I slam the laptop shut and run my hands through my hair. Pushing my chair forcefully back, I stand, needing some air.
I grab my phone and storm out of the office. I circle the hallway at a brisk pace, going around the entire compound twice before thrusting the doors open and stomp into the garden.
I’m not sure why I’m outside, here, in this calm and tranquil place that reminds me of Karina.
Whether he’s my biological son or not, Karina has a kid.
The quiet should be calming, but my heart won’t stop racing. I tromp over the stones and onto the wooden swing, throwing myself into it with an overzealous amount of force.
The legs lift effortlessly, knocking me backward, the swing tumbling over.
“Fuck!” I scream.
It takes a second for me to stand, my legs up in the air and my back on the ground.
I climb off the swing and leave the deathtrap on its rear.
I won’t let my son or any wife of mine to get hurt on that monstrosity.
Bending down, I lift my phone from the grass and dial Francesco. “Is Karina still at work?” I ask.
“Yes, she hasn’t left the building yet.”
“I’ll have Giovan drop me off at the hospital,” I instruct. “I want you to drive us to her apartment after her shift.”
“I take it the boy is hers?”
I won’t elaborate that there’s a chance he could also be mine.
He’s probably not.
It’s unlikely.
We had sex one time.
In my office.
But either way, Karina is my wife, which makes the boy mine.
“Yes,” I say. “I need to speak with Alessandro, but I don’t foresee an issue with bringing the child to live with his mother.”
“Good luck,” Francesco mutters under his breath.
I end the call, leave the wooden swing on its back, and head in to have a word with Alessandro. He’s easy to find in his office with my brother, Giovan.
The door is open to his office. “Don Rinaldi, may I have a word with you?”
He gestures me inside. “What brings you in? Is that girl already causing you trouble? I swear she’s making you gray.” Alessandro cracks a wry grin. “What can I do for you?”
“It’s come to my attention, Sir, that the young woman, my wife, has a child.”
Alessandro’s smile falters, and his face goes grim. “Is that so?”
“Yes.”
“And you what? Want to let her out of the deal that was made? In case you’ve forgotten, Aurielo, you married her this morning.” Alessandro folds his hands together on his desk. “We Rinaldi’s don’t believe in divorce.”
“I have no intention of disavowing our marriage. I’d like to provide a room for the child. Separating a mother from her child seems unusually cruel.”