Episode 51

Sophia

I try to feed Mia, but she screams and hits the chair. She snatches the spoon from my hand and begins to eat by herself.

"Oh, my little one has grown up," I say proudly.

"Mine," she retorts. "Mine, mama."

I kiss the top of her head. "All yours, sweetheart."

I sit on one of the stools and watch her eat. Food is scattered in her hair, on her face, and even on the floor, but she is eating with a huge smile. My daughter is happy, and that's all that matters to me.

Tears stream down my face as I remember how tiny and thin she was the first day I met her. She was a diminutive baby with sunken cheeks. I recall how her ribs were visible on her little body when she cried, and now she is a beautiful girl with chubby cheeks.

Unable to contain myself, I approach her and kiss her cheeks, earning a spoonful of food on my face.

My cell phone vibrates in my pocket, to Mia's relief, as she just wants to keep eating.

"Hello," I answer without checking who's calling.

"Hello, my dear child. It's been so long since we last spoke."

"Who is this?" I ask, bewildered.

The voice on the other end laughs. "You do love to make me laugh, dear niece."

I glance at the screen and grimace.

"Hello, Aunt. How have you been?"

"Very well, dear. I heard you married our Capo and are expecting a baby."

"Who told you?"

"Everyone knows. Our Capo informed his captains and lieutenants to protect you, of course. That's what any decent man would do for the woman carrying his heir. He reorganized everything, assigning a team specifically for your protection and that of the Camorra heir."

Of course he did.

"The Camorra already has its heiress, Aunt, and that's Mia."

She laughs again. "You're so sweet, darling. I know you've looked after that child and surely grown fond of her, but you must remember she's not your daughter."

"Mia is my daughter," I snap back, furious.

"Oh, honey, let's not kid ourselves. We both know that when you have your son, you will see the difference. Also, you should worry that it is…