3

Late that night, as I walked out of the bedroom with my suitcase, the butler followed me.

"Where are you going, ma'am? The ceremony is tomorrow. Won't you wait for Mr. Castellano?"

I stopped and smiled.

"Moretti tradition. I have to spend tonight at my family's house.

"Matteo will bring me to the church himself tomorrow."

The butler's face relaxed. He bowed his head and withdrew.

I dragged the case down the hallway.

Passing the room belonging to Alex's mother Martina, I heard voices inside.

Her door wasn't fully shut.

"Well? Did your ceremony go smoothly?

"Such a shame. If I hadn't been worried Valeria would notice, I could have come to your wedding.

"That ring suits Lilith beautifully, though. I always said it should have gone to her."

I suddenly remembered the first time I met Martina, five years ago.

Back then I was the only jewel of the Moretti Family, and I came in full of hope that the elders would accept me.

Martina was warm to me, too. She held my hands and smiled at me like the kindest woman alive.

She even said the Castellano Family was honored that Alex had won me.

But behind my back I heard her sigh to Alex.

"Valeria is the only daughter the Morettis have. She's been spoiled since she was a child. She isn't suited to be Donna of this Family.

"If only Valeria were as sweet and obedient as Lilith."

The door swung open from the inside.

Lilith was the first to meet my eyes.

She went still for a beat, then her lips curved up fast.

"Valeria? You're still up this late?"

The laughter inside the room cut off dead.

Alex crossed to the doorway in a few strides. His mouth opened, but no sound came out.

I looked at him, my face perfectly calm.

"Didn't you say you weren't getting in until morning?"

"On the phone earlier, something about your voice bothered me, so I changed to the earliest flight back."

Martina recovered quickly and came forward, smiling.

"Don't take it the wrong way, Valeria. They came to my room first when they got in.

"After all, the three of us are the real family here."

Alex's brows drew together.

"Mother, Valeria is family too."

Martina's smile stiffened.

"I misspoke. I'm just not used to having another person in the house yet.

"Lilith did grow up right at my side.

"Valeria is a generous girl. She won't mind."

So five years still wasn't enough for Martina to get used to me.

But I let it go.

There was no point anymore.

Martina glanced at me, then smiled and took Lilith's hand.

"Valeria, you probably haven't heard. Lilith just had her wedding. In New York.

"If I hadn't been stuck here fussing over yours and Alex's, I'd have flown out for it."

Alex's voice came out loud and hard.

"Valeria has enough on her plate. Why are you bringing up things that don't matter!"

I didn't react. I smiled and congratulated Lilith.

Only when Alex saw my expression hadn't changed did he let out a breath.

Then he noticed the suitcase at my side and blinked.

"Valeria, where are you going?"

I smiled at him.

"Did you forget? Moretti tradition. I have to spend tonight at my family's house.

"Don't worry. Matteo will bring me to the church himself tomorrow."

Alex was reassured at last. He took the case from my hand.

"Then let me walk you out."

I didn't refuse.

Before I left, I smiled at Martina and Lilith.

"By the way, I've prepared a surprise for everyone tomorrow.

"Come early. Don't be late."