Dear Ex-Wife You Are MINE (Victoria and Alessandro) novel Chapter 7

VICTORIA’S POV

While sipping my blue pea tea, I stared at the night sky. Though I wasn’t much of a tea lover, it had a unique flavor, something learned from someone special in the past.

My hand fell to my stomach, stroking and caressing. How I wished things were different. I wanted to be with Alessandro, especially through the pregnancy. But I couldn’t.

I had given him three years. Most people even grew to care for animals they didn’t like if they lived with them that long. But I had been his wife, and he had never grown to care for me. I didn’t know how he would react after hearing about the baby. But I didn’t care anymore, not for him or his arrogant family.

This child was mine, and I was its mother, end of discussion.

“Penny, for your thoughts?” Antonio’s deep voice caught my attention. I peered at him in the porch entrance, leaning against the door with his brow raised. My, he looked handsome. And he was incredibly understanding. The woman who landed him would be awfully lucky.

I smiled, shaking my head. “Nothing. Just this and that.”

He sighed, not hiding his concern, then joined me inside, sitting on the sofa. “I only have one sister, and I always want your happiness, even over mine. I know leaving Alessandro isn’t easy, but I hope you stand your ground.”

“Don’t worry, Ant. I’ve had enough of him,” I replied truthfully. “So? How is everything?” I asked, feeling we needed to catch up. It had been a while since I had last spoken to my brother on a regular basis.

Antonio smiled, taking a cup of tea from the tray next to me. “Fine. E. Shine is holding a jewelry lunch function tomorrow.” He paused and then said, “Alessandro has been invited.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “It doesn’t matter to me anymore,” I said with a dismissive wave. “So? Found a date for the day?”

“Not yet,” he said, scratching his neck, looking uncomfortable. “Why don’t you come back to the company as a jewelry designer?”

I blinked and eyed him, my gaze questioning his obvious dodge. But I supposed he had his reasons, and I didn’t want to press him. So I just went along with the change in topic. “I haven’t done jewelry design for years,” I said, feeling hesitant about the prospect.

“Don’t be silly. You’ve always been a talented designer. Besides, the company isn’t mine alone. It’s yours too. Make a name for yourself, Victoria. Make your mark.”

I nodded. “Maybe you’re right. But... let’s not announce my identity to the public. Not yet. I want to live a simple life for a little while.”

Antonio chuckled and said, “People die for fame, and you run away from it.”

I shrugged.

“Guess your married name has at least one benefit—no one will find out.” He winked, and I laughed.

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