He didn't seem to care. As if suddenly remembering something, he added casually, "I heard Piper accidentally damaged the wedding gown. But don't worry. I've asked the seamstress to rush a new one. It'll be ready in time for the ceremony."
He slung his jacket over one shoulder, the silk lining catching the dim light.
"Remember, tomorrow night's the gathering at the estate. Don't be late. I've got business, so I'm not coming home tonight."
He grabbed his keys and left. Not once did he glance at the overflowing trash bin behind me—filled with everything he'd ever given me.
The next night, 8:00 PM.
I arrived at the Marconi Family's grand hotel alone.
The moment I stepped into the garden, I saw them.
Colino and Piper.
Dressed in matching custom couture, bathed in warm lawn lights like royalty holding court. The cream of the Five Families milled about them, champagne flutes glinting like scattered diamonds in the evening air.
Carmela Marconi's face twisted the moment she saw me.
Her smile dropped like a cracked mask.