Mafia Heiress: Outliving the Man Who Tried to Destroy Me

At nine months pregnant, I never expected to collide with the Don of my life and the woman who had replaced meinside a private hospital wing reserved for crime royalty.

The moment I collected my medical file from the nurses station and turned the corner, my world shattered. There they weremy husband, Don Beckett Shaw, heir to one of the most feared families in the underworld and Delaney Cross, the woman cradling his other unborn child. They stood close, whispering softly, hands protectively hovering over her stomach like proud parents awaiting their future.

Delaney noticed me first. Her lashes fluttered as she put on a performance of false hesitation.

Don Beckett you shouldnt be escorting me here, she murmured, voice sugar-coated with fake worry. If your wife finds out, shell be distressed. Shes expecting too, after all. Arent you afraid shell react badly?

Beckett didnt even blink. A low, mocking laugh slipped from his throat.

If she loses control and makes noise, he replied coldly, Ill cut her loose. A wife can be replaced.

Each word struck me like a bullet.

In that instant, I finally understood my position in his empire. I was never his queenonly a convenient figurehead. If the Don no longer wanted me or the child I carried, then I would not humiliate myself begging for scraps of loyalty. I would leave with my dignity intact and raise my baby beyond the reach of his blood-soaked world.

With trembling hands and a heart already breaking apart, I called the one man powerful enough to shield me from Don Beckett Shawmy father, who had once ruled his own syndicate overseas.

Papa, I whispered, fighting tears, Ive decided. Im ending my marriage. Im taking the baby and coming to you.

His voice came steady and unshaken through the line.

You should have done this sooner. The Shaw family may control half the city, but our name still carries weight. If staying puts you in misery, then leave. Ill protect you and my grandchild.

After the call ended, I booked the fastest flight money could buy.

Two weeks. Just fourteen days. That was all it would take for me to disappear from Don Becketts world forever.

And yet

Why was it that months later, that ruthless Don appeared at my wedding with bloodshot eyes, on his knees before everyonebegging me to come back?

---

Earlier that same daywhile my baby shifted heavily inside my bodyI had received my prenatal results. That was when I saw them together inside a secured wing of the hospital. My husband was not attending my appointment like a loyal man should he was escorting his first love instead.

Delaney clung to his arm as if she had every right.

Don Beckett, she said softly, pretending to hesitate, you shouldnt keep appearing beside me so openly. If Evelyn discovers this, shell crumble. Shes due to give birth soon too. Doesnt that worry you at all?

Beckett leaned down and brushed his lips against her bellyan intimate gesture meant for a devoted fatherbefore replying without remorse,

She doesnt have to know. Her emotions have been unstable lately anyway. I wont allow her to disturb your peace.

Delaney lowered her voice, pretending fear.

We cant stay hidden forever. If she uncovers the truth

She wont do anything, he interrupted. I must fulfill my responsibility to you. This is my blood inside you. And if my wife dares stir chaos? Ill sever the marriage without hesitation.

The calm cruelty in his tone turned my entire body cold.

If Don Beckett Shaw had already chosen to erase us, then I would strike first. I would vanish before he could discard me like damaged property.

With shaking fingers, I contacted my father once more.

Im done, Papa. Im divorcing him. Ill bring the baby and live with you.

Youre finally seeing clearly, my father answered firmly. The Shaws hold power, yesbut our legacy does not bow. Come home. Youll never be alone again.

After ending the call, I secured the soonest flight out of the country.

That same morning, I had asked Beckett to accompany me to my appointment. He had claimed Don business demanded his presence. Now I understoodhis loyalty was never at work. It was with her.

Throughout my entire pregnancy, not once had that man sat beside me in a hospital room.

Three months earlier, Delaneys engagement had collapsed. The moment she returned to the country, Beckett began responding to her every summons. Our home became empty. Our marriage turned silent. Every message from her made him abandon everythingincluding me.

He embraced her openly in front of my eyes.

I confronted him more than once. Every time, he fed me the same excusethat she was fragile, grieving, unstable, and needed protection. He claimed he was only helping her survive in the cruel world again. He said her pregnancy placed a moral duty upon him.

Yet he ignored the truth completely:

I was pregnant too. And I was further along.

For months, I suspected the child she carried belonged to him. I hinted carefully. I even told him that if his heart was no longer mine, he should say it directly. Every question was blocked with irritation. When I finally dared ask whose child Delaney carried, his fury exploded.

Still, he kept reassuring me until I chose to trust him.

I told myself he was simply kind.

That he had not fallen out of love with me.

But the truth stood naked before my eyes nowher baby had always been his.

They had used me as their shield, hiding their betrayal behind the title of marriage.

When Beckett casually mentioned divorcing me, I caught the slight gleam of triumph in Delaneys narrowed gaze.

I never wanted to steal you from your wife, she said softly, tears gathering. If my engagement hadnt collapsed, none of this would have happened. I only wanted to protect my dignity. If you hadnt stood by me when I returned I dont know what would have become of me.

Her tears fell gently. Beckett pulled her into his arms without hesitation.

I told you alreadyyoull always have me, he murmured. If it werent for you back then, I wouldnt even be alive today. Taking care of you is only right.

Shes your wife, Delaney whispered faintly.

And she should understand, Beckett replied flatly. Even if she finds out, I wont abandon you.

Just then, the doctor exited the exam room and smiled at them warmly.

Youre truly blessed, Mrs. Shaw. Your husband never misses a check-up. He treats you with such devotion.

Delaney blushed shyly. Beckett nodded as if it were his rightful role.

I stood frozen, nails cutting into my palms, watching the Don of my life play husband to another woman.

Two weeks.

Just two more weeks

and I would vanish from Don Beckett Shaws empire forever.

Don Beckett soon followed the physician into the private office to retrieve the prenatal results. Delaney, however, paused in the hall, claiming she needed the restroomyet she never actually left. She simply lingered in place like she was waiting for a curtain call.

Once the office door shut behind them, she finally turned her head lazily and called out,

You can stop hiding already. Youve lurked there long enough. Or were you hoping to enjoy the show a little more?

I stepped from the shadows without responding, my face devoid of any trace of emotion.

My silence seemed to irritate her. The sweetness drained from her eyes, replaced by sharp ridicule.

Whats wrong? she sneered softly. Lost all sense of embarrassment? You knew from the beginning that Don Beckett never loved youso why are you still clinging desperately to the title of Mrs. Shaw?

A quiet, icy laugh escaped my throat.

And you, I replied calmly, feel no shame at all being a kept woman while fully aware he has a wife?

The corners of Delaneys lips lifted with confidence.

I knew Beckett long before you ever entered his life. If I hadnt left the country, you wouldve never had the chance to marry into his family at all.

She stroked her stomach slowly, showing it off like a trophy.

But Im back now. And this child carries Don blood. So really its time you step aside, dont you think?

From the first day I married into the Shaw crime family, I had known there was a woman buried deep in Becketts heart. But I never imagined she still ruled his soul so completely.

The agony in my chest struck so violently that my knees nearly buckled. My fingers curled tightly around the medical report in my hand as if it were the only thing keeping me upright.

That was when Delaney noticed the paper.

She lunged without warning and snatched it from my grasp.

Her eyes skimmed the diagnosisand then she burst into unrestrained laughter so loud it echoed down the corridor.

Cancer? she scoffed cruelly. Tell me, thendo you think youll live long enough to push that bastard out? Or will the two of you be buried together?

Her laughter drilled into my skull like warning sirens. Something inside me finally shattered.

I stepped forward and struck her across the face with everything I had.

She cried out, stumbled dramatically, then sank hard onto the floor as if she had been gravely wounded.

Evelyn! I never meant to hide this from you! But Im carrying his child! How could you hit me in my condition?!

Tears spilled instantly from her eyes, grand and theatrical. Before I could even react, a savage shove slammed into my back.

I lost my footing.

My body crashed forward, and my stomach struck the icy tile with terrifying force.

Pain exploded through me as Beckett seized my arm and dragged me upright. My vision was still spinning when his enraged voice thundered in my face.

Have you completely lost your mind?! he roared. How dare you touch Delaney?! Shes pregnant!

I stared at him as if Id never seen this man before.

Before a single word could leave my lips, Delaney sobbed weakly,

Beckett, please dont argue with Evelyn because of me. I shouldnt have asked you to bring me here today. This is all my fault. As long as the baby is safe she can hit me as much as she wants.

She clung to him, pitiful and fragileevery inch the tragic heroine.

Becketts jaw clenched. He turned toward me slowly, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Youve gone too far this time, Evelyn, he said coldly. Apologize. Now.

The absurdity of it crashed over me.

I laughedbitter and hollow.

You want me to apologize? My voice shook. Don Beckett do you even know what this document says?

With trembling hands, I shoved the report against his chest, choking on the words I could barely force out.

He never read a single line.

Instead, he ripped it clean in half and hurled the pieces aside with furious disgust.

I dont care whats written on that paper! he snapped. All I see is that youve crossed a boundary! Youre pregnant yourself, Evelynhow could you be so vicious toward another woman?

Tears finally slid down my cheeks, scorching hot and unstoppable. My entire body shooknot from fear, but from rage so intense it stole the air from my lungs.

For a fleeting moment, Beckett hesitated when he saw me crying. His expression softened just enough to hurt even more.

Enough, he exhaled more gently. Just apologize, alright? I admit Ive neglected you these past months, but Ill make things right after the baby arrives. I promise.

Then, without the slightest shred of dignity, he pushed me toward Delaney.

She cast me a sidelong glanceher eyes shimmering with undisguised victory.

I stared back at Beckett, stunned at how easily the man who once swore eternal devotion had transformed into a stranger the second she returned. Had every vow spoken on our wedding day meant absolutely nothing?

I drew in a long breath, steady and controlled.

No, I said quietly. I wont apologize. And Beckett youve truly shown me who you are.

Then I turned my back on them bothand walked away.

The moment I turned my back on them, Don Becketts expression instantly darkened. For a split second, true alarm flickered in his eyes. He even took a step in my directionas if something inside him had panicked.

But Delaney chose that moment to clutch her stomach and cry out in pain.

Beckett it hurts she whimpered weakly, then forced out a trembling smile soaked in false generosity. But Evelyn matters more. You should run after her.

Beckett hesitatedonly brieflybefore shaking his head with finality.

No, he said flatly. Forget about her. Your condition comes first right now.

He cast a glance down the empty hallway in the direction I had disappeared and muttered impatiently,

Shes just throwing a fit. Eight months pregnant and emotionalof course shes scared of being divorced. Ill deal with her later.

Then, without another thought spared for me, he lifted Delaney into his arms and carried her straight into the hospital roomlike she was the only woman that mattered.

---

When I returned to the Shaw estate, I stood frozen outside the gates for a long while, staring up at the mansion that was once supposed to be my home. Since Delaneys return to the city, Don Beckett had barely set foot inside. The warmth that once lived within those walls had long since vanished.

I stepped inside, walked straight to the wall, removed our wedding portrait, and dropped it mercilessly into the trash.

I wanted no trace of myself left behind. Not a single illusion. Not one memory of the woman I used to be.

Every couple itemour shared belongings, photos, gifts, mementosI gathered them all and shoved them into a large trash bag. I was already making my way down the staircase when the front door abruptly swung open.

Don Beckett entered, carrying Delaney in his arms.

The moment his eyes landed on me standing silently near the door, guilt flashed across his facegone as quickly as it appeared.

She felt unwell after what happened earlier, he said, as if that single sentence justified everything.

Unwell? I scoffed sharply. Then why isnt she lying in a hospital bed? Why bring her here? Do you take this house for a refuge for your mistress?

Mind your tongue, Evelyn, he snapped coldly. Im trying to handle this situation. Whether you like it or not, Delaney will be staying here.

Delaney lifted her hand and placed it tenderly over her belly, her voice soft but deliberate.

Its true. Theres nothing improper between Beckett and me. Im only here for the babys sake.

Every word was chosen to provoke me.

The fire in my chest surged violently. I locked eyes with Beckett and said with unwavering force,

This is our home, Don Beckett. I refuse to let her live here.

For a moment, he hesitatedconflict tightening his features.

Then Delaney reached out, grasped his hand, and pressed it gently onto her stomach.

That single gesture shattered every trace of doubt in him.

When he looked back at me, irritation had fully taken over his face.

Thats enough, he barked. Youre pregnant toohow can you be so heartless?

You shoved her, he continued sharply. Im only making sure she and the baby are safe. If you cant tolerate her presence then perhaps you are the one who should leave.

Those words struck harder than any slap.

I stared at him in disbelief as the blood drained from my face. My entire body shooknot from fear, but from the unbearable weight of his decision.

Then I spoke, slow and steady.

As you wish.

Tonight would be the final night I ever spent under this roof. After this, I would disappear from his world completelyand Don Beckett Shaw would become nothing more than a closed chapter in my life.

With my decision sealed, I tightened my grip on the trash bag and walked straight out the door.

Behind me, Delaneys voice floated after us, drenched in feigned concern.

Dont argue because of me, Beckett. Look at hershes so angry she even threw away your wedding photo.

Becketts voice rumbled with annoyance.

Shes just acting out. Once she understands I wont indulge her games, shell come crawling back.

A single tear slipped silently down my cheek.

I stepped into the cold night air and dumped the trash into the binalong with the last remaining pieces of love I had ever held for that man.

The moment I pushed the door open, the sound drifting from the nursery made my blood ignite.

That room had been rebuilt brick by brick the instant Don Beckett learned I was expecting. No expense had ever been spared. Imported furniture. Hand-stitched bedding. Shelves lined with rare toys. Every detail had been chosen by his own hands. That space was meant for our child.

And now he intended to hand it over to Delaney.

The fury hit me so hard it stole the air from my lungs. I rushed down the corridor and threw the nursery door wide openonly to find Delaney stretched comfortably inside the crib itself, as if she already owned it.

Before logic could catch up to my rage, I dragged her up by the arm. My hands were shaking with uncontrolled anger. But before a single word escaped me, Don Beckett seized my wrist and wrenched me backward.

What the hell is wrong with you? he barked. You walk in here acting unhinged like youve lost your mind.

Then he noticed the tears streaking down my face. His grip falteredjust barely.

My voice cracked as I looked at the room behind her.

So this is it? I asked hoarsely. Youre really giving her this nursery?

Becketts brows knit together.

She said she liked it, he answered flatly. It wont kill you to let her stay here for a short while.

Do you even remember

Enough, Evelyn! he snapped harshly, cutting me off mid-sentence. Every move youve made these past days has been nothing but trouble. If you keep behaving this way, Ill be forced to reconsider this marriage altogether.

His gaze hardened into pure ice.

You wouldnt want your child to come into the world without a father, would you?

The threat was unmistakable.

He wasnt warning me.

He was forcing me.

I looked at his facethe familiar angle he always turned away when he was finished crushing meand felt years of memories unravel in an instant. The vows. The promises. The quiet confessions meant only for the dark. All of it burned away in a matter of months.

He once swore that this room would belong to our child forever.

He once promised that both the baby and I would be protected for life.

And yet here we stood.

I didnt argue anymore.

I simply turned and walked out.

My legs felt hollow beneath me as my palm instinctively covered my belly, feeling the faint, living movement inside.

Its alright, sweetheart, I whispered softly. We dont need that room anymore. Ill build you a better one. Far away from here.

Behind me, Don Beckett stood motionless. For a fleeting instant, that same shard of guilt from the hospital crossed his face againsharp, fleeting, and quickly buried.

Then Delaney called his name from the nursery.

And just like that, he turned back to her.

---

Later that night, alone in the master bedroom, my phone buzzed.

One message.

Then another.

Then several more.

They were all voice recordingsfrom Delaney.

I played them one by one. And as Becketts gentle, indulgent tone filled the room, the truth settled into my bones with crushing clarity.

Everything he had ever shown me had been rehearsal.

He had practiced tenderness on me.

He had practiced becoming a father on my body and my unborn child.

All of it was preparationfor Delaneys baby.

Every nourishing soup he once urged me to drink.

Every expensive gift sent for my pregnancy.

Every soft-spoken piece of advice he shared about raising a child.

Practice.

All of it.

Even the nursery itselfthe room I had believed was sacredhad been designed, not for my baby but for hers.

I realized then that my child and I had never been more than training material. He didnt want Delaney to suffer through his learning mistakes. So he used me instead.

I replayed the messages again. And again.

The ache inside my chest grew until it swelled into something unbearableuntil a laugh tore out of my throat.

Not because it was funny.

But because the pain had nowhere left to go.

Everything I had cherished since the day I learned I was pregnant every bit of pride, every fragile hope it had all been a lie.

Becketts affection toward my child had never once matched the devotion he poured into Delaney and the life inside her.

My fingers crushed around my phone until my hand trembled. Breathing became difficult. The only thing I could do was whisper, again and again:

Its okay its okay its okay

Because soonwe would be free.

It would just be me and the baby.

And we would survive.

As if understanding, my baby kicked gently.

I wrapped both arms around my stomach and held tight.

I stayed that way for a long timeuntil the shaking stopped and I could finally breathe again.

From the moment Delaney took up residence inside the Shaw estate, Don Beckett became her shadow. Wherever she went, he followed. Whatever she needed, he provided.

As for me?

The second the truth became undeniable, I stopped waiting for anything from him.

Late one night, I went downstairs for a glass of water. As I passed the guest wing, Delaneys voice floated through a door left slightly ajar.

Beckett, she murmured sweetly, I heard the Saint Christopher medal your family protects works wonders. The baby keeps me awake every night could I wear it for a while?

That medallion was not ordinary jewelry.

It was a Shaw bloodline relicproof of legitimacy. A symbol that declared who truly held the title of Mrs. Shaw.

On the night of our wedding, Beckett himself had fastened it around my neck. He told me then that it would belong to me for life. That there would never be another woman who carried that title.

His voice pulled me back to the present.

Through the narrow opening, I watched him lean down and brush his lips against Delaneys cheek, smiling with indulgent warmth.

Of course, he said gently. Ill get it from her. You can wear it however long you likeat least until the baby arrives.

The pain that stabbed through my chest was sharp and immediate.

I couldnt even remember the exact words he had once sworn to me anymore. But it didnt matter. Because he clearly didnt remember them either.

I took a step backbut the floor betrayed me with a soft creak.

The door opened.

Beckett came out and found me standing there. Surprise flickered across his face followed quickly by guilt. He gently closed the door behind him and guided me farther down the corridor.

Evelyn he said cautiously. You heard that, didnt you?

I remained silent.

After a brief pause, he continued, carefully choosing his words.

Delaney hasnt been able to sleep well. Could you let her use the medal for a little while?

I gave a slow nodbut at that exact moment, a sharp pain twisted through my side. I winced and forced it down.

Ill give it to her, I said quietly. But only if you agree to one condition.

His face brightened instantly, as if I had just granted him absolution. He stepped toward me, arms ready to pull me into an embracebut I stepped back before he could touch me.

Delaneys fragrance clung to him.

It made my stomach churn.

I knew youd understand eventually, he said with visible relief. Once Delaney gives birth, Ill return it to you. Dont overthink ityour position in the Shaw family is secure.

So he hadnt forgotten what the medal symbolized.

I dont care whether she gives it back or not, I replied calmly. I just need you to sign something first.

Then I turned and went upstairs.

A moment later, I returned with the divorce papers already opened to the page highlighted for his name.

Theres no need to upset yourself like this, he said softly, mistaking everything. Delaney wont keep it forever. Like I promisedIll hand it back after the baby is born.

Without reading a single line, he signed.

The instant I held the finalized papers in my hands, the storm inside me faded into silence. I never imagined it would be this simple.

Beckett smiled faintly.

I know Ive neglected you these past months. Go buy whatever you want. Ill cover everything.

So that was why he signed so easily.

He thought I was just bargaining for money.

Without another word, I unclasped the medal from around my neck and placed it into his palm.

For a moment, he hesitated. Then his fingers slowly closed around it.

Dont worry, he said again, as if needing to reassure himself. Once the babys born, itll be yours again.

It doesnt matter anymore, I replied flatly. Let her wear it as long as she wants.

Moved by emotion, he pulled me into a sudden embrace. I pushed him away at once, but he didnt seem to mind. He turned immediately and headed straight back into Delaneys room.

A heartbeat later, her delighted laughter rang through the hallway.

I stayed where I was, standing silently by the window.

Tomorrow I would leave.

And this timeI wouldnt look back.