The Don Gave Me a Fake Ring, So I Left

I had barely taken a screenshot before the story disappeared.

A message from Leonardo came in right after. "Darling, the family meeting is still going. I can't spend our anniversary with you tonight. I hope this gift makes up for it."

I stared at his message. For a moment, I didn't know which was more fake—the ring or the man I'd loved for seven years.

A month ago, Leonardo had been ambushed and nearly died in surgery.

When he woke, he pulled me into his arms and told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me.

After seven years, I finally had his promise.

I held him and cried.

Seven years ago, I'd left Florence and given up the art conservation career I loved for Leonardo.

Just last month, I'd turned down Professor Matteo Bruni's offer to help restore a fifteenth-century fresco.

I'd given up everything to stay by Leonardo's side.

And all this time, he'd been lying to me.

I tore off the ring, grabbed my keys, and drove to East Harbor. Victoria's story had tagged a private restaurant near the docks.

Two Luciano bodyguards stood outside a private room.

One spotted me and was about to go inside to inform his boss.

I stopped him. "The Don made himself clear. When he's not here, you answer to me."

The guard hesitated. Then Victoria's voice came through the door. "What made you change your mind? I've waited so long for this. I can't believe you finally gave me the ring."

I heard glasses clink inside.

"And now that the East Harbor deal is done, are you still planning to keep your little toy around?"

Leonardo answered, "Camilla is not a toy."

Victoria laughed. "Leonardo, I have no interest in sharing you with your little pet. When are you going to tell her?"

"I'll tell her before the engagement ceremony."

I didn't go inside.

I took the ring from my pocket and placed it in the bodyguard's hand. Then I walked away.

When I got home, I opened my laptop.

Matteo's last email was still in my inbox.

"If you ever change your mind, write to me."

I stared at it for a long moment. Then I typed a reply.

"Professor, is it too late for me to come back?"

His answer came almost at once.

"Welcome back."