The “Deceased” Donna Chapter 03
Once every detail was agreed upon, I sent them the video I had recorded outside the VIP hospital room.
“When the news of my death breaks, release this along with it.”
I printed out divorce papers and sat on the sofa to wait.
By the next day, John still hadn’t come home.
I was about to call him when I saw him on the television news.
*”The current Don of the Cromwell family, John Cromwell, was seen kneeling on the stone steps of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the pouring rain, gripping a crown of thorns with his bare hands, kneeling through the entire night as he recited the Act of Contrition 999 times—all to obtain a consecrated Saint Jude medallion, praying for the safety of the one he loves.”*
The reporters on scene were visibly moved. “Don John, what could drive you to such lengths?”
John’s eyes were shadowed with exhaustion, his lips pale, and yet he pulled a heartfelt smile onto his face.
“As long as the one I love is safe and happy, I would give anything.”
The moment the news aired, friends flooded me with messages.
*”Mona, all of New York is envious of you! John loves you so much!”*
*”For him to do all that just because you’re newly pregnant—when the baby comes, he’ll spoil you like a princess! He’s already poured millions into the hospital to build a specialist team, just to make sure you deliver safely!”*
*”I’m so jealous! To be Don John’s favorite—you must be the happiest woman in all of New York!”*
Reading those messages, all I felt was the sting of irony.
I, too, had once thought I was the happiest woman in the world.
Now I knew—that medallion, and every ounce of his love, belonged to Riva.
That afternoon, I brought the divorce papers to the hospital.
The instant John saw me, he shot up from the bed, forgetting even the wound on his knee.
“Mona, why did you come? Were you worried about me?”
I looked him in the eye. “Where’s the medallion?”
John’s eyes darted away guiltily. “I lost it by accident. I’ve already sent the Underboss and his men to look for it. If they can’t find it, I’ll get you something even better.”
How could it possibly be lost?
I had passed by the VIP room and seen that medallion hanging around Riva’s neck.
I pulled out the divorce papers and flipped to the last page.
“No need to wait. There’s a villa I’d like. Buy it and give it to me as a gift.”
John didn’t hesitate for even a second. He picked up his pen and signed.
I frowned. “Aren’t you going to look? It might be… expensive.”
“Whatever you like. I’d empty out my accounts if you asked.”
His eyes were bright and earnest.
It reminded me of the way he had looked at me while carrying me through the gunfire.
I couldn’t help the sigh that rose in my chest.
So this was how far a man could go in pretending, all for the love of another woman.
I slipped the signed papers back into my bag.
He reached over to steady me. “You’re carrying my child. Let me take you home.”
Just as we reached the elevator, the Underboss rushed over and whispered something in his ear.
John’s face changed in an instant.
The next second, he seized my wrist and pulled me in the opposite direction.