Chapter 3 - THE MAFIA KING WHO COULDN'T ENTER THE NURSERY
Dante Romano had never been refused entry anywhere in New York.
Not in restaurants.
Not in private clubs.
Not in boardrooms.
Not in the homes of men who feared him.
But on the third day of Leo's life, a hospital nurse stopped him outside my room.
“Mr. Romano, Mrs. Romano has requested privacy.”
Dante stared at her.
“I'm her husband.”
“I understand.”
“And that's my son.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then move.”
The nurse didn't move.
Instead, she calmly explained that any visit would need to respect the hospital's policies and the mother's medical needs.
Dante looked as though he might explode.
Then Matteo, his security chief, stepped closer.
“Boss.”
Dante turned.
“What?”
“Not here.”
For several seconds, Dante said nothing.
Then he stepped back.
The nurse nodded.
“Thank you.”
Dante Romano, the man who could make powerful men tremble, stood outside a hospital room unable to command his way inside.
And for the first time, he began to understand what powerlessness felt like.
Inside, I was feeding Leo.
Sofia sat beside me.
“Dante's here.”
I nodded.
“I know.”
“Do you want to see him?”
I looked at Leo.
“Not yet.”
Sofia smiled sadly.
“Then you don't have to.”
An hour later, Elizabeth arrived.
She explained that Dante had requested a supervised visit with Leo.
I considered it.
Then nodded.
“He can see him.”
Sofia looked surprised.
“Bella—”
“He's Leo's father.”
I swallowed.
“And Leo deserves to know him.”
But I wasn't ready to stand beside Dante and pretend we were still a family.
So I asked Elizabeth to help arrange a short visit with appropriate hospital staff present.
Dante entered the nursery quietly.
For once, he wasn't wearing an expensive suit.
Just a black sweater and dark trousers.
He approached Leo's bassinet.
And stopped.
His son was sleeping.
Tiny hands curled beside his face.
Dark hair.
A stubborn little expression.
Dante's mouth trembled.
“Hey, little man.”
Leo moved slightly.
Dante swallowed.
“I'm your dad.”
The words seemed to hurt him.
He reached out.
Then hesitated.
A nurse showed him how to support Leo's head and body.
Dante lifted his son carefully.
And the most feared mafia boss in Manhattan began crying.
Not loudly.
Not dramatically.
Just silent tears falling onto his black sweater.
“I'm sorry,” he whispered.
Leo slept peacefully.
Dante kissed his forehead.
“I should have been there.”
May you like
He closed his eyes.
“I should have been there.”
