Chapter 18

2 months later

“It looks good.”

I commented as I eyed the whole architecture of the club. I just had a tour of the place. It was nearly done and just the finishing touches left.

“Thank you for trusting us, Mr. Di Angelo.” Jason Myers, who I trusted to handle the construction of my club, offered his hand. I reached for it and shook his hand.

“I am impressed with the services and the quality of your work. Mr. Ranallo suggested a really great company for me to trust with the construction of my club. I admit I very much like it."

“It’s an honor, Mr. Di Angelo. I think by next week we're done with the finishing touches so if you want any additional requests, we can add it right away.”

“No, no, I'm good. I'm completely satisfied.” My hand rubbing my chin as I ponder. I must admit I’m happy with what they’ve done so far.

He nodded. “Your club will be up and running in no time.”

After meeting with Myers and his staff, I immediately went to the mansion I just bought a month ago. I realized I no longer want to stay in that penthouse. I haven’t given it up though. I still own it. This will be my first time stepping foot in my own house in New York. Leo was the one who personally bought it and took care of the documents. I was in Russia that time, flying back and forth to Italy. I was eyeing Vassily so he won’t do anything stupid and impulsive, not until he proves the English mafia was in fact the ones who killed Viktor.

Once we found out the evidence, I left Vassily to do his own business as planned. I know it will be a bloody war for them. Vassily was out for English blood. Revenge was what he sought for his father.

When I finally had the time, I flew back to New York. Coincidentally, Myers called updating me with the progress of the club. After landing, I decided to pay it a visit and assess the place and I was completely satisfied with their work. Stefano was the one who suggested them and because I trusted my cousin's taste and his judgement, I followed.

“Leo.” I answered the incoming call from him as I drove my way to the streets of New York. I could hear a tired sigh on the other side of the line. “What’s wrong?” A growing concern suddenly surfaced.

“She’s not eating, fratello. She rejects every food that’s given to her.” I gritted my teeth in anger.

“Well, force feed her.” I exclaimed.

“She threw the food right on our men’s faces, Angelo. She’s throwing tantrums, crying and screaming her lungs out. Sorry, man, but she’s really giving me a huge headache right now.”

A scowl formed in my face. “I’ll take care of her myself then.” I slammed the phone down on the passenger seat. My fists clenched in white against the steering wheel, my foot slammed the accelerator increasing the speed.

The door banged against the wall when I opened it with force. Hailynn was under the blanket, her back facing me.

"Prepare her food." I ordered one of my men. I didn't stop to face him. My eyes were dead set on the woman lying on the bed. I stomped towards her, taking off the sheet. Her wrist was thin as I grabbed her. She was pale and had lost a lot of weight. Her eyes were droopy and bloodshot. She had bags under her eyes.

I growled. "Didn't I tell you that I hate those who defy me?" Tears pooled in her eyes. "Stop acting like a brat, Hailynn. You don't want to know my wrath. Now eat! Or I will force feed you myself!"

The tray of food arrived just in time. Piero, one of my men, placed the tray on the bedside table. I pulled Hailynn and forced her to get up from the bed. She sat up with unwillingness.

"Eat." I eyed the food and signaled her to get it. She immediately complied but there was obvious reluctance. There was a set of complete meals and a sandwich too. She chose the latter. Her hands trembled when she went to grab it. Her skin was so pale and her arms were so thin. I eyed her whole body.

My heart clenched at the sight. What the hell was she doing when I wasn't around?

I couldn't let one of my men watch her when I let Franco go back to Italy. We were so preoccupied in search of Viktor's murderer. I trusted her enough to be left alone. However it didn't cross my mind that she'll end up like this.

Have I gone really too far and made her this depressed? The decision to apologise to her cross my mind but my pride didn't let me. I will threaten her if I have to, if she'd be stubborn to follow my orders.

She took a slow tiny bite of the sandwich. I was irritated at the sight. Is she deliberately making me furious?

Hailynn suddenly ran frantically, an arm placing on her stomach. The sandwich fell from her hands. My scowl disappeared when I figured out she was actually running towards the bathroom. The sound of her heaving and gagging shocked me. I pulled myself out from that state and immediately checked and helped her. I set aside her hair that was in the way.

My heart clenched for the second time when I watched her throw up with nothing but liquid. She really hasn't eaten anything but I wasn't angry anymore at that.

What was wrong with her?

When she felt she's fine, I helped her wash her face and gave her something to get rid of the bad taste of vomit. When she's done, she looked at me with her eyes full of tears and bloodshot.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry… I can't… I couldn't…" She sobbed.

Cazzo.

I immediately hugged her, holding her tightly in my arms.

"No, I'm sorry. I should be the one to apologise. I shouldn't have forced you or treated you like that. I should've asked what's wrong before being so aggressive about it." I rubbed her arm and back, kissing her head multiple times, calming her down as she sobbed against my chest.

"I'm so sorry, amore." She didn't say anything but cried. I could feel my shirt wet from her tears. I felt so guilty for what I did. I'm such a fucking bastard.

When she mellowed down, I carried her towards the bed and placed her there. She was clearly exhausted and I let her sleep.

I asked Leo to call a doctor to check for Hailynn. He immediately moved. Less than an hour later, the doctor arrived. He immediately checked Hailynn.

I was anxious. I kept pacing back and forth in the hallway just outside her room. Not long after, the doctor emerged out of the room. He nodded when he saw me.

“Are you the father?”

“What?” I scowled at his question.