Chapter 54

Later that day, I realized the severe ache stemmed from the stress and anxiety I'd been under. It was a wake-up call to prioritize self-care and manage my emotions for the sake of my health and our baby's well-being. I was seriously stressing after Vincenzo dropped that bomb about his family's tradition. The whole idea just hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, seriously, the last thing I want is for my kid to go through the same sufferings he did. It's like, why would anyone even think that's an okay way to raise a child? It's not just messed up; it's downright torture in my book. Like, who wants to grow up all emotionless and icy, without a drop of love or attention? That's just too harsh, man.

Even though I've come to terms with the inevitable reality of stepping up as the next head of the Romanov mafia, the idea of some innocent kid having to endure all that suffering solo just to keep the family business running for generations? No way. I'm putting my foot down on that one. And I