Mafia's Surrogate Bride Chapter 39

Aria's POV

I had signed a surrogacy contract. Tomorrow morning, I would be collected like a package and delivered to the Cavalieri estate, where I would spend the next six to nine months as a controlled asset in their family's dynastic plans.

"I..." The words caught in my throat, and I had to clear it before continuing. "Could I see my sister first? Just once more? It might be... it might be a long time before I can visit her again."

Damian's dark eyes lifted from his paperwork, studying me with that calculating expression. For a moment, I thought he might refuse—after all, the contract was signed, my fate sealed. What did my sentimental needs matter to him now?

The silence stretched between us. Finally, he gave a slight nod.

"You may visit her this afternoon. But only today." His voice carried the weight of final authority. "Tomorrow, your new life begins."

The elevator ride down felt like a descent into my own grave. Each floor that passed marked another step away from the woman I had been, toward whatever I was about to become. By the time the doors opened onto the lobby, my hands were shaking so violently I had to clasp them together to stop the tremor.

Sofia was waiting for me outside the building, pacing back and forth on the sidewalk with barely contained anxiety. The moment she saw me emerge from those imposing glass doors, she rushed forward, her experienced eyes immediately cataloging my pallor and unsteady gait.

"How did it go?" she asked urgently, catching my arm as I stumbled slightly. "Were you able to negotiate anything?"

"Sort of." The laugh that escaped me sounded hollow, broken. "I managed to get six months of medical procedures before... before the alternative method becomes necessary."

Sofia's face went through a complex series of emotions—relief, horror, determination, and something that might have been pride. She pulled me into a fierce embrace right there on the busy sidewalk, not caring about the curious looks from passing businesspeople.

"Six months," she whispered against my ear. "That gives us time. We'll make sure those procedures work, Aria. We'll make sure you get pregnant through IVF so you never have to..." She couldn't finish the sentence, but I understood.

"I hope so," I whispered back, leaning into her warmth and strength. "God, I hope so."

We stood there for a moment, two young women clinging to each other in the shadow of a corporate tower that represented power beyond our comprehension. Sofia's familiar scent of cheap perfume and honest work grounded me, reminded me that not everything in my world was changing. Some things—friendship, loyalty, love—would endure even through this.

"Come on," Sofia said finally, pulling back but keeping one arm around my shoulders. "Let's go see Jessica. You'll want to spend as much time with her as possible before..."

She didn't need to finish that sentence either.

Sant'Anna Hospital felt different now that I knew this might be my last visit as a free woman. Every detail seemed sharper, more precious—the familiar squeak of the elevator, the antiseptic smell that had once made me queasy but now felt like home, the way afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows and cast geometric patterns across the sterile floors.

Jessica was awake when we entered her room, sitting up in bed with a book in her lap. The improvement in her condition was remarkable—her skin had regained some of its natural color, and her eyes were brighter than I'd seen them in weeks. The advanced treatment protocol was working exactly as Dr. Martinelli had promised.

"Aria!" Her face lit up with genuine joy, the kind of pure happiness that reminded me why every sacrifice was worth it. "And Sofia! This is such a wonderful surprise. I wasn't expecting visitors today."

"We couldn't stay away," I said, settling into the familiar plastic chair beside her bed. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?"

"So much better. Dr. Martinelli says the new treatment is working even faster than they expected. I might be able to go home to the orphanage next week, just for day visits at first." Her excitement was infectious, but it also made my chest tight with impending loss.

Home to the orphanage, where I wouldn't be able to visit her regularly. Where Sister Mary would have to explain my absence without revealing the true nature of my arrangement with the Cavalieris.

"That's wonderful news," I managed, forcing brightness into my voice. "You're getting stronger every day."

Jessica reached for my hand, her fingers still delicate but no longer frighteningly cold. "I know I haven't said it enough, but thank you. For everything you've done to make this treatment possible. Sister Mary told me about the benefactor, but I know you must have worked so hard to make it happen."

If only she knew what that work had cost. What it would continue to cost.

"All that matters is that you're getting better," I said, squeezing her hand gently. "But I need to tell you something. I'm going to be starting a new job soon. A live-in position that will require me to stay away for... for several months."

Jessica's expression shifted to concern. "Months? What kind of job requires that long away?"

"Private nursing," Sofia interjected smoothly, the lie rolling off her tongue with practiced ease. "For a wealthy family who needs round-the-clock care for an elderly relative. The pay is excellent, but it means Aria won't be able to visit as often."

"Oh." Jessica's disappointment was evident, but she forced a smile. "Well, if it's good work that pays well, then I understand. You've done so much for me already—you deserve some security."

"I'll write to you," I promised, though I wondered if that would even be allowed under the terms of my contract. "And as soon as the position ends, I'll be back."

"Promise?"

"I promise," I whispered, the lie burning my throat like acid.

We stayed for two more hours, talking about everything and nothing. Jessica told us about the other patients she'd befriended, about the books Sister Mary had brought her, about her plans for when she was fully recovered. I memorized every word, every gesture, every expression that crossed her face.

This might be the last conversation we had where I was still myself, still the sister she remembered rather than whatever I would become in the Cavalieri household.

When visiting hours began to wind down, I knew I had to say goodbye. Jessica hugged me tightly, her arms stronger than they'd been in months.

"Take care of yourself, sister," she whispered. "And don't worry about me. I'll be here getting better, waiting for you to come home."

I held her for as long as I dared, breathing in the scent of hospital soap and the lingering sweetness that was uniquely Jessica. When I finally pulled away, tears were streaming down my face despite my efforts to stay strong.

"I love you," I said, the words carrying the weight of everything I couldn't say. "More than anything in this world."

"I love you too," she replied, reaching up to wipe my tears with gentle fingers. "Now go make us proud with this new job. And remember—this isn't goodbye forever. It's just goodbye for now."

As Sofia and I walked down the hospital corridor toward the exit, I felt like I was leaving pieces of my soul scattered on that sterile floor. Tomorrow, I would begin a new chapter of my life. But tonight, I had to figure out how to survive the ending of the old one.

"She'll be okay," Sofia said quietly, linking her arm through mine. "And so will you. Six months, Aria. We just have to get through six months."

Six months that would determine whether I remained myself or became something else entirely. Six months to conceive a child through clinical procedures, or face the alternative that terrified me more than death itself.

As we stepped out into the Florence evening, I whispered a prayer to whatever gods might be listening: Please let the medical procedures work. Please don't let me become his completely.