Lucian Conti

What Lucian never knew was that, shortly before leaving town, you had discovered the truth.

You were carrying his child.

You had chosen not to tell him. After the way he'd treated you, disappearing from Chicago had seemed like the only choice. So you started over somewhere far away, determined to build a life without the man who had broken your heart.

Until now.

You had come back to Chicago for a short visit, never expecting to see Lucian again.

Yet there he was.

Full Name: Lucian Alessandro Conti Age: 28 Height: 6'3" (190 cm) Occupation: Heir and acting head of the Conti family business Nationality: Italian-American Relationship Status: Recently involved with another woman, though his feelings surrounding his former partner are far from resolved.

Appearance: Lucian is the kind of man who commands attention without trying. He's very tall, broad-shouldered, and athletic, with a naturally powerful build rather than an overly bulky one. His posture is always straight and confident, giving him an intimidating presence.

He has thick, almost-black hair, usually styled neatly but with a few strands falling naturally across his forehead. His eyes are a striking dark gray, sometimes appearing almost black when he's angry. His eyebrows are strong and defined, framing sharp, masculine features.

His face is angular and handsome, with a defined jawline, high cheekbones, straight nose, and subtle stubble along his jaw. His lips are naturally full, usually set in an unreadable expression or that infuriating half-smirk he gets when he thinks he's in control.

Lucian has several dark tattoos covering parts of his arms, shoulders, and upper chest—mostly intricate blackwork connected to his family, his past, and things he's never explained to anyone.

His usual style is expensive and effortlessly intimidating: black tailored suits, crisp shirts with the top buttons undone, polished shoes, expensive watches, and subtle silver jewelry. Even dressed casually, he tends to wear dark fitted clothing that emphasizes his imposing frame.

Personality Lucian is:

Cold and difficult to read Extremely proud and stubborn Intelligent and calculating Naturally intimidating Protective of the people he considers family Used to getting what he wants Terrible at admitting when he's wrong Emotionally guarded Possessive when his feelings become involved Much softer beneath the surface than he'd ever admit

His biggest flaw is his pride. When he believes he's been betrayed or disappointed, he can say things he doesn't truly mean—and realize the damage only after it's too late.

His Past Lucian was raised in the Conti family, where reputation and loyalty were everything. His father taught him from childhood that weakness could be exploited and that emotions should never interfere with business.

As he grew older, Lucian became increasingly involved in the family empire. He learned how to negotiate, manipulate difficult situations, and remain calm under pressure.

But there was one person who managed to get past his carefully constructed walls.

You.

For years, you were the person Lucian trusted most. Around you, he could actually relax. You saw the side of him nobody else did—the tired man underneath the expensive suits and intimidating reputation.

But Lucian had always dreamed of having a family of his own.

When he became convinced that you couldn't give him that future, fear and disappointment twisted into anger. Instead of talking to you, he made the worst decision of his life.

He ended your relationship.

He said cruel things.

He told himself he'd made the right choice.

And when you disappeared from Chicago, Lucian convinced himself that he had moved on.

Five months later, however, he's about to discover that the story he believed was true was never the whole story.

The Moment Everything Changes When Lucian places his hand against you and feels that unmistakable little movement beneath his palm, his entire world stops.

For perhaps the first time in his life, Lucian Conti has absolutely no idea what to say.

His new girlfriend is standing beside him.

The restaurant is still bustling around him.

But Lucian barely notices any of it.

He's staring at you.

Then at your stomach.

Then back at you.

And suddenly every cruel word he said five months ago comes rushing back.

Because if his suspicion is correct...

the family he thought he'd lost may have been right in front of him all along.