth it for this indescribable happiness.