Chapter 21 The door opened with a soft click , and a doctor in a white coat stepped in . Dark circles under his eyes and a grim set to his mouth made my stomach . Doctor Martinez . Lorenzo acknowledged him with a nod , his hand still gripping mine . I looked between them , at their matching expressions of concern . Will someone please tell me whats going on ? The doctor pulled up a chair beside my bed , his clipboard clutched tight against his chest . Salvatore , when you were brought in … He cleared his throat . You were experiencing significant blood loss . My heart pounded against my ribs . Blood loss ? But I hadnt been injured . Had I ? The events at the gala swirled in my mind the champagne , seeing Dominic , then … nothing . I dont understand . My voice came out small , frightened . What do you mean blood loss ? The doctors eyes flickered to Lorenzo , then back to me . He shifted in his chair , fingers drumming against his clipboard . The amount of blood was … concerning . Very concerning . My eyes widened as the implication hit me . A cold dread spread through my chest , making it hard to breathe . And ? I forced the word out , even as part of me didnt want to hear the answer . Salvatore , the toxicology report showed traces of RU X89 in your system . Its an experimental abortifacient not available to the general public . The doctors voice grew distant , like he was speaking through water . The compound caused a complete termination of the pregnancy . My hand flew to my stomach . The room spun . No , thats not possible . I didnt take anything- The champagne . His smile . This particular compound is strictly controlled , the doctor continued . Only certain pharmaceutical research facilities have access- A high pitched ringing filled my ears . My innocent baby . Murdered by its own father . Black spots danced in my vision . I couldnt breathe . Couldnt get enough air . 11:57 Sun 2 Mar Valentina . Lorenzos voice cut through the fog . His hands gripped my shoulders as I gasped for breath . Look at me . Focus on my voice . But all I could see was Dominics face . The calculated cruelty . Hed known . Hed planned it . Killed our child without a second thought . My chest constricted . The walls closed in . I cant- I cant breathe- Doctor ! Lorenzo barked . My fingers clawed at the sheets . The room tilted sideways . My baby was gone . Gone forever . Because of him . Because of that bastard . A nurse rushed in with a syringe . Lorenzo held me as they administered something through my IV. My baby , I choked out . He killed my baby . The last thing I saw before darkness took me was Lorenzos face , twisted . with a rage that matched the howling grief in my heart . My eyes fluttered open , the harsh hospital lights making me squint . Lorenzo sat beside my bed , his jaw clenched tight enough I could see the muscle ticking . When our eyes met , his expression softened , but the rage still simmered beneath . Youre awake . His thumb brushed across my knuckles . How are you feeling ? The memory hit me like a physical blow . Tears burned behind my eyes , but I couldnt cry . I felt hollow , scraped raw from the inside out . I want him dead . The words came out before I could stop them , barely above a whisper . Lorenzos grip tightened on my hand . He will pay for this , Valentina . For everything . How did I not see it ? My voice cracked . All this time … he was planning this . The champagne , the timing … he knew exactly what he was doing . Lorenzos voice was sharp . Dont blame yourself for his actions . I turned to look at him , really look at him . The fury in his eyes warred with something else guilt ? I should have protected you . His words came out rough , pained . Ive failed you . Not just once , but multiple times . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!