Chapter 3

Late that night, I went to the restaurant where I'd booked a table a week earlier.

The street outside was the one I used to walk every day on my way to dance class.

Years ago, Vincenzo first saw me through the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows.

I was in a white ballet dress, walking alone through a cold, drizzling rain.

He told me I'd reminded him of a white rose he'd seen on his uncle's estate as a boy, blooming in the rain.

He said it wasn't until later that he realized it had been love at first sight.

I stood outside the restaurant and looked down the street.

A waiter I knew hurried over, then stopped dead when he saw who it was.

"Donna Moretti, you're... here by yourself?"

My lips curved slightly.

"Yes. By myself."

It would probably be the last time, too.

The waiter looked even more uncomfortable. Before he could stop himself, his eyes darted toward the VIP room.

I followed his gaze. Through the glass partition, I saw Vincenzo sitting inside.

And beside him sat Julia.

I looked down, picked up the champagne waiting on my table, and drank it in one gulp.

It went down cold, chilling me all the way through.

I turned to leave.

But I'd barely reached the door when a woman's voice called after me.

"Donna!"

The moment I turned around, the crisp, wild scent of daisies hit me.

It was Julia.

She hurried over with an easy smile, eager to explain.

"Donna, the Don and I just finished working, and we happened to come here for a bite.

"I know this restaurant means a lot to you and the Don. He was even planning to bring home some of your favorite rosewater pastries after dinner. Please don't get the wrong idea."

Vincenzo came out behind her. The moment he saw me, his face froze.

"Vivian, what are you doing here?"

He had the nerve to ask me that.

I turned to go.

Julia cried out behind me and ran to block my way.

"Donna, there's really nothing going on between the Don and me. If it bothers you, I'll leave right now!"

Her act was flawless. I couldn't help laughing softly.

"Sure. Then go."

Julia froze, clearly unsure what to do.

The next second, Vincenzo strode over and grabbed my wrist. His grip made it clear I wasn't going anywhere.

"Vivian, you're reading way too much into this.

"Things with the family have been crazy lately. We've been working all night. It's just dinner."

He kept himself planted firmly in front of Julia.

I had so much I wanted to say, but for a moment none of it would come out.

I was about to speak when I heard a sharp crackle overhead.

The massive crystal chandelier broke free and plunged toward us!

Vincenzo's eyes widened. Without hesitation, he spun around and threw himself over Julia, shielding her with his body.

When the chandelier hit, I didn't even have time to throw up my arms.

Pain tore through me. It hurt too much to make a sound, and then everything went black.