Chapter 4 - The Gala and The Trap
Living at the Fierro Estate was like entering a gilded cage. The mansion was a sprawling stone fortress in Gold Coast, filled with priceless art and silent servants. But Giovanni made sure we felt like queens. Lily had a playroom larger than our entire old apartment, and Giovanni spent every evening sitting with her, helping her color and listening to her stories about school.
To my surprise, the fierce, feared man of Chicago was incredibly patient with my daughter. But between us, the tension was growing. Every time our hands brushed, or our eyes met across the dinner table, the line between fake and real began to blur.
Three weeks into the arrangement, a heavy gold invitation arrived. It was the annual Chicago City Gala, an event where the elite—including my ex-husband’s new family and the Fierros—would all be present.
“We have to go,” Giovanni said, watching me get ready in the massive master suite. He had bought me a stunning emerald green silk gown that draped perfectly over my curves.
“I don’t belong in this world, Giovanni,” I said, looking at my reflection.
He walked up behind me, his hands resting gently on my bare shoulders. His touch was electric. “You belong wherever you want to be, Jessica. Tonight, you are the most powerful woman in this city. Remember that.”
When we arrived at the gala, the room fell silent. The rumors of Giovanni’s secret marriage had been circulating, but seeing us together confirmed it. I held his arm tightly as we navigated the crowd.
Suddenly, Tyler and Vanessa blocked our way again. Vanessa was wearing an expensive dress, but her eyes were filled with venom. Beside them was a man in a dark suit—the District Attorney, a close friend of Vanessa’s father.
“Well, well,” Tyler sneered. “The nurse cleaned up nicely. Tell me, Jess, how much are you paying this guy to pretend to be your husband? Because my lawyers found out there’s no official record of a marriage license in Illinois.”
The District Attorney stepped forward. “Mr. Fierro, I am investigating a claim of fraudulent misrepresentation regarding a child custody case. If this marriage is a sham to influence the court, Ms. Hale could face jail time for perjury.”
I felt the blood drain from my face. They had set a trap.
Vanessa smirked. “Give it up, Jessica. You’re a broke nurse. You can’t afford a lawyer, and you can’t afford this fake husband. Lily belongs with us.”
Giovanni didn't flinch. He slowly took out his phone and pressed a button. “Arthur, bring it in.”
Arthur Vance walked through the gala crowd, holding a leather bound folder. He opened it in front of the District Attorney.
“An official marriage certificate from the Vatican City, signed by the Cardinal,” Arthur stated clearly. “Registered under international diplomatic law. Furthermore, Mr. Fierro has legally adopted Lily Hale as of three o'clock this afternoon. She is now Lily Fierro.”
Giovanni looked at Tyler, his eyes burning with an ancient, dark fire. “You want to fight for custody, Tyler? You’re no longer fighting a single mother. You are fighting the Fierro empire. And as for you, Mr. District Attorney,” Giovanni turned his cold gaze to the official, “I believe the state ethics board would love to know about the two-million-dollar donation Vanessa’s father made to your campaign last week.”
The District Attorney turned pale, muttered an excuse, and walked away instantly.
May you like
Tyler looked like he was about to vomit. Vanessa grabbed his arm, screaming at him to do something, but Tyler was frozen in terror.
Giovanni leaned close to Tyler. “The next time you try to touch my daughter, I won’t use lawyers. Now, get out of my sight.”
