Vincent,the Don of the Mafia,and I had just exchanged our vows in church when he brought home an orphan.

He said it was to repay a life debt.

From that day on,whenever it came to that girl,Lila,I always came second.

Lila framed me.She claimed I forced her to touch drugs.In a fit of rage,Vincent locked me in the Family's underground water dungeon for three full days and nights.

"The freezing water of the dungeon will teach you what mercy means!"

The bone-chilling cold was absolute torture.My heart completely died.I begged him through a high fever and pure despair.

Yet Lila just nestled into his chest,her voice dripping with fake concern.

"Elena is the Donna of the Family,after all.When she suffers,your heart hurts too.I really can't bear to see you like this."

Later,just to coax a smile out of Lila,Vincent publicly handed over my West Coast smuggling docks to her—a clueless little brat who couldn't even read a ledger.

This time,I didn't say a single word.

I simply took off my wedding ring.

A few days later,on the verge of a breakdown over my complete disappearance and tearing the city apart like a madman looking for me,he finally got the news.

I had been accepted into an Ivy League medical research institute,directly joining their highest-level,top-secret,closed-off medical program.

And I was never coming back.

He completely lost his mind.

The day the medical institute sent me the full scholarship and the offer for the closed-off program,my best friend Alicia stared at me in shock.

"Fully closed-off?Elena,this means you're stepping away from the Family completely.Leaving Vincent?"

I shook my head,my voice soft."It's just for five years.I want to learn the best surgical and trauma care techniques.When I come back,I'll be able to save more of Vincent's men during gang wars."

Alicia sighed and didn't try to persuade me otherwise.

She knew the truth.Everything I did was for one man—Vincent.

I said my goodbyes and hurried back to the estate.I was in a great mood.Five years was a long time,but to be able to help Vincent more,it was worth it.

I couldn't wait to tell him.I could even picture the scene—he would yank me into his arms,hold me fiercely,and tell me in that deep,husky voice of his that he couldn't stand me leaving his side for even a second.

My flight was in three days—exactly on our one-year wedding anniversary.

Maybe,in these last few days,he would be like he was on our wedding night. Claiming me roughly yet obsessively,over and over again.

But when I pushed open the doors to the estate,the brightly lit grand hall smashed all my fantasies to pieces.

It was Lila's coming-of-age debutante ball.

The scale of it was ten times more extravagant than our"wedding of the century."

My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach.

Vincent was ordering his men around,entirely focused on watching them build a massive champagne tower.He didn't even spare me a glance.

"Vincent,"I walked over,forcing down the tremble in my voice."I need to talk to you about something..."

"Whatever it is,push it back."He didn't even look up,his tone carrying the heavy authority of the Don."Tonight is Lila's big night.I won't allow any screw-ups."

Screw-ups.He meant me.

My chest tightened.

I bit my lip and shoved the envelope back into my purse."Okay.I bought a gift for Lila."

I pulled out a bottle of custom perfume,meant to soothe anxiety.A flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

"That's very thoughtful,"he said.I couldn't read his eyes—whether it was irritation or guilt.

"We are Family,after all."I forced a smile.

"Go to the study and double-check the guest list,"he hesitated for a second. "The heads of the other syndicates will be arriving at 7 PM."

I walked quickly into the study,telling myself not to make a scene.Now wasn't the time.

But a receipt on the study desk froze me in my tracks.It was from the most exclusive jeweler in Milan.

—A custom black diamond pendant.

The long string of zeros at the end felt like a stinging slap to the face.

A year ago,Vincent had whispered a promise in my ear,saying he would commission a one-of-a-kind black diamond pendant for me.It was the ultimate symbol of power for a Mafia Donna.

But that day,he spent the entire night comforting Lila through her "claustrophobia panic attack."

I thought he had forgotten.

But he remembered.So,was this my anniversary gift for three days from now?

Before I could even feel happy,Lila's voice rang out from upstairs. "Elena!The guests are here!"

I ran upstairs to help her with her gown.

Wearing a white haute-couture silk dress,Lila looked like an angel.Seeing me, she gave a sweet smile.

"Elena,you look so worn out.Do you want to use my concealer?"

I looked in the mirror.I had stayed up late for two months preparing for the final interview at the medical institute;I did look awful.

"No,thank you."I handed her the perfume."Happy birthday,Lila."

Her eyes lit up,and she quickly tore open the wrapping."Oh my god,I've wanted this for so long!You're the best."

She hugged me,smelling entirely of expensive skincare—all paid for by Vincent.

The banquet hall was packed with Capos,syndicate associates,and a few unfamiliar faces.

I found my seat and froze.

My place was at the very end of the long table,wedged between two low-level soldiers carrying heat.

Lila was seated at Vincent's right hand—the seat meant for the Donna.She was soaking up the flattery of all the mob bosses.

It was a public humiliation.

I took a deep breath and kept my smile.His men must have arranged the seating wrong.

But for the entire dinner,Vincent treated me like I didn't exist.He introduced Lila to everyone and poured her wine himself.

"And now,a special gift for Lila."Vincent stood up,pulling a velvet box from his suit pocket.

I held my breath.

He opened the box.Inside lay a dazzling black diamond pendant.

"Lila,congratulations on coming of age.This is a blessing for your future."

Vincent put it around her neck himself.

"You deserve the absolute best."

Lila teared up with excitement."Vincent,I...I don't know what to say."

"As long as you stay with the Family forever."He patted her hair.

The whole room erupted in applause.

My face drained of color.I stood up abruptly,the room spinning around me.

My heart was bleeding,feeling like someone had brutally stabbed me.

Vincent's sharp gaze swept across the hall and locked dead onto me.

His voice carried the ruthless bite of a Mafia Don,stabbing straight at me.

"Elena.Don't tell me you're throwing another fit just because I gave Lila a necklace."

Every single pair of eyes in the room snapped toward me.

Vincent's warning made my blood run cold.

I forced a smile,my voice incredibly light."No,I'm just a little tired."

His eyes remained icy,but he at least withdrew his gaze,going back to laughing and chatting with the guests.

I sat back down,staring at the steak on my plate,unable to swallow a single bite.Every heartbeat throbbed with pain.

After the banquet ended,I stopped him in the hallway outside the study. "Vincent,we need to talk.It's really important."

"No time right now,"he didn't stop walking."Lila needs me."

"This is about my future—and the medical supply lines for the entire Family!"I slammed the offer for the closed-off medical program onto the table.

"I said,not right now!"He whipped his head around,his eyes full of irritation."Elena,can't you be understanding for once?Act more like Lila!Her father took a bullet for me,and I owe her!"

That same line again.I was sick of hearing it.

My heart went completely cold.Is it that no matter what happened,Lila would always come before me?

I quietly picked up the envelope and turned around.

"Fine.I'm going back to my room."

He was already looking down at the ledgers,acting as if I didn't even exist.

Back in the bedroom,I sat on the edge of the bed,feeling overwhelmingly alone. That black diamond pendant that was supposed to be mine was now hanging around Lila's neck.

The next morning,I knocked on his study door again.

"Come in."

Vincent was sitting in his massive executive leather chair,seemingly in a good mood.

"About last night—"I started.

"Elena,hold that thought.I have some news for you,"he interrupted me,his expression treating the matter as a given."The Commission had a meeting last night.They decided to hand over the West Coast docks under your name to Lila."

I froze."What did you say?"

"Lila needs a proper title to help her step out of the shadow of losing her father."He stood up,his tone entirely casual."The import and export smuggling operations at the docks are perfect for her to practice on."

"Those are my docks!"I finally lost control and screamed."I carried a gun for the Family for two years!I dodged three assassination attempts to rip that territory from a rival syndicate!That's my lifeblood!"

"Now it's hers."He frowned,clearly annoyed by my outburst."Elena,as the Don's wife,you should be happy for Lila's growth."

"I absolutely refuse to accept this!"I was shaking with anger."Unless I'm dead,no one is touching my territory!"

Vincent's face darkened,and he closed the distance between us in a few strides. "You're being completely unreasonable."

"I'm being unreasonable?I risked my life for that!"I couldn't believe my own ears.

"So you acting understanding last night was all fake?Back to throwing tantrums again,huh?"He sneered.

The words felt like a harsh backhand across my face.I stumbled backward, struggling to catch my breath.

"You know what,Vincent?"My voice was trembling."I should have seen right through you a year ago."

A year ago,I caught Lila kissing Marcus in an alleyway—he was the son of the boss of a rival syndicate.

I ran back to the estate to warn Vincent we had a rat.

But Lila ran faster than me.

"Vincent!Help!"She rushed into the grand hall,crying hysterically."Elena is saying I'm colluding with an outside family!She threatened me,saying she'd tell everyone I'm a traitor!"

"I only said—"I tried to explain.

"I can't take it!"Lila suddenly pulled out a gun and pressed it to her own head,acting completely insane."If everyone believes it,I have no choice but to die!"

Faced with the erratic gun,Vincent immediately snatched the weapon away and pinned her down on the couch.

Then he turned to glare at me,his eyes blazing with fury.

"What did you do to her?"

"I didn't do anything!I just—"

Smack!

A vicious slap landed across my face,and the hall fell dead silent.

"Apologize to her!"His voice was a lethal command that left no room for argument."Right now!"

I slumped to the floor,tears blurring my vision.That slap shattered every ounce of dignity I had left.

"I'm sorry,"I said to Lila,my head bowed.

Lila nodded weakly,leaning into Vincent's chest."I forgive you,Elena.I know you're just too stressed about the Family."

From that day on,our marriage was dead in all but name.

"Seen right through what a year ago?"Vincent's impatient scoff pulled me back to the present.

I shook my head,a bitter taste in my mouth.Speaking even one more word felt sickening.

"Nothing."

"The handover of the docks is settled.It's non-negotiable."He sat back in his chair,his voice cold and cruel."Don't disappoint me,Elena."

I just stood there,staring hard at the man I had once loved with my life.His face was still as captivating as ever,but his eyes were terrifyingly foreign.

"Fine."I turned on my heel,walking numbly toward the door."Do whatever you want."

Back in the bedroom,I dragged out a dusty suitcase.

If my love,my sacrifices,and my blood and tears were worthless to him,then there was no need for me to stay in this hellhole anymore.

I was going to accept the offer for the medical institute's closed-off program.

Not for five years anymore.

But forever.

Just as I was throwing piece after piece of clothing filled with memories into the suitcase,the bedroom door was kicked open.

Vincent stormed in.His gaze was nailed to the open suitcase on the bed,his jaw clenched tight.

"Elena,what the fuck are you doing?"

I paused my packing and turned to look at him.Since I was leaving forever,I might as well put all my cards on the table.

"I think we should—"

"Here we go again,"Vincent scoffed,cutting me off."Another tantrum,another packed bag.Elena,how many times are you going to play this dramatic, crying-and-threatening-to-leave game?"

"I'm not joking!I received—"

"I don't want to hear your excuses."He waved his hand dismissively,like swatting a fly."The door is right there.Leave if you want to.I'm not sending a car to chase you down this time."

I'm not chasing you down this time.

Those words felt like a cold gun barrel pressed directly against my heart.

The last shreds of our marriage shattered into dust.A wave of nausea surged in my chest,while he just stood there,completely unfazed.

"Fine,"I turned back around and shoved my clothes into the suitcase."I'll stay at a friend's place for a few days.We both need to cool off."

"Suit yourself,"he sneered,slamming the door shut behind him.

I collapsed onto the edge of the bed,my tears finally falling in utter silence.

The next day,I went to the family's personal lawyer and calmly handed over the signed divorce papers and my formal request to leave the syndicate.

When I returned to the estate,the sound of Lila and Vincent's laughter drifted from downstairs.They had just returned from a shopping spree.Lila was parading around,showing off a limited-edition Hermes bag.

I hid in the master bedroom,staring blankly at a glass dome on my vanity. Inside was a dried white rose.

It was the one Vincent gave me when he first confessed his feelings to me in Sicily.He said it represented the purest love of a Don.

I wiped away my tears,forcing myself to look away.

But suddenly,the door was shoved open.Lila,pretending to lose her balance, stumbled into the room and crashed right into the vanity.With a sickening crack,the glass dome and the withered rose shattered all over the floor.

"Oops,sorry."She covered her mouth,but her eyes danced with a provocative, mocking smirk."I just wanted to come check on you..."

"You did that on purpose!"I was blinded by rage and lunged at her.

"Vincent!"Lila instantly let out a piercing,hysterical sob,turning and throwing herself into the arms of Vincent,who had rushed over at the noise."I swear I didn't mean to..."

I fell to my knees amidst the shattered glass.My hands were shaking uncontrollably as I desperately tried to gather the powdered petals.It was the only proof of our love left.

From above me came Vincent's voice,dripping with extreme annoyance:"Elena, it's just a damn dead flower.Do you really need to act like a lunatic over it?"

A damn dead flower?

In that exact moment,my heart was crushed into dust under his heel,just like that rose.

I kept my head down,my voice completely dead."I'm sorry.I'll clean it up."

That night,Vincent pushed open my bedroom door.

He tossed a velvet box onto the bed.Inside was a priceless pink diamond necklace."For you.I know that flower was important to you.Consider this compensation."

I didn't take it.I just stared at him coldly.Did he really think a few million bucks could buy off every single humiliation he had put me through?

"Elena,don't push your luck."My silence drained the last of his patience.He slapped the necklace onto the table,his voice turning icy."I know you're still throwing a tantrum over the docks.Sign this agreement.What's inside is enough to fund your lavish lifestyle for half a lifetime."

He threw a document in front of me.

Transfer Agreement for the West Coast Docks and Associated Shipping Lines.

He was throwing money in my face.Using a damn necklace to force me into signing away my dignity and my blood,sweat,and tears.

"And if I don't sign?"I looked up at him,my throat raw and hoarse.

"Then you'd be incredibly ungrateful."His eyes darkened,radiating the ruthless cruelty of a mob boss."Elena,don't force me to use my power as the Don for a hostile takeover."

Don't force him.

This was what our relationship had become.Maintained solely by power and intimidation.

I picked up the pen,my hand trembling violently.I signed my name on the paper and pressed a bloody thumbprint next to it.

"Good."He gathered the papers,finally flashing a satisfied smile."I knew you were a sensible woman."

"You can get the hell out now."I turned my back,refusing to look at him.

He paused at the door."Elena,maybe spending a few days apart to cool off is best for both of us."

The door clicked shut.

I stared at that glittering pink diamond on the table and felt absolutely sick to my stomach.

The next morning,right as I was ready to leave for good,I caught a glimpse of the calendar on the nightstand.

Today was our one-year wedding anniversary.

Vincent had sworn that no matter how busy he was,he would spend this day every year with me at the French restaurant where we had our first date.

If I didn't show up...would he be heartbroken?

I went anyway.My flight wasn't until late into the night,so I had time.

I wore that black dress he loved so much.I sat in the restaurant and waited. From seven o'clock until ten.

He never showed up.

His phone went straight to voicemail,and my texts vanished into the void.

As I walked out of the restaurant,completely hollowed out,Vincent’s Underboss and Consigliere,Leo,called me.

"Donna,I'm so sorry.The Boss made a last-minute decision to take Miss Lila to the underground black-money summit in Monaco.Their private jet just took off."

Monaco...The summit.A money-burning playground where all the world's top mafia syndicates gathered.

On our wedding anniversary,he took another woman there.

I returned to the empty estate,every last drop of energy drained from my body.

I sat at the desk and wrote him one final letter.

When I was done,I slid the letter under the velvet box holding the necklace and packed up my few simple clothes.

My chest felt terrifyingly hollow,but it also brought an unprecedented, liberating sense of relief.

Dragging that small suitcase,I walked out of the cage that had trapped me for three years,without looking back once.

On the flight to the medical institute's base,I looked out at the clouds and took a deep breath.I was finally—completely and entirely—my own.

Vincent,when you wake up in Monaco and realize that I have vanished from your world forever,what kind of look will be on your face?