The night was heavy with tension, the air thick with the scent of danger that always lingered in my world. As the heir to the mafia empire, my life had been a series of calculated moves and ruthless decisions, but nothing had prepared me for her—the daughter of a senior maid, woven into the very fabric of the palace. My father’s realm of power clashed with her innocence, yet the magnetic pull between us was undeniable.

“Lock the door,” I commanded, my voice low and serious, my eyes locked onto hers. Deep down, I felt a gentleness for her—she was the only one who could make me feel this way. I had called her to my room under the pretense of needing her to clean, but it was really an excuse to have her all to myself.

I couldn’t help but watch her every move, even when I was supposed to be working. Recently, I’d noticed the dark circles under her eyes, her fatigue, and how she held her stomach as if it were a secret she was afraid to share. I knew what it all meant; this was supposed to be just one night of pleasure, but I was certain the baby was mine.

In a few months, I would inherit the role of head of the mafia, a position that demanded absolute loyalty and control. I couldn’t afford mistakes, especially not with the stakes this high. My affection for her could be seen as a weakness in the ruthless world I was about to lead. Yet the thought of losing her and our child was unbearable. I was faced with a choice that could change the course of my life forever—protect my empire or fight for the life I had unknowingly wanted.