Leaving the Don, Crowning Myself

The day the medical institute sent me the full scholarship and the offer for the closed-off program,my best friend Alicia stared at me in shock.

"Fully closed-off?Elena,this means you're stepping away from the Family completely.Leaving Vincent?"

I shook my head,my voice soft."It's just for five years.I want to learn the best surgical and trauma care techniques.When I come back,I'll be able to save more of Vincent's men during gang wars."

Alicia sighed and didn't try to persuade me otherwise.

She knew the truth.Everything I did was for one man—Vincent.

I said my goodbyes and hurried back to the estate.I was in a great mood.Five years was a long time,but to be able to help Vincent more,it was worth it.

I couldn't wait to tell him.I could even picture the scene—he would yank me into his arms,hold me fiercely,and tell me in that deep,husky voice of his that he couldn't stand me leaving his side for even a second.

My flight was in three days—exactly on our one-year wedding anniversary.

Maybe,in these last few days,he would be like he was on our wedding night. Claiming me roughly yet obsessively,over and over again.

But when I pushed open the doors to the estate,the brightly lit grand hall smashed all my fantasies to pieces.

It was Lila's coming-of-age debutante ball.

The scale of it was ten times more extravagant than our"wedding of the century."

My heart sank to the bottom of my stomach.

Vincent was ordering his men around,entirely focused on watching them build a massive champagne tower.He didn't even spare me a glance.

"Vincent,"I walked over,forcing down the tremble in my voice."I need to talk to you about something..."

"Whatever it is,push it back."He didn't even look up,his tone carrying the heavy authority of the Don."Tonight is Lila's big night.I won't allow any screw-ups."

Screw-ups.He meant me.

My chest tightened.

I bit my lip and shoved the envelope back into my purse."Okay.I bought a gift for Lila."

I pulled out a bottle of custom perfume,meant to soothe anxiety.A flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

"That's very thoughtful,"he said.I couldn't read his eyes—whether it was irritation or guilt.

"We are Family,after all."I forced a smile.

"Go to the study and double-check the guest list,"he hesitated for a second. "The heads of the other syndicates will be arriving at 7 PM."

I walked quickly into the study,telling myself not to make a scene.Now wasn't the time.

But a receipt on the study desk froze me in my tracks.It was from the most exclusive jeweler in Milan.

—A custom black diamond pendant.

The long string of zeros at the end felt like a stinging slap to the face.

A year ago,Vincent had whispered a promise in my ear,saying he would commission a one-of-a-kind black diamond pendant for me.It was the ultimate symbol of power for a Mafia Donna.

But that day,he spent the entire night comforting Lila through her "claustrophobia panic attack."

I thought he had forgotten.

But he remembered.So,was this my anniversary gift for three days from now?

Before I could even feel happy,Lila's voice rang out from upstairs. "Elena!The guests are here!"

I ran upstairs to help her with her gown.

Wearing a white haute-couture silk dress,Lila looked like an angel.Seeing me, she gave a sweet smile.

"Elena,you look so worn out.Do you want to use my concealer?"

I looked in the mirror.I had stayed up late for two months preparing for the final interview at the medical institute;I did look awful.

"No,thank you."I handed her the perfume."Happy birthday,Lila."

Her eyes lit up,and she quickly tore open the wrapping."Oh my god,I've wanted this for so long!You're the best."

She hugged me,smelling entirely of expensive skincare—all paid for by Vincent.

The banquet hall was packed with Capos,syndicate associates,and a few unfamiliar faces.

I found my seat and froze.

My place was at the very end of the long table,wedged between two low-level soldiers carrying heat.

Lila was seated at Vincent's right hand—the seat meant for the Donna.She was soaking up the flattery of all the mob bosses.

It was a public humiliation.

I took a deep breath and kept my smile.His men must have arranged the seating wrong.

But for the entire dinner,Vincent treated me like I didn't exist.He introduced Lila to everyone and poured her wine himself.

"And now,a special gift for Lila."Vincent stood up,pulling a velvet box from his suit pocket.

I held my breath.

He opened the box.Inside lay a dazzling black diamond pendant.

"Lila,congratulations on coming of age.This is a blessing for your future."

Vincent put it around her neck himself.

"You deserve the absolute best."

Lila teared up with excitement."Vincent,I...I don't know what to say."

"As long as you stay with the Family forever."He patted her hair.

The whole room erupted in applause.

My face drained of color.I stood up abruptly,the room spinning around me.

My heart was bleeding,feeling like someone had brutally stabbed me.

Vincent's sharp gaze swept across the hall and locked dead onto me.

His voice carried the ruthless bite of a Mafia Don,stabbing straight at me.

"Elena.Don't tell me you're throwing another fit just because I gave Lila a necklace."