Their faces dropped, heavy with disdain, and the air grew thick. They were about to start another round when I finally spoke. My voice was steady, even.
"You'll have a grandchild in half a month."
The room froze. Three pairs of eyes cut toward me. Somewhere deeper in the house, a clock ticked into the silence.
Marcello squeezed my hand, his face painted with that sweet, fake concern. "Sweetheart… You don't have to force yourself for me. I'll protect you."
I almost laughed. Protect me? He couldn't even stop himself from running into Serafina's arms every chance he got.
I smiled anyway. "You two want a grandson so badly. Let's make it happen for you."
They softened instantly, pleased with my answer. But Marcello looked uneasy, like he could smell something wrong but didn't know where it was coming from. His thumb pressed flat against the silver ring on his right hand, holding it still.
Then his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, and I caught the name. Serafina.
"Marcello, some guy wants a quickie, would it be okay?"
I counted in my head. One. Two. Three.
He stood right on cue. "Arianna, I have to handle something at the club. Stay and finish dinner. I'll come back for you later."