Chapter 5 - The Golden Cage
The east wing of the Russo estate was a world away from the modest second-floor bedroom Norah had occupied for the past two years. The master suite featured vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the private courtyard, a marble bathroom with a sunken tub, and a walk-in closet already stocked with designer maternity clothes in soft cashmeres and silks. But to Norah, it felt like a gilded tomb. Two armed guards stood outside her double doors twenty-four hours a day. Her phone had been permanently confiscated, replaced by a secure landline that could only dial numbers within the compound or trusted external medical personnel. Dominic had made good on his promise: she was no longer staff; she was a prized, heavily guarded asset.
On Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Vance arrived—a brisk, professional woman in her fifties with sharp glasses and an immaculate gray bob. She brought a portable ultrasound machine and a battery of blood tests. Norah sat on the edge of the king-sized velvet bed, her arms crossed, watching the doctor set up her equipment with cold efficiency. “Mr. Russo wants a full report,” Dr. Vance said casually as she squeezed the cold gel onto Norah’s bare belly. “He’s very thorough when it comes to his family.” “I’m not his family,” Norah said bitterly. “You’re carrying his child, Miss Hayes. In his world, that makes you closer than family. That makes you a queen or a target.” The ultrasound wand glided across her skin, and instantly, the grainy black-and-white monitor flickered to life. The baby had grown significantly in the past few weeks. On the screen, a tiny spine curved gracefully, and a small foot kicked out against the uterine wall as if protesting the cold gel. Dr. Vance smiled softly, her professional armor cracking for a brief second. “Strong heartbeat. Active little one. Looks like a boy, from what I can tell.”
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Norah pressed her lips together, fighting back a fresh wave of grief. A boy. An heir. Exactly what Dominic wanted. That evening, Dominic entered the suite without knocking. He had changed into a dark tailored suit, looking every inch the ruthless syndicate boss, though the harsh lines of his face softened infinitesimally when he saw the medical report lying on the bedside table. He dismissed Dr. Vance with a flick of his hand, waiting until the door clicked shut before walking slowly toward the bed. Norah remained seated against the velvet headboard, her legs covered by a silk duvet. “The doctor says the baby is healthy,” Dominic said, keeping his distance as if afraid she might shatter if he got too close. “A boy.” Norah didn't answer. She kept her eyes fixed on the opposite wall. “You aren't eating enough,” he continued, ignoring her silence. “I’ve instructed the chef to prepare high-calorie, nutrient-dense meals tailored for your trimester. You lost weight in your face over the last month, Norah. That stops now.” “I don't want your chef’s meals,” she said coldly. “I want to go back to my room. I want to see Lily.”
Dominic’s expression hardened. “Lily is my daughter, and she is being cared for. You are staying here where you can be monitored twenty-four hours a day. There are people out there who would love to use you to get to me, Norah. You think I’m locking you up out of cruelty? If my rivals found out you were carrying my child, you wouldn't last forty-eight hours on the outside.” “You made this world!” Norah yelled, finally snapping. She threw the duvet off her legs and stood up, glaring at him with pure fury. “You brought this violence into your home! You’re the reason I had to hide my pregnancy! If you actually cared about this child, you wouldn't have built an empire out of blood and bullets!” Dominic didn't flinch. He didn't raise his voice. He took two long strides forward, closed the gap between them, and gently gripped her shoulders, stopping her tirade. His hands were warm, steady, and infuriatingly gentle. “You’re right,” he said softly, stunning her into silence. “I built this world. But I will burn it to the ground before I let anyone touch you or my son.”
