Chapter 2

The next morning, I had just finished packing when the broker called. "Donna, the vineyard and bar in your name will be ready for transfer the day after tomorrow. Don't worry. Once the money is in your overseas accounts, no one will be able to trace it."

The day after tomorrow, Alessandro would marry Daisy. By then, I'd be long gone.

I had barely zipped up my suitcase when Alessandro walked in with Daisy in his arms.

She wore one of his shirts, and blood trickled down her calf.

He gently set her down, then said sternly, "I assigned you bodyguards. Why didn't you keep them with you?"

Daisy's eyes filled with tears.

"I was so excited to see you that I rushed over. I missed a step and fell. Do you think I'm a burden now? Maybe you never wanted me to come back."

The moment Alessandro saw her tears, his anger vanished.

"I've never thought that. Daisy, I can't stand seeing you hurt."

He grabbed the first-aid kit himself and knelt in front of her.

"Daisy, I'll never get tired of you. I'll stay by your side from now on."

He cleaned the cut with a cotton swab, handling her as if she might break.

Daisy winced, and his eyes immediately filled with concern.

"Does it hurt?"

She shook her head and clung to his arm.

"Alessandro, as long as you're here, it doesn't hurt at all."

I watched them quietly.

As the Don, Alessandro had enemies everywhere. In five years of marriage, I'd faced more than my share of danger because of him.

Just last year, I'd protected him during an attack at the docks. A blade tore through my arm, soaking my sleeve in blood.

Alessandro had barely looked at the wound.

"If you're hurt, see a doctor. I have a thing about germs. I can't deal with that."

Only later did I find out why he'd been in such a hurry to leave.

He was afraid his enemies might go after Daisy, so he'd flown overseas that same day just to make sure she was safe.

My wound needed 13 stitches.

When Alessandro finally returned, he at least had the decency to look guilty.

"Next time you're out with me, look after yourself first."

That was all he'd said. Now Daisy had a tiny cut, and he was on his knees treating it himself.

I must have been lost in thought, because I didn't notice Daisy glance at the table until it was too late. My ring was lying there. I'd taken it off while packing. It matched the one Alessandro wore.

I reached for it, but Daisy was faster. She slipped it onto her finger.

"Alessandro, whoever wears this ring can command the whole family. Shouldn't it be on my hand now?"

Alessandro saw me reaching for it and frowned.

"Olivia, aren't we getting a divorce? You're in no position to fight Daisy over that ring. Give it to her."

Before I could answer, Daisy linked her arm through his.

"Alessandro, can you get me something to wear? I'm a little cold."

He kissed her forehead and went upstairs.

I turned to leave, but Daisy grabbed my wrist.

The sweet smile vanished from her face. She stepped closer and slapped me across the face.

"You're nothing but a cheap little slut who used her looks to get into Alessandro's bed. You really thought you could steal him from me?"

My cheek stung from the blow.

Daisy leaned closer.

"Alessandro married you. So what? Everybody knows you're a trophy wife. All you can do is look pretty and keep Alessandro entertained. You're worth less to him than the poodle tied up outside."

I clenched my fists and let her finish.

Then I slapped her, twice as hard as she'd slapped me.

"At least his family accepted me. You can't say the same. Five years ago, you betrayed him and ran overseas!"

The blow sent her crashing into the coffee table.

I grabbed her by the hair and forced her to look at me.

"That was for slapping me. I've already let you have Alessandro, so stay out of my way."

I let go and turned toward the door.

Behind me, Daisy suddenly threw herself backward and screamed.

"Please, Olivia, don't kill me!"