Even Damiano… he was supposed to be my sanctioned match, but all his affection? It was for her.
I used to think Dante loved me. That maybe, just maybe, he chose me. But no. He loved Elena too.
I laughed bitterly, a hollow sound in the silence of the empty hallway.
Everyone I ever loved… loved her more.
And now?
This will be the last time I ever see my parents again.
The birthday banquet was held on a lavish private yacht. I arrived with Dante and Elena, boarding the deck under the blinding lights and fake smiles.
My parents met us, beaming, but their eyes were only on Elena and Dante. I was just there. Invisible. But I've gotten used to that, so I stayed quiet.
"Our sweet little girl, look at you, you're getting thinner," my Marlowe said as she kissed Elena's cheek, her fingers rising to the pearls at her throat, her expression filled with worry. "I know it's hard to lose your baby, sweetheart. But don't worry, I'll keep praying, I'll light a candle every Sunday that you'll get pregnant again, strong and healthy."
My father, Carlo, wrapped Elena in a tight embrace, like he hadn't seen her in years. That hug. God, how I wished he'd hold me like that, even just once.