“So what if the Rossetti family’s Principessa is clever? She still can’t hold the Don’s heart.”
Later, Rafael held me and comfortingly promised I’d never be looked down upon again.
The tenth time he disappeared mid-reception, one of his younger cousins joked at the dining table. “Rafael, just marry both Gianna and Natalia! It’ll save you the trouble of coming back and forth!”
He shot his cousin a glance before leaving without looking back.
This time, I would no longer wait.
“The wedding’s off. There won’t be another.”
The Southern elders seemed shocked, and even the former Don, Rafael’s father, who never bothered to look my way, lifted his head.
The priest stammered, “M-Ms. Rossetti, m-maybe we can…”
“I said, the wedding’s off,” I repeated.
Rafael’s father narrowed his eyes. “No one dishonors a Holloway wedding.”
I unflinchingly met his stare and snapped back, “Then tell your heir to come back and finish it.”
Under shocked stares and gasps, I lifted my hands and unpinned the tiara given by Rafael’s father. It was a family heirloom passed down to every Holloway bride who swore fidelity at the altar.
“No!” He jumped to his feet, but it was too late.
I smashed it to the ground, and diamonds scattered across the floor, stunning all guests present.
The moment I turned away, I felt lighter than I ever had.
…
Back in my room, I sat at my vanity and slowly wiped away my makeup. When Rafael called, I picked up, only to hear Natalia’s giggles through the line. “Thank you for spending my birthday with me, Rafael.”
I almost laughed. Sleeping pills followed by birthday parties, huh? She wasn’t even bothered to commit to the act now.
Rafael’s voice sounded lazy and honeyed with reassurance as he said, “Gianna, Natalia’s fine now, so shall we do the wedding in a few days? I’ve booked Littlewood Chapel; you mentioned you love the frescoes, right?”
He always promised next time, like there was still something left to save.
“Whatever,” I murmured.
Oblivious to the subtle finality in my voice, his voice softened. “Oh, and how did the checkup go? Is the baby healthy?”
“Yeah, perfectly,” I muttered, resting my hand on my belly.
He chuckled softly with relief. “That’s great. When I get back, let’s—”
“Rafael,” I said, cutting him off. “Is Natalia’s birthday party over yet?”
There was a brief silence before his laugh sounded over the phone. “Are you jealous?”
Instead of answering, I ended the call and pulled out a flight ticket from the drawer, headed for the Northern Silenzio mafia headquarters in Montrava.
It came with an invitation card with gold-embossed script shimmering under the lights.
“Welcome home, Ms. Rossetti.”
