Chapter 37

Book:The Mafia Don's Woman Published:2025-2-8

Zoey P. O. v
The surgery is over; the bullets were successfully removed, and the doctors declared that he’s stabilized. But would still be kept under close observation, which is good.
I was with Marco throughout the operation. He was half conscious when I arrived, and he held onto my hand, not letting go even after he went unconscious.
I didn’t mind being in the emergency room with him where the surgery took place, even though the sight would cause me my meals for a week. I was, in fact, grateful that he still thought of me in his weak shape.
Right now, they are preparing to transfer him to a room, that is when his grip on my palm loosened. I reluctantly let go and came out of the room. Marco’s family were in the hallway waiting anxiously for good news.
“How did it go? Is my son okay? Please tell me.” His mom was the first to come to me, throwing questions at me. His dad appeared behind her, running his large palm on her shoulder to calm her.
“He’s fine. The doctors said he’s now stable.” I delivered. I saw the visible tension leaving their faces. They relaxed against each other, smiles spread on their faces.
Even his dad, who always wears this Stoic expression, heave a sighed with relief. His features relieved as his wife while went limb against him. A smile almost broke out on my face by the sight. I truly adore the chemistry between this couple and I wish to have the same someday.
“Zoey, are you okay?” Camilla came beside me, concern spread on her face as she watches me intently.
I gave a nod but honestly, I was far from being okay. The amount of guilt eating me up is something I can’t overcome. I am responsible for all this shit.
“Zoey, you know this isn’t your fault, Marco won’t blame you and neither of us.” Luciano butted in, trying to comfort me.
It would have worked if I weren’t aware of how it all happened.
“Where is Rebecca?” I asked. My eyes swept the hall for her, but I didn’t spot her anywhere.
“Marco had already prepared her flight before going to get her. She left the country before Marco got shot.” Luciano explained while I nod in understanding.
I still owe her an apology.
“Thank you, Zoey.” Marco’s mom held my hands tenderly.
For what? I wanted to ask, but Aunt Tricia beat me to it.
“For staying with our Marco and giving him the strength he needs to push through.” Aunt Tricia said, caressing my face. They both pulled me into a hug. I burst out breaking down against them.
How could they even forgive me? And still welcome me in.
“It’s not your fault, dear.” Marco’s mom soothes me. I eventually stopped sobbing and calmed down. I am relaxed when I saw everyone smiling at me warmly.
Marco’s dad patted my head stiffly and gave a single nod before stepping down, maybe going to see the door in his office.

It’s been three long days since they rushed Marco to the hospital. He’s been lying motionless in the bed, his body almost lifeless, except for his skin, which has been slowly regaining its healthy glow.
His condition baffles the doctors, but they still unable to explain why he remains unconscious.
I’ve been by Marco’s side this entire time, refusing to leave him alone even for a a minute. It’s my duty to be here, to hold his hand and offer him comfort, even if he can’t hear me.
I watch his chest rise and fall with each breath, praying for when he will finally open his eyes and return to us.
The doctors have been monitoring his progress closely, and there have seen small signals of improvement. His vital signals are stable, and his skin, once pale and sickly, is now slowly regaining its natural color.
This unexpected development has amazed the doctors, but they still can’t provide any answers as to why he’s still unconscious.
Marco’s mom, alongside with his grandmother, these two never fails to come see him every waking hour. I’m so in love with how together and connected this family are. Their love for each other was what made me longed to be a part of them.
“My dear, how are you doing, dear?” Marco’s mom asked, then dragged me into her warm hug.
“I’m doing fine.” I replied with a weak smile on.
“Come here dear.” Old Mrs. Alfonso tugged me into her arms. She patted my head while relaxed against her.
“You’ve gone through a lot, dear.” she added, I saw Marco’s nod her agreement. I sighed, both mentally and physically drained. My eyelids dropping, the exhaustion finally kicking in.
“You should go home and take a good sleep. You need it, my dear.” Old Mrs. Alfonso continued, smoothing my hair.
I furiously shook my head in disagreement.
“I don’t want to leave.” I pout in a weak voice. The lack of rest is actually showing in every inch of my body.
“You have to, dear. If you stay here any longer, you might just collapse, and we don’t wish that.” Old Mrs. Alfonso, persuaded.
“Mom, is correct baby, we don’t want to have you in the hospital bed as well. And I don’t think Marco will be happy with how you’re treating yourself for his sake.” Marco’s mom butts in, her words hitting right where they should.
I don’t want Marco to see me in this state, disheveled and unkept, smelling even.
“So… You go take a rest?” She asked when she saw my defeated demeanor. I gave her a nod. “Good girl, we will stay here and look after him, okay?” They both gave me a kiss on the cheek before I left the room.
Stepping outside the room, I met Marco’s dad. I won’t lie. This man still intimidates me to the core. I haven’t caught a glimpse of him smiling once. His expression has been trained to remain stoic even in scary situations. I froze when his stare fixed on me.
He was giving instructions to the guards that scattered around this floor. I heard they reserved this entire floor for Marco alone. That means, aside from the guards, we are the only ones in here.
He made his approach to me. I was tempted to run the other way, but I stood my ground.
“Zoey? Where are you going to.” His bass voice bounced off the walls, frightening me a little.
“I’m going home.” I told him he wore a thoughtful look for a while before he responded.
“The driver will drop you. You can’t go alone.” He stated matter of fact, which I nodded to. He ordered one guard to escort me to the car. I delivered a quiet thank you, to which he replied with a nod before I left.