MAFIA LOVE SCANDAL

After calling hotel security and reporting tonight’s incident to the authorities, Kaivan, Anne, and Edward hurriedly left the hotel. They handed over the assault case to Hans for immediate follow-up.

Kaivan kept expressing his gratitude to Edward. Thanks to his friend, he was able to locate and save his wife from danger.

It turns out that Edward’s suspicions were indeed true. Because of this uneasy feeling, he had decided to visit Kaivan repeatedly over the past few days to ensure his friend’s well-being.

“I owe you my life, Ed,” Kaivan said when the three of them were at the Four Seasons Hotel. They were sitting in the lobby, waiting for Mike to bring drinks. Meanwhile, Anne focused on cleaning the scrapes on her husband’s hands and arms.

“It’s okay. Isn’t that what a friend is supposed to do?” Edward replied.

Kaivan nodded.

“Of course. Now, I’ve even realized that you’re actually useful.”

“Damn it!” Edward cursed. “If I hadn’t followed you there, I’m sure both of you would have been hurt worse. Besides, I never expected that those two people who were close to you would betray you like that.”

Shortly after, Hans joined them. The big man took a seat beside Edward.

“Did you take care of it, Hans?” Kaivan asked. Hans still looked tense.

“Dominique, Veronica, and some of their henchmen have been apprehended by the authorities. Tomorrow morning, I’ll visit the police station again to continue the legal process against them.”

Edward, sitting next to Hans, seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

“Thank goodness. I can’t believe how wicked they could be.”

Hans nodded. His gaze shifted to Kaivan.

“Especially Dominique. You even considered him like family, didn’t you?”

“Dominique and I have known each other for a long time. We were the ones who saved Theodore from danger in the past. Because of this, he resented me. He thought that Theodore treated him unfairly. But it was all just a misunderstanding.”

“And because of this motive, Dominique teamed up with Luca?” Hans asked to confirm.

“Yes, that’s what he confessed.” Kaivan nodded. “Dominique deliberately collaborated with Luca because he wanted to get back at me. Moreover, that old man from Sicily promised to give him a lot of money if he succeeded in getting rid of me.”

Hans sighed and shook his head multiple times in response to what Kaivan shared.

“No wonder when we ambushed Luca’s headquarters in Sicily, they all seemed ready for our arrival that night.”

“Not only that, Hans. All the threats and attacks I’ve received were part of a carefully crafted plan. Even until now, I can’t believe that Dominique really betrayed me.”

Hans nodded in understanding of Kaivan’s current state of mind. As far as he knew, long before he knew Kaivan, Kaivan had been friends with Dominique. According to the story, they had shared many events together. And now, Dominique had stabbed him in the back.

“But, crime is still a crime,” Kaivan continued. “No matter what, Dominique has to be held accountable for all the things he’s done.” There was a brief pause before Kaivan spoke again. “I know where Dominique’s family lives. You can use that information to threaten him into revealing the whereabouts of Luca’s other subordinates to the police and intelligence agencies. I’m sure Dominique knows a lot about this.”

“Don’t worry.” Hans smiled. “I’ll definitely gather the information as usual.” He then glanced at his wristwatch, which showed it was already 2 in the morning. It was too late for discussions. “You should rest, Kai. Tomorrow, after completing all the tasks you’ve given me, I’ll come here to give you a report.”

“I should head home too.” Edward chimed in. “If anything happens, just contact me,” he offered, then stood up and prepared to leave. “And don’t forget, once you’re better, schedule that shooting.”

After bidding farewell to his colleagues and friends, Kaivan took Anne to their room. There, it was Kaivan’s turn to examine his wife’s body. He checked for any injuries resulting from the fight they had experienced a few hours earlier.

“I’m fine,” Anne whispered. She was sitting at the edge of the bed. Kaivan continued to examine every inch of her body, making sure there were no cuts, bruises, or marks.

“Are you sure?” he asked, double-checking. “No wounds, scrapes, or bruises?”

Once again, Anne shook her head.

“I already told you, I’m fine.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. I’m sorry I was late to save you,” Kaivan said regretfully.

“Love…” Anne shook her head as she reached for Kaivan’s wrist. “No need to apologize. You and Edward arrived just in time. Both of you managed to save me and apprehend all those who betrayed you.”

“You’re right.” Kaivan nodded. “But most importantly, you’re safe. I’d go crazy if anything happened to you.”

“I’ve told you, no need to worry. I’m always safe when I’m by your side,” Anne assured.

Kaivan smiled and shortly after, embraced Anne’s body, holding her tightly. He then planted a kiss, continuously feeling thankful that both of them had been given a chance by God to keep living in this world.

****

Kaivan could sense Anne’s restlessness in his embrace. Slowly opening his eyes, he found his wife’s face looking pale. She even seemed to grimace, as if in pain.

Worried, Kaivan slowly sat up, bringing his hand to gently stroke Anne’s cheeks and arms alternately.

“Why? Are you sick? Your face looks so pale.”

Anne slowly opened her eyelids. A slight grimace was audible from her petite lips.

“I don’t know, my whole body aches, especially my stomach.”

Kaivan furrowed his brow. Anxiety was spreading further within him.

“Is this because of last night’s fight? Did any of them kick or hit your body?” he inquired, internally trying to guess what might be causing his wife’s current discomfort.

“There is,” Anne mumbled. “One of them managed to kick my shoulder from behind. Is that why my whole body feels sore? But besides my shoulder, my stomach also hurts now,” she explained.

“Let’s go to the doctor now.” Kaivan urgently held his wife’s wrist. “So there’s no speculation about the pain you’re experiencing. I’m just afraid that something unexpected might happen.”Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Before this, Kaivan had never seen Anne’s face in pain like this. Perhaps due to last night’s fight, there could be hidden injuries she was experiencing. So, to avoid any misinterpretation, it would be best to get checked at the hospital.

“In that case, I’ll take a shower and get ready first,” Anne said. She was already preparing to slide off the bed.

However, before her feet could touch the floor, Kaivan promptly scooped up Anne’s body. He carried her towards the bathroom.

“What’s this all about?” Anne protested. “Put me down!” she commanded. “I might be feeling unwell, but I can still walk from the bed to the bathroom. You don’t need to-”

“Sshh…” Kaivan hissed. “You’re being too fussy. Besides, there’s no harm in carrying your wife to the bathroom.” Kaivan then gently placed Anne on the edge of the sink. “Should I help you with your clothes?” he offered, a playful grin evident on his handsome face.

“No need!” Anne declined. “If you help me with my clothes, we might end up being late for the hospital.”

Kaivan chuckled. It seemed Anne could read his thoughts. Swiftly, he planted a brief kiss on her forehead before getting ready to leave.

“Alright then, while you shower, I’ll prepare breakfast for you.”

After showering and dressing, Kaivan immediately guided Anne to sit in a dining chair. He served her a plate of seafood fried rice for her to enjoy.

“Please, go ahead and have your breakfast. I’ll get ready, and after that, we can head straight to the hospital.” Anne nodded in agreement, then continued to eat the breakfast Kaivan had prepared for her.

Driving at a moderate speed, at 10 in the morning, the husband and wife finally arrived at Santa Maria Hospital in the heart of London. Hurriedly, Kaivan held his wife’s hand and led her to the emergency unit.

“May I know what the problem is?” the attending doctor asked as he approached Anne, who was already lying on the patient bed.

“Abdominal pain and some joint pain,” Anne replied softly.

The male doctor nodded. He began directing the stethoscope, examining various parts of Anne’s body that were suspected to be experiencing pain or discomfort.

“Are there any other symptoms besides the pain?”

Anne shook her head.

“No, there aren’t any. But this stomach ache is really bothering me,” she replied.

“I apologize in advance, have your menstrual cycles been regular recently?” the doctor asked.

Anne seemed to ponder, trying to recall when she had last been visited by her monthly guest. “I forgot,” she whispered softly.

The doctor finally smiled.

“In that case, I suggest you see an obstetrician and gynecologist after this, just to be cautious.”

“Cautious? What do you mean?” Kaivan, who had been observing, finally chimed in.

“Just as a precaution.” The doctor turned around and answered Kaivan’s question. “It’s possible that your wife is suffering from appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or she might even be pregnant.”

“Pregnant?” Kaivan repeated.

“Yes. If it’s because of pregnancy, of course, it’s good news for both of you. The concern is if your wife is suffering from a serious condition. That’s why I recommend you take her to see a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.”

Because of this statement, Kaivan immediately brought Anne to a different room to visit the obstetrician. He was eager to confirm what was truly ailing his wife. In his heart, he prayed continuously that nothing serious was afflicting Anne.

“Mrs. Anntastasia is pregnant, Mr. Maximilian. According to the ultrasound, she’s about 6 weeks along,” the obstetrician said, looking at Kaivan. Shortly after, a smile crossed his face. “Congratulations on her pregnancy.”

Anna Maria was naturally ecstatic upon receiving this news. She couldn’t stop smiling.

“Then why am I feeling pain and cramps, doctor? Is that not dangerous?” Anne asked.

The doctor shook his head.

“No, it’s not. It’s normal. In the early trimester, pregnant women often complain of abdominal cramps. For that reason, I’ll prescribe a pain reliever for you.”

While Anne eagerly embraced the news of her pregnancy, Kaivan’s reaction was quite different. After returning from the hospital, on the way and even when they reached their room, he remained silent. It was unclear what was on his mind. His demeanor was vastly different from before.

After changing clothes, Anne immediately lay down on the bed. While Kaivan continued to remain silent, she eventually asked out of curiosity.

“Darling… are you okay?”

Kaivan, who had just finished changing, turned to her. Slowly, he walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.

“I’m fine.”

“But why have you been silent all this time? Aren’t you happy about my pregnancy? Don’t you want this child? Or-”

Instead of answering, Kaivan, without hesitation, reached for Anne’s body. He hugged her tightly and whispered.

“No, darling. It’s not like that. I just didn’t expect that you’re carrying my child right now.”

Anne slightly pulled away from the hug. She could clearly see that Kaivan had tears in his eyes.

“Oh my God. What’s wrong with you? How could someone like Kaivan, who’s known for being strong and arrogant, cry like this now? Aren’t you embarrassed by those bulging muscles of yours?” Anna Maria teased.

Kaivan gave a faint smile. Emotion still heavily filled him.

“I’m just so happy to hear this good news. There’s my flesh and blood inside you now.” Kaivan brought his hand to gently caress Anne’s abdomen. “By God, I will always take care of you and do anything to make both of you happy. I will do whatever it takes to protect you both.”

Anne nodded. She believed in that promise. “I’m sure you’ll be a good husband and father.”

Kaivan embraced Anne again. Feelings of joy and emotion intertwined. His responsibilities were now greater. In addition to loving and protecting Anne, there was another being whose presence he had to pay attention to.