When I left, They Finally Learned my Worth

“We’ve arranged a wedding for you with the mafia don of the Steel Serpent,” her father Carlo, underboss of Silver Bullets said, his voice heavy as he sat behind his grand desk.

Camilla’s breath caught in her throat. Of all the things she thought she’d hear today, this wasn’t on the list. "The Steel Serpent?" she repeated, her voice faltering.

She had heard the rumors—everyone had. Their boss, Colen Armand, was infamous for his cruelty. They said he killed with no mercy, as easily as one might swat a fly, and his appearance matched the fear he instilled. People whispered he was disfigured, an ugliness that ran as deep as his malice. No one knows his real identity yet everyone already feared just his name.

Carlo noticed her hesitation, guilt flickering in his eyes. He leaned forward, his tone softening. “Camilla, if you don’t want the marriage, I can speak to our Boss Victorio. Perhaps we can think of another way to handle this.”

Her stomach churned. “To handle what?” she asked, dreading the answer.

“To save our group,” Carlo admitted, the weight of his words sinking into the air between them. “The Steel Serpent is pressuring us. We’re on the brink of war, and we don’t have the manpower or resources to win. He requested a marriage alliance with Victorio’s daughter to settle the matter peacefully, but…” He hesitated, rubbing a hand over his face. “Victorio doesn’t have a daughter. Instead, he demanded you.”

Camilla stared at him, processing his words. Her life, her freedom, had been reduced to a bargaining chip in a dangerous game she had no control over. Yet, when she looked at her father, she saw the weariness etched into his features. She knew what this alliance meant. Without it, their family—and the entire Silver Bullets—would crumble.

Taking a deep breath, she nodded, her decision clear. “Then prepare for the wedding.”

Carlo blinked, caught off guard. “Are you sure, Camilla? I can try—”

“There’s no other choice,” she said firmly. “If this will protect the family, then I’ll do it. You’d sacrifice a lot, Dad. If this is my way of helping, then be it.”

He studied her for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. “Alright. I’ll make the arrangements.” His voice was low, almost regretful.

Camilla straightened her shoulders, trying to ignore the knot forming in her stomach. This wasn’t how she envisioned her life, but she had been born into the mafia. Sacrifice was in her blood. If marrying a man like Colen could prevent the war, then she would face him, no matter how ruthless he was rumored to be.

As Camilla left her father’s office, the thrum of music and chatter from the ballroom caught her attention. She paused briefly, recognizing the sound of Katie’s birthday celebration. The newly appointed lieutenant, who had joined their mafia group just last year, had managed to charm her way into everyone’s favor—especially Jackson and Ridge, the sons of their mafia boss Victorio and Camilla’s childhood friends.

Katie, standing at the center of the party in a stunning dress, spotted Camilla lingering near the door. With a bright smile, she waved her over. “Camilla! You made it!” she called out, her voice filled with cheerful enthusiasm.

Camilla hesitated. She wasn’t in the mood for a party, especially not one where Katie seemed to revel in the attention she used to share with Jackson and Ridge. “I’m just passing through,” she replied, offering a faint smile.

Katie wouldn’t let her go that easily. She approached with a glass of wine in hand. “Come on, it’s my birthday! At least have a drink with me,” she said, holding the glass out toward her.

“I’m fine, thanks,” Camilla said, shaking her head. “I really can’t stay.”

Katie tilted her head, her smile unwavering but a hint of something sharper flashing in her eyes. “Oh, don’t be like that. It’s just one drink. Or…” She paused, her tone playful but edged with something that almost sounded like a challenge. “…are you too busy for me now?”

Sighing, Camilla reached out to push the glass away, but Katie shifted suddenly. The wine tipped over, splashing onto her dress. Katie gasped dramatically, looking down at the dark red stain spreading across the fabric. “Oh no! My dress!” she exclaimed, her voice carrying just enough distress to draw the attention of the crowd.

Camilla froze. “I didn’t even touch you!”

Katie blinked at her, wide-eyed and innocent. “It was an accident, I’m sure. I mean… you didn’t mean to, right?” Her tone was light, but the hint of sarcasm beneath it made Camilla’s stomach twist.

Before Camilla could respond, Jackson and Ridge entered the room. Their eyes immediately went to Katie’s wine-stained dress, then to Camilla.

“What happened?” Jackson asked, his tone sharp as he approached.

Katie turned to them, looking both embarrassed and apologetic. “Oh, it’s nothing,” she said softly. “Camilla was just… I don’t know, upset maybe? She accidentally knocked the wine over. I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

Camilla’s eyes widened. “I didn’t do anything!” she said firmly. “She’s twisting—”

“Camilla, seriously?” Jackson snapped, cutting her off. “You couldn’t even let her have one nice moment?”

Ridge shook his head, his disappointment clear. “This isn’t like you.”

Katie let out a soft laugh, brushing at her dress. “Don’t be mad at her. It’s just wine. I’ll manage.”

Her words were kind on the surface, but the smug glint in her eyes as Jackson and Ridge glared at Camilla spoke volumes.

Camilla clenched her fists, swallowing the words she wanted to say. Arguing would only make things worse. Without another word, she turned and walked away, Katie’s light laughter echoing behind her.

As she left, memories of Jackson and Ridge crept in. They’d been her closest friends once—laughing, sparring, always by her side. Now, their loyalty belonged to Katie. It stung to realize she’d been replaced so easily, their history cast aside like it meant nothing.

The marriage her father arranged wasn’t just about saving their group anymore. It was a way out—for her. Staying meant enduring the pain of watching the people she trusted treat her like a stranger. At least this marriage would give her a fresh start.

She took a deep breath and kept walking, letting the noise of the party fade behind her.