I had walked away from all of it. For him.
Maybe it wasn't too late to reclaim that dream. The Genovese Family operated a medical school front in Washington territory. Perhaps they would take me in.
An hour later, I slipped out of the compound through the servants' entrance, nodding to the night guards who knew better than to question the Young Don's wife. I drove myself to the plaza downtown—a Volpe-owned shopping district that never truly closed—to buy myself something new.
Something for the woman I was about to become.
"Miss, this is the last one in stock. Would you like to purchase it?"
I nodded and handed the saleswoman my card. The dress was simple but elegant—black silk that whispered of new beginnings and quiet funerals.
"I'm so sorry," the woman said, her smile faltering, "but another customer is offering to pay extra for this piece. Would you consider letting it go?"
I followed her gaze across the boutique's marble floor.
A striking woman in red-soled heels was chatting animatedly with a man near the window display. Her laughter was bright and practiced, her hand resting possessively on his arm.
I stood and took two steps forward—then locked eyes with him.
Nico.