Chapter 2

I stood frozen in place.

Tomorrow night was the Luccese family’s annual allies’ banquet. By tradition, the Don and the Donna were required to attend together. We had to pay our respects to the heads of the family’s various branches.

Five years ago, when Damian first took over as Don Luccese, several senior family members had refused to acknowledge his authority. I stood by his side, accompanying him from one household to the next until we finally won their support.

Ever since, I had stood beside him at every annual banquet.

“Who gave you permission to cancel my place?” I asked, my brows drawing together.

Vivian froze for a moment before tears spilled down her cheeks.

“The doctor said you needed to rest. I was only worried that the noise and commotion at the banquet might affect you and the baby. Besides, Don Luccese will need someone to help him manage family affairs. I’ve already made arrangements to accompany him.”

I turned to Damian, only to see him nod in agreement.

“Vivian has thought this through very carefully. Elena, you nearly lost the baby yesterday. Stay at home and rest tomorrow night.”

“But it’s a family banquet,” I reminded him, my brows furrowing.

“I know.”

He stepped closer and gently adjusted the shawl around my shoulders.

“Nothing matters more to me than you and our child. There will be plenty of people at the banquet, drinking and smoking. What if someone accidentally bumps into you? As for family affairs, Vivian and I can handle everything. She’s intelligent and poised. She’ll make an excellent companion.”

I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing.

Back then, he had held my hand and declared before every member of the family, “Elena isn’t just my wife. She will forever be the Donna of the Luccese family.”

Now, he was casting me aside as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Damian turned to me. A trace of helplessness crept into his voice. “Elena, don’t put Vivian in a difficult position. She’s only helping me with my work.”

I said nothing more. I forced down the storm of emotions raging within me and answered quietly, “Fine.”

Damian seemed relieved at last. He bent down and kissed my forehead.

“That’s my Elena. I’ll come back early and spend time with you once the banquet is over.”

I lowered my eyes, hiding the ache behind them.

Five years ago, I defied my father’s wishes to marry Damian, willingly giving up my position as the heir apparent to the family.

Now, I had finally agreed to return. Damian had no idea about this.

The very banquet he had forbidden me from attending would give me the perfect opportunity to leave the estate.

Damian opened his arms to embrace me, but I gently stepped aside.

Vivian was still standing nearby, quietly sobbing. Damian glanced at her, then looked back at me.

“Honey, go back to your room and rest. Once I’ve settled Vivian, I’ll come and keep you company.”

I did not answer.

I simply watched as he turned back to the other woman and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

Once, he had comforted me the same way. Back then, I believed that the coldest don in all of New Borough had a tenderness he reserved for me alone.

I closed my eyes briefly, then turned and walked out of the study.

Behind me, Damian’s deep voice rang out. “Elena, I’ll come back to our room tonight and keep you company.”

My steps faltered for a moment, but I did not look back. I knew he would not come back tonight, either.

This time, I would not wait for him.