Chapter 2

He went to Disney. Just not with our son.

Leo saw my face fall. He climbed down from the window and walked over to the cake.

"Mom, I think I'll blow out the candles now." His voice tried to be steady. "I didn't really want to go to Disney anyway."

My five-year-old blew out the candles in the quiet room. He turned to me.

"Mom, don't be sad. Daddy must have important work. I'm a big boy, I don't need him for my birthday. Will you eat cake with me?"

I pulled him into my arms, the tears finally spilling over.

"Yes. Mommy will eat cake with you."

Even though Leo said he didn't need his father, he saved a large slice of cake for Alexander.

But Alexander didn't come back before the icing melted.

Late into the night, the hope in Leo’s eyes faded, and he finally fell asleep on the sofa.

I carried him gently back to his room, then went to the safe and removed the divorce papers I had prepared long ago.

The last shred of hesitation in my heart evaporated.

At 2:00 AM, Alexander finally came home.

He smelled like amusement park popcorn and Bella's perfume.

When he saw the birthday decorations still up in the living room and the melted cake on the table, a flicker of guilt crossed his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sophia. Something came up with the Family. We handled it, but it killed the whole night. Tomorrow—tomorrow I promise I'll throw Leo the biggest party anyone has ever seen."

I didn't question him. I just nodded calmly. "Okay."

Alexander was surprised by my lack of reaction. Then he noticed my bare ring finger and frowned.

"Where is your ring?"

"It broke during the firefight yesterday," I answered indifferently.

Alexander relaxed, not suspecting a thing. "It’s fine. I’ll buy you a better diamond at the next Sotheby’s auction."

He sat down and took my hand, his tone carrying that self-righteous helplessness men in our world often used.

"Sophia, you know how it was yesterday. You are lethal; you can protect yourself. But Bella is weak. She has a five-year-old son. I couldn't let a child lose his mother."

I nodded. "I understand."

Alexander looked relieved. He reached out and stroked my cheek. "You act more like a true Donna every day. I’m lucky my wife is so understanding."

I laughed internally. So that was the duty of a Don's wife—to bleed, to sacrifice, and then watch her husband protect another woman.

But I didn't argue. I kept my face blank and handed him the document.

"Alexander, I need your signature on this."

Alexander trusted me implicitly. I was his Consigliere; my decisions never missed.

He didn't even glance at the content. He just took the pen and signed his name at the bottom.

"What’s the rush?" he asked casually as he signed.

"Just some financial restructuring for the Family," I lied smoothly, taking the papers back.

After signing, Alexander leaned in to kiss me, likely trying to appease me.

Just as I was about to dodge him, his phone rang.

Bella’s frantic voice came through the line.

"Alexander, Lucas is burning up! He has a fever of 104! I don't know what to do, can you come?"

Alexander immediately tensed. "I'm on my way."

He hung up, grabbed his jacket, and turned to the door. He froze for a second, looking back at me with apologetic eyes.

"A fever is dangerous for a kid. Bella can't handle it alone. I have to go."

I nodded graciously. "Go. The child is important."

Alexander kissed my forehead. "You're a saint, Sophia. I'll make it up to you and Leo tomorrow."

I watched him leave in silence.

No need for compensation, Alexander. It’s too late.