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.

Diana’s POV

“Don’t think that pretending to be pitiful will make me keep you!” Lucan shouted, his small face twisted with hatred far beyond his years.

“If you have the ability to leave, then don’t ever come back!”

The crossbow bolt flew toward me, fast and merciless, carrying all the resentment of the boy I had raised.

I barely reacted in time.

I twisted sideways, but not fast enough.

The arrow grazed my shoulder before piercing into my flesh.

Pain exploded through my body.

A sharp scream tore from my throat as my knees buckled.

Blood seeped through my dress instantly, warm and sticky as it spread down my arm.

“Diana!”

Eduardo was beside me in an instant, his face pale as he grabbed my shoulders.

“I’m so sorry… I’m so sorry, Diana,” he muttered, his voice tight with tension.

For a moment, I thought… maybe this time would be different.

Then—

Cassia suddenly screamed.

“Ah!”

Lucan panicked immediately.

“Papa! Aunty Cassia twisted her ankle! She was running to help that witch!” he cried, tugging Eduardo’s sleeve.

Eduardo froze.

I saw the hesitation in his eyes — the same hesitation I had seen a thousand times before.

His gaze moved between me and Cassia, who was now sitting on the ground, clutching her ankle with tears glistening in her eyes.

Finally, he sighed.

“It’s a clean injury,” he said, glancing briefly at my shoulder. “Go to the hospital, Diana. I’ll meet you there. Cassia can’t walk — I need to take her first.”

He released me.

Just like that.

If my heart broke, I didn’t show it.

I stayed on the ground, watching as he lifted Cassia into his arms like she was something precious.

As he carried her toward the black armored sedan, Cassia looked over his shoulder.

She smiled at me.

A smug, victorious smile.

Lucan climbed into the car beside them, glaring at me as if I were the enemy.

The engine roared.

And they drove away.

I remained on the ground, blood pooling beneath me — shot by the very child I had trained, cared for, and protected for eight years.

Fate really was cruel.

I forced myself to stand, my vision blurring slightly from blood loss.

Then I heard footsteps behind me.

“You wretched girl! Why are you still here? Didn’t you announce to the entire house that you were leaving?”

I didn’t need to turn.

Morana.

Eduardo’s mother.

The matriarch of the Ricci family.

She had never hidden her hatred for me.

I turned slowly to face her.

Her sharp eyes widened when she saw the blood staining my dress.

Instead of concern… her face darkened.

“Are you trying to implicate my son? Planning to die in front of the Ricci estate so outsiders think we mistreated you?” she snapped coldly. “If you want to die, go die outside!”

“I was leaving,” I replied through clenched teeth. “Your grandson shot me.”

She scoffed.

“You hurt yourself and now you're blaming others? Trying to act pitiful so Eduardo will ask you to come back?” she sneered. “You lost your place the moment you decided to leave.”

Anger flared in my chest.

“I want nothing from you or your family, Morana. Your grandson shot me.”

“Then you shouldn’t have a problem leaving.”

Before I could react, she grabbed my suitcases and threw them outside the gates.

“Get out!” she hissed, shoving me forward.

I stumbled, falling hard against the pavement outside the compound, pain exploding through my shoulder.

“Go die outside! Leave my son alone!” she shouted before the heavy iron gates slammed shut behind me.

I sucked in a sharp breath, clutching my bleeding shoulder.

“You’ll regret this…” I muttered, my voice trembling with suppressed rage.

I gathered my boxes just as my Uber pulled up.

The driver stepped out quickly.

“Sorry for the delay, Miss,” he said.

“It’s fine,” I murmured, climbing inside.

He glanced at my shoulder, eyes widening.

“Are you still going to the airport?”

I shook my head weakly.

“Hospital… first.”

The car started moving.

The pain dulled slightly as exhaustion crept in.

Soon… my eyes closed.

---

The next time I opened them, I heard the steady beeping of an EKG machine.

I blinked slowly.

Hospital.

My shoulder throbbed as I tried to sit up. My luggage sat beside the bed.

The door opened and a doctor walked in.

“Miss Diana, how are you feeling?” he asked.

I groaned softly.

“What happened? I was in a taxi…”

“You passed out before arriving,” he explained. “The driver brought you here.”

I nodded and reached for my phone.

I had missed my flight.

A message blinked on the screen.

I quickly replied:

Something came up. Reschedule my flight ASAP.

“Miss Diana?” the doctor called.

“Yes?”

“You lost a lot of blood. But you’ve received treatment. You’ll be discharged soon.”

“That’s perfect. Thank you.”

He smiled and left.

I stood slowly, grabbing my luggage.

No missed calls.

Not even one.

Eduardo’s son shot me… and he didn’t even check if I was alive.

The door opened.

Cassia walked in casually, her high heels clicking softly against the floor.

I rolled my eyes.

“What do you want? Didn’t you twist your ankle?”

She giggled.

“Oh, that?” she waved dismissively. “I just wanted to see what Eduardo would do if we were both in danger.”

Her smile widened.

“And he chose me.”

I scoffed.

“Have fun, Cassia. I’m leaving.”

She stepped in front of me.

“There’s something you should know,” she said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

“I’m pregnant with Eduardo’s child.”

Everything went silent.

My heart shattered… but I refused to show it.

Eight years.

Eight years of staying beside Eduardo.

Eight years of being nothing more than a shadow.

And every time we were together… he made sure I took birth control.

He always wanted another child.

Just…

Not with me.