Chapter 2

I decided to die.

Once the thought of dying took root, a strange weight lifted off my shoulders.

I even started plotting how to walk into the rival family's territory without leaving a trace, using their bullets to end my life cleanly.

Before my plan was even half-formed, two patrolling guards grabbed me by the collar. They shoved me into a car and forcibly dragged me back to the front door.

Isabella pulled the front door open with a dark expression.

The door slammed shut. I kept my head down, not daring to look her in the eye. Only her icy voice rang in my ears.

"Why didn't you just die out there?"

I instinctively wanted to talk back, but I forced myself to swallow the words.

But people are just pathetic like that. Looking at her back, I still spoke up.

"If... I mean if I really died, what would you do?"

Would you be even just a little bit sad?

"Go ahead and die right now if you have the guts. I'd be so thrilled I'd pop champagne to celebrate."

She didn't even turn her head as she went into Leo and Rosie's room and closed the door.

I stood in the living room for a long time, awkwardly wiped my face, and then smiled.

I knew it. Isabella would definitely be satisfied with this birthday gift I picked out.

Ruby, who grew up on the streets, was the daughter of a family associate and my only friend.

She knew all the unwritten rules of the syndicate inside and out, and her brain worked faster than anyone else's.

So, I specifically treated her to pizza at a fast-food joint on the corner.

Chewing on my straw, I kept my voice low and asked her how to make a person die without leaving a single trace.

Ruby gave me a side-eye and shoved her half-eaten pizza crust into my hand.

"Stay away from me. I'm absolutely not getting involved in any mob hit."

I grabbed her leather jacket in surprise. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Please, just tell me directly how to fake an accidental death."

"I'm not asking for much. It's best if it's quick and clean, not too painful. That person probably can't handle the pain."

Ruby gasped, jumping up to run.

I ignored the pizza, rushed over, and grabbed her leather jacket. I stubbornly blocked her path, refusing to let her leave.

"I don't care! You ate my pizza, so you have to give me an idea!"

"You have to help me come up with a flawless way to die today!"

Ruby tried everything she could but couldn't break free. She simply plopped down on the ground, wearing a bitter face, and yelled in frustration:

"Jesus, you've got Mafia blood in you. Why do you insist on doing this kind of dirty work!"

"Yes, Isabella treats you like dirt, but the estate has never let you go hungry. Look at how wild you are. You're even tougher than me!"

My breath suddenly hitched. My heart ached, and I pathetically found myself at a loss for words again.

I really wanted to tell her that it was exactly because they weren't entirely cruel, yet not genuinely kind either, that I felt so miserable.

Especially after finding out about my filthy origins, even my previous resentment born of grievance seemed absurd and ridiculous.

I didn't have the right to live anymore.

But spilling this mess would only cause trouble for Isabella, so I deliberately deepened my voice and yelled at Ruby:

"Cut the crap! Just tell me if you're going to help me or not!"

Ruby wailed, "Are you crazy?! The person you want to kill is the Donna! How am I supposed to help?!"

I froze, looking down at her, unable to process it for a moment.

When did I ever say I wanted to kill Isabella?

But before I could open my mouth to argue, a familiar, piercing wail suddenly erupted from just behind me.

"Wah! The big bad guy is going to kill Mommy!"