The Mafia's Undoing-Chapter 158: Complications

I was already twelve weeks pregnant.

It’s been three months, and now my first trimester is almost over.

Supposedly, the morning sickness should have been improving, but it was not.

I was barely making it to the bathroom, again.

This was the third time this morning, as I’ve been constantly nauseous.

I couldn’t keep anything down. Water, crackers, tea. Nothing stays.

I was even losing weight instead of gaining, my clothes were getting looser.

Elliot has been concerned. "You need to eat. You know the baby needs nutrients."

"I know, and I’m trying."

"Trying isn’t working. You should call Dr. Patel."

"I have an appointment with her tomorrow."

"That might be too late."

He was being dramatic, but could probably be right.

The appointment was at 10:15 AM, and Tony picked me up.

We haven’t spoken since our fight three nights ago, when he showed up at 11 PM demanding to discuss Pete.

The car ride was silent and uncomfortable.

"How are you feeling?" he finally asked.

"Fine."

"Katherine, you look pale. Have you been eating?"

"I’m eating."

"What did you have for breakfast?"

"Tony-"

"Could you please answer the question?"

"I had crackers and water. That’s all that stays down these days."

His jaw clenched, seemingly worried. "That’s not enough. You need protein, calories-"

"I know what I need, and I’m doing the best I can."

We arrived at Dr. Patel’s office, and Tony was out of the car immediately, opening my door.

I didn’t need help walking, but I was too tired to argue.

Dr. Patel was concerned during our session.

"You’ve lost four pounds since your last visit. That’s not good, Katherine."

"I can’t keep food down."

"Have you tried small, frequent meals? Ginger or Vitamin B6?"

"All of it, but nothing works."

Dr. Patel examined me and checked my vitals. My blood pressure was slightly low.

"If this continues another week, we’ll need to consider IV fluids. Get some nutrition in you medically."

Tony was beside me, hovering as usual. "What can we do? Is there any medication she needs to take?"

"There are anti-nausea medications. I can prescribe-"

"Yes. Please prescribe them. Whatever helps."

"Tony, let the doctor finish-" I start.

But he was already asking more questions, taking over, and managing.

Exactly what I was afraid of.

Leaving the appointment, Tony got into full protective mode.

"Move in with me. Let me take care of you."

"No."

"Katherine, you’re sick. You need help-"

"I have Elliot. I’m fine."

"You’re not fine. You just lost four pounds. The doctor said-"

"I heard what the doctor said, and I’ll manage. On my own."

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"Why are you so controlling?"

We’re at the car on a standoff.

"I’m trying to help," he said with his voice strained.

"I know, but I need to do this my way. Please. I need you to respect that."

He was frustrated but nodded. "Fine. But if you get worse, I’m intervening. Whether you like it or not."

Pete noticed I was not myself.

He was at my door that evening with soup.

"You’ve seemed off lately. Thought this might help."

It was chicken noodle soup, and the smell made my stomach turn.

"That’s sweet. Thank you."

"You okay? You’ve been sick for weeks."

"Just a bug. I’m fine."

"Katherine, it’s been almost a month. That’s not a bug. Have you seen a doctor?"

"Yes. I’m fine. Really."

He looked suspicious and concerned. "Is there something you’re not telling me?"

Yes. I thought to myself. I’m pregnant with another man’s baby, and I’m lying to you constantly.

"I’m just tired. You know it’s the stress with work. I’ll be fine." I replied dryly.

Pete didn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push.

"If you need anything at all, I’m here."

"I know. Thank you."

After he left, I stared at the soup. I couldn’t eat it, but I appreciated the gesture.

Pete was being everything Tony wants to be. But I wasn’t letting Tony be.

That’s not fair to anyone.

Mandy visited with Pete the next day.

She was excited and bouncing the whole time.

"Miss Katherine! Guess what? I’m in a school play, and I’m a flower!"

"That’s wonderful, sweetheart!"

"Will you come see me? Please, it’s next week!"

I hesitated. "I don’t know if that’s appropriate-"

"Why not?" Pete asked. "Mandy would love it, and so would I."

Mandy was looking at me with those big, hopeful eyes. She is an innocent six-year-old.

How could I say no to that?

"Okay. Fine, I’ll come."

Her squeal was deafening as she hugged me. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Pete’s face lights up in genuine joy. "Really? That would mean a lot. I mean to both of us."

And I realized that I was giving him false hope.

Making him think there’s a future here, a relationship.

When there wasn’t. When there can’t be.

The school play was on Thursday evening.

It was in the elementary school auditorium, packed with parents and families.

I was sitting next to Pete. Mandy was onstage in a flower costume, looking adorable.

The mother next to me leaned over. "Your daughter is precious!"

I freezed. "Oh, she’s not-"

But the woman’s already turned away, watching the play.

Pete heard and didn’t bother correcting her.

I was uncomfortable because this felt wrong.

After the play, Mandy ran to us and hugged both of us.

"Did you see me? Did I do good?"

"You were perfect!" I told her.

She turned to her classmate and pointed at us. "That’s my daddy and my Miss Katherine. They came to see me!"

The guilt hits me hard. This little girl thinks we’re a unit. Like a family.

And I was letting her believe it.

What I didn’t know was that Tony was in the parking lot.

And he was watching through the auditorium windows.

He saw me sitting with Pete, saw Mandy when she hugged us both, and saw other parents assuming we’re together.

He’s seething with jealousy and hurt.

But I didn’t know that. At least, not yet.