She and Reynold were meant to be. Childhood first-love turned to real lovers. Their engagement was already celebrated between the Lombardi and Falcone families. The wedding was supposed to seal the alliance. But the night before the announcement, Dahlia vanished, and the Lombardi elders had to play their last card for the Falcone deal.
Me.
Now I was here. Trapped in a loveless arrangement. A Don’s wife treated like a glorified house servant.
But today, I end it all.
I packed my clothes and belongings. What mattered fit into a suitcase. Everything else was left to be thrown out. All of it had to disappear before I walked away.
“What’s all this?” Reynold’s voice came from behind.
He’d just returned—from Dahlia’s residence, where he’d spent the night.
“They’re things I don’t use anymore,” I said, referring to the clothes he bought for me out of obligation.
“You’re getting rid of them? That’s not like you,” he said, narrowing his eyes.
Of course he'd notice. I had been raised like a maid’s daughter to never waste anything.
“I’ll donate them to your foundation’s charity. Good for your public image, especially with your new partnership with the city council.”