The next few weeks continued in the same way. It seemed impossible for Lily to spend any time with Vito without ending up in his arms.
But she was falling ever more deeply in love with him, and a tiny seed of hope was steadily growing within her heart. If only she could convince him of her innocence maybe things could be genuinely good between them—both in and out of the bedroom.
At last, as her pregnancy advanced, life gradually began to settle into a routine similar to when Lily had first come to Venice to live with Vito. He started taking her out around the city and eating with her in restaurants again, finally giving her the opportunity to talk to him.
But, although it was what she had been hoping so for weeks, she knew she had to be careful to take things slowly, to keep their conversations on neutral ground. She was trying to build the foundations of her unborn baby’s life while she had the chance. She couldn’t risk ruining everything she was working towards with a rash comment.
Then one evening she was surprised to find herself being guided into Luigi’s. It was the first time they had visited the restaurant since their terrible argument when Vito had been horribly suspicious of the kindly restaurateur.
She stiffened unconsciously as they crossed the threshold. It was unbearable that he had brought her here, especially after they had been getting on so well. Luigi was bound to say something, and she didn’t know how Vito would react.
‘Lily, Vito!’ Luigi bundled over to them with an extravagant— flourish. ‘It is wonderful to see you again after so long.’
‘Luigi.’ Vito greeted the proprietor of the restaurant with a neutral tone.
‘Mamma mia! I see congratulations are in order!’he exclaimed— as his gaze settled on Lily’s very obvious bump.
‘Thank you.’ Vito guided Lily to her chair and held it for her himself.
‘And I am so glad to see you back in Venice after the last time we met,’ Luigi said, addressing his first words to Lily. Then he turned to Vito, a protective glint flashing unexpectedly in his eye. ‘You must have been so worried, to think that your love was roaming the streets alone that cold, foggy night.’
It was the comment Lily had been dreading. She couldn’t stand it. She’d worked so hard to make things right with Vito—for the sake of her unborn son and also for her own future happiness. Suddenly, at that awful moment, it seemed easier to bear the shame herself rather than have Luigi think the worst of Vito.
‘It was a silly misunderstanding,’ Lily blurted.
‘No, it was my responsibility.’ Vito spoke calmly and placed his hand over Lily’s, which lay trembling on the white-linen tablecloth. ‘And I wish to thank you for taking care of Lily when I was remiss.’
‘You must be so pleased to have her back,’ Luigi said. He still had an assessing look in his eye, making Lily want to move the conversation on as quickly as possible.
‘It’s—good to be here.’ She stumbled over her reply.
‘She’s my wife now,’ Vito added, his voice deep and intense.
‘Molte congratulazioni!’ Luigi beamed, instantly loosing all of his sternness. He called across to a waiter to bring out a bottle of prosecco.
Lily felt Vito’s hand pressing hers, and she lifted her gaze to his face. He looked as drop-dead gorgeous as ever, but she couldn’t read his expression. Was he telling her that he believed that she had not been involved with Luigi?
Or was he simply letting her understand that, despite the fact that he believed she had been unfaithful—if not with Luigi, then with some one else—this was all part of the act he was prepared to play to ensure his grandfather’s— happiness?
But, as glasses of sparkling prosecco were poured, and extravagant Italian toasts to the newlyweds were made, she couldn’t dwell on the problem any longer.
‘You look terrible,’ Vito said, rushing to help her up the last few stairs and onto the sofa in his study.
‘Thanks.’ Lily tried to smile, but she really didn’t feel very well.
‘I’ll call the doctor,’ Vito said, dropping down onto one knee in front of her to look at her properly.
‘There’s no need,’ Lily said. ‘I only went for a check-up— two days ago. Everything’s fine—it’s just I got so hot walking back from Ca’ Salvatore.’
With a muffled curse Vito shot across the room to the bar area, clunked ice into a tumbler and poured mineral water on top.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said as he handed the glass to her. ‘I should have thought of bringing you something to drink right away.’
‘That’s all right,’ Lily said, touched by his concern. ‘The first thing I needed was just to sit down.’