Diana’s POV

“I accept your condition. I’ll come back and take my place as heiress.”

I ended the call before the voice on the other end could say anything more.

For a long moment, I stood in the bedroom that had been mine for eight years—eight long years inside the Ricci estate, a place that looked less like a home and more like a fortified mansion guarded by armed men and surveillance cameras.

Outside the tall windows, I could see black-suited guards stationed along the marble courtyard, their earpieces glinting under the afternoon sun. Luxury. Power. Influence.

And yet, none of it had ever belonged to me.

A faint, bitter smile curved my lips.

Eight years of patience. Eight years of devotion. Eight years of loving a man who never once chose me.

And in the end, I was leaving with nothing.

“How dare you wear my mom’s clothes!”

The shrill voice shattered the silence behind me.

I let out a soft sigh before turning around.

Lucan stood at the doorway, his small face twisted with anger that felt far too mature for an eight-year-old. He had Eduardo’s sharp eyes—cold, calculating, and inherited from generations of mafia blood.

“You aren't going to say anything?” he demanded, his voice rising.

“Go to your party, Lucan,” I said quietly. “Your friends are waiting.”

The estate was already buzzing. The son of Eduardo Ricci—the heir to the Ricci syndicate—turning eight was not just a birthday. It was an event. Politicians, businessmen, and underworld leaders had already begun arriving.

Lucan’s eighth birthday was practically a miniature summit of power.

“No!” he suddenly shouted.

Before I could react, he grabbed the glass pitcher from the table and hurled its contents at me.

The liquid hit my skin.

I screamed.

Hot coffee soaked through my dress, burning my collarbone and arms. The pain came instantly, sharp and biting.

“Yes! Serves you right!” Lucan snapped, glaring at me with hatred far beyond his years. “You can never replace my mother! You killed her with your wicked heart, and now you're wearing her favorite dress!”

The door opened quickly, and one of the maids rushed inside.

Her eyes widened when she saw me—coffee dripping from my dress, red patches already forming on my skin.

“I’m so sorry, Miss,” she said hurriedly. “Young Master Lucan slipped away from the guests—I'll take him back now.”

She grabbed Lucan’s hand and hurried him away.

As he left, he turned back and smiled.

A cold, satisfied smile.

I exhaled slowly and walked toward the bathroom.

The dress clung to my skin as I stepped under the shower. Warm water washed away the coffee stains, but the sting lingered.

The dress wasn't even Valerie’s.

It was mine.

My late mother had given it to me years ago. Valerie had taken it without asking—like she took everything else.

Eight years ago, I was supposed to marry Eduardo Ricci.

Back then, he wasn't just the heir of one of the most feared mafia families in the country. He was also my childhood sweetheart. The boy who promised me a lifetime together.

Or at least, that’s what I believed.

Then everything changed.

He married Valerie—my step-sister.

Within months, she was pregnant and living the life that was meant to be mine.

And when she died giving birth to Lucan…

I became the villain.

Bad luck. Jealous sister. Murderer.

Rumors spread quietly across the underworld. No one said it outright, but everyone believed it.

Eduardo never defended me.

Not once.

Instead, my stepmother sent me to the Ricci estate—to raise Lucan.

“Take care of him like your own son,” she had told me.

And like a fool, I did.

I loved Lucan. I cared for him. I devoted eight years of my life to him.

But in return?

He treated me like a stranger.

Like an enemy.

Like the woman who stole his mother’s place.

And Eduardo…

He never stopped me, never corrected him.

Over time, I realized my place in this house.

Not wife.

Not family.

Just… a kept woman.

A quiet concubine hidden inside the Ricci estate.

Three years ago, if Lucan had thrown hot coffee at me, I would have panicked and tried to comfort him.

Today…

I was done.

“The party is starting. Where are you, Diana?”

Eduardo’s deep voice came from outside the door.

I quickly finished washing, changed into another dress, and stepped out.

He entered the room at the same time.

Eduardo Ricci looked as imposing as always—black suit tailored perfectly, gun holster faintly visible beneath his jacket. Even at home, he never let his guard down.

He glanced at my stained dress lying on the chair and sighed.

“I heard what Lucan did. Don't think too much about it. He's just a kid… and he loves you.”

I let out a quiet scoff.

“That child doesn't know the first thing about love where I’m concerned.”

Eduardo frowned slightly.

“Don’t talk like that. He's a good kid.”

I ignored him and reached for the soothing balm on the nightstand, applying it to my reddened skin.

The burn had worsened, but the ointment would heal it by morning.

“Let me,” he said softly, taking the balm from my hand before I could refuse.

His fingers brushed against my skin, rubbing gentle circles over the burn.

Years ago, I would have melted under his touch.

Now, it only made my stomach twist.

“Be patient with him,” he murmured, his breath warm against my neck.

I stepped away.

“I have something to tell you.”

He frowned.

“Can it wait? Lucan’s birthday already started.”

“No.”

I met his eyes, steady and calm.

“It can’t.”

A moment of silence stretched between us.

Then I spoke.

“Today marks eight years,” I said quietly. “I’m leaving.”

Diana’s POV

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

Eduardo’s voice thundered across the room, sharp enough to make the guards outside shift slightly. Even inside his private wing, nothing escaped the notice of the Ricci security.

I watched his face darken, the familiar cold authority settling over him — the same expression that made rival families lower their heads and smugglers tremble.

But I didn’t look away.

“It’s the eighth year, Eduardo,” I repeated calmly. “I want to leave.”

His jaw tightened.

“What’s your problem, Diana? Why are you making a scene?” he said, lowering his voice, though the edge remained. “I already told you—Lucan is just a child. Don’t take what he did to heart. Today is his birthday. Come with me. I’ll discipline him later.”

He reached for my wrist, gripping it with the same firm hand that once signed death orders and negotiated territory disputes.

But I pulled my hand back.

“You said when he turns eight, I can leave,” I said quietly. “So why am I making a fuss now?”

Before he could answer, a sharp, cutting voice came from behind us.

“Diana, how shameless can you be? Always trying to steal attention—even on the little boy’s birthday!”

I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

Sarah.

My stepmother. Valerie’s mother. Lucan’s grandmother.

She walked toward us in an elegant dark dress, her expression full of disdain. Behind her, two bodyguards from her own family stood silently. Even in Eduardo’s territory, she still carried her own protection.

Old habits of mafia families never died.

“I’m not stealing attention, Sarah,” I said calmly. “You’re the one who said I could leave after eight years.”

She scoffed loudly.

“Must you talk about this today? On my grandson’s birthday?”

“It’s fine,” Eduardo cut in smoothly, stepping between us. “I’m sure Diana didn’t mean it.”

Years ago, I would’ve blushed at his defense.

Now, I knew better.

This wasn’t protection.

It was damage control.

The Ricci heir’s birthday party was filled with influential figures — allies, underground brokers, businessmen laundering money under the table. A scandal now would weaken Eduardo’s standing.

“Come,” Eduardo said, lowering his voice as he reached for my hand again. “Let’s go to the party.”

This time, I didn’t resist.

I let him lead me toward the grand hall.

The party was already in full swing.

Crystal chandeliers glittered overhead, while armed guards lined the walls discreetly. Expensive suits, designer gowns, and whispers of business deals filled the air.

Lucan sat at the center, surrounded by children of powerful families—sons and daughters of crime lords, politicians, and financiers.

But the moment he saw me, his smile disappeared.

“Look, Lucan, your mother is here,” one of the guests joked lightly.

Lucan’s face twisted immediately.

“She’s not my mother!”

The room grew quieter.

Eduardo sighed and pulled Lucan closer.

“We don’t say things like that,” he said firmly. “Diana is your mother. She’s taken care of you all these years.”

Lucan’s eyes burned with anger.

“No! She can never be my mother!” he shouted.

Then he pointed at me.

“Everyone, this woman killed my mother.”

Whispers spread instantly across the hall.

“She’s the boy’s aunt, right?”

“Why does the child hate her so much?”

“Maybe she doesn’t treat him well…”

The murmurs cut deeper than knives.

“Apologize to her,” Eduardo said sternly.

I stopped him.

“It’s alright,” I said quietly. “It doesn’t matter.”

And it really didn’t.

Not anymore.

With calm steps, I turned and walked out of the hall.

Eight years ago, those words would’ve shattered me.

Now, they were just… familiar.

No matter what I did, Eduardo’s heart belonged to Valerie.

And Lucan would always believe I stole his mother’s place.

“Why would you create a scene today?”

Sarah’s sharp voice cut through my thoughts as she stepped into the corridor.

“What do you want, Sarah?” I asked tiredly. “I’ve played my part for eight years. I’m done.”

“You should take care of Lucan like your own son,” she snapped. “Put up with his temper and spoil him. If my daughter were alive, he would be treated much better.”

I shrugged, exhaustion settling into my bones.

“Pity,” I said quietly. “Your daughter is dead.”

Her face twisted with rage.

She raised her hand to slap me—

But I caught her wrist mid-air.

Her eyes widened.

“Don’t try that, Sarah,” I said coldly. “I’m not in the mood today.”

I tightened my grip slightly.

“Eight years ago, you forced me to come here. The contract is over. Lucan is eight now. I have every right to leave.”

I released her wrist.

She pulled her hand back, glaring at me while rubbing the sore spot.

“Do whatever you want,” she hissed. “This is why no one will ever love you. Not even your father wants to see you.”

She turned and walked away.

A sad smile formed on my lips.

Eight years.

It had been eight years since my father last saw me.

After Valerie died… I stopped being his daughter.

“I’m sorry… I got you a gift.”

A small voice spoke behind me.

I turned around.

Lucan stood there, smiling sweetly.

He held a wrapped gift box in both hands.

I blinked, surprised.

“I was happy to,” he giggled. “Please open it.”

I hesitated for a second… then took the box.

Slowly, I opened it.

A foul smell hit me immediately.

My breath caught.

Inside the box… was my cat.

Lifeless.

An arrow pierced through its tiny body, blood dried along its fur.

My fingers trembled.

“That will be you soon,” Lucan giggled softly.

“If you don’t leave me and my father alone.”

Diana’s POV

I was frozen, staring at the small, lifeless body inside the box.

Fina.

She was the only thing I had been allowed to bring into the Ricci estate eight years ago. While everything else in my life had been stripped away, Eduardo had permitted me to keep the tiny white kitten I had rescued years before.

And just like Lucan…

I had raised her with care.

Fed her myself. Slept with her curled against my chest during lonely nights. She was the only creature in this mansion that loved me without conditions.

“Don’t mess with me,” Lucan snapped coldly. “And don’t get my father upset with me again.”

I watched him turn and walk away, his small figure disappearing down the corridor guarded by black-suited men.

My gaze dropped back to the arrow embedded in Fina’s body.

A bitter smile tugged at my lips.

Fate really had a twisted sense of humor.

I was the one who taught Lucan how to use a crossbow.

In mafia families, children were trained early—shooting, self-defense, reading people, understanding power. Eduardo had ordered the instructors, but it was me who stayed beside Lucan during his lessons.

I taught him how to steady his breathing.

How to aim.

How to pull the trigger.

I taught him everything.

And now… he was using it against me.

I hugged the box to my chest, staring at Fina’s tiny body as a tear slipped quietly down my cheek.

“Why are you standing out here in the cold, Diana? Don’t get sick on me.”

Eduardo’s voice came from behind me.

He walked up and draped his expensive suit jacket over my shoulders, the scent of gunpowder and cologne lingering on the fabric.

I shrugged it off.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

Then he saw inside the box.

His brows knitted together slightly, his expression turning faintly displeased.

“Your son came to apologize,” I said quietly.

Eduardo frowned.

“He’s your son too.”

I let out a soft scoff.

“He hates me, Eduardo. He killed my cat.”

Eduardo exhaled, as if I was being unreasonable.

“Come inside. I’ll talk to him in the morning. You can bury the cat tomorrow. I’m sure he was just messing around. A childish prank.”

A prank.

My fingers tightened around the box.

Without another word, I turned and walked toward the garden.

I wasn’t going to leave Fina outside all night for the guard dogs or stray animals to tear apart.

Eduardo followed behind me, muttering about how stubborn I was, but he didn’t leave.

The garden lights flickered softly as I dug the soil beneath the old olive tree. My hands trembled, the cold night air biting against my burned skin.

Eduardo stood nearby, arms crossed, silently watching.

After a while, I placed Fina into the ground.

“Goodbye,” I whispered softly.

When I finished covering the soil, I stood up quietly.

The party had already ended. The luxury cars were gone, the guards returning to their usual silent patrols.

The night had grown colder.

I sneezed.

Before I could step away, Eduardo pulled me into his arms.

We walked back to my room.

Once inside, he sat down and pulled me onto his lap.

I stiffened.

“What do you want?” I asked coldly.

Eduardo sighed, resting his chin lightly against my shoulder.

“What’s wrong, Diana? I’ll get you another cat.”

I shook my head.

“I want to leave, Eduardo. Tomorrow.”

His body tensed beneath me.

“Lucan is still a child,” he said after a moment. “I don’t trust anyone else to take care of him. Besides… where will you go? You don’t have anyone else.”

I shrugged.

“I’ll figure it out. I don’t belong here anymore. You refused to marry me even after eight years.”

Eduardo sighed again.

“I told you before… I can’t take another wife.”

In the mafia world, marriage wasn’t just about love. It meant alliances, territory, and power balance.

And I was never part of his plans.

“I’m not asking you to,” I replied calmly. “I don’t even want to marry you anymore. I just want to leave.”

Eduardo fell silent.

Then he said quietly, “Then have a child for me.”

I froze.

“That way I can secure your future… and your child’s,” he continued. “If you have my child, no one in the underworld will dare disrespect you. Lucan will also have a sibling.”

A sad smile curved my lips.

Eight years.

I had abandoned my pride, my dignity, my self-respect.

And yet, after everything…

He still wanted me to stay as nothing more than a woman who bore his illegitimate child.

All just to keep me trapped in this house… for Lucan.

“I’ve already instructed the maid about Lucan’s routine,” I said quietly. “He’s homeschooled. You can hire better tutors… or send him to a private academy. He doesn’t need me anymore.”

Eduardo leaned down and kissed my forehead.

“Sleep on it,” he murmured. “Tell me in the morning.”

But that night…

I didn’t sleep.

I packed my luggage quietly.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Fina’s lifeless body.

Morning came faster than I expected.

After a quick shower, I dragged my suitcases downstairs.

The courtyard looked the same as always—guards at every corner, black luxury cars parked near the gate.

It was finally happening.

I was leaving.

But of course… nothing in this house ever ended peacefully.

A slow clap echoed across the courtyard.

“Well, well, well.”

Cassia leaned against a marble pillar, a mocking smile on her lips.

Eduardo’s mistress.

Lucan’s favorite.

“Have you finally come to your senses?” she drawled.

I ignored her and continued walking.

But she stepped in front of me.

“Eight years, Diana,” she said, folding her arms. “Eight years of waiting for a man who never loved you. You’ve been nothing but a useless concubine.”

I met her eyes calmly.

“Enjoy it then,” I replied. “None of this concerns me anymore.”

Her smile widened.

“Oh, I will. Soon, I’ll move in and take your place.”

Before I could respond, the mansion doors opened.

Eduardo walked out.

Lucan followed behind him.

And instantly, Cassia dropped to her knees.

“Diana, please!” she sobbed, clutching my dress. “Don’t leave! Lucan needs you!”

I stared down at her blankly.

“Lucan loves you… he’s just a child… please don’t go…”

Eduardo sighed impatiently.

“Enough. Stop creating a scene,” he said coldly. “I’ll get you another cat. Stop stressing Cassia.”

Before I could speak, Lucan ran toward Cassia and hugged her.

“Don’t cry, Cassia,” he whispered gently.

Then he looked at me.

“You killed my mother,” he spat. “Now you’re hurting Cassia too.”

His expression softened again as he turned back to Cassia.

“You should stay. You should be my mother. You should marry my father.”

Then he looked at me again.

“You’re wicked. That’s why my father never loved you. I’m happy you’re leaving.”

My chest tightened.

I looked at the boy I had raised for eight years.

“Then… there’s really no reason for me to stay,” I said softly.

I turned and walked toward the gate.

Just as I reached the driveway—

A sharp metallic click sounded behind me.

Instinct made me turn.

Lucan was holding a small crossbow.

And before anyone could react—

He pulled the trigger.

The arrow shot straight toward my head.