Chapter 1

The moment I walk into the engagement party, every eye is on me. They all know what to expect.

I know what they're thinking: She's here to burn the place down.

After all, everyone in New York knows the girl the Volkov Don adopted is head over heels for him.

Even Hudson steps in front of Bianca, his voice a low warning. "Liriel. Don't make a scene."

But I'm about to disappoint them all.

I just flash my brightest smile, my voice dripping honey.

"I'm just here to wish Uncle Hudson a happy wedding."

"I was young and foolish. To make up for it, I even brought you two an engagement gift."

Hudson's brow furrowed.

Ever since I came of age, I’d been so blatant about my feelings that I’d stopped calling him Uncle Hudson, using only his first name.

It had been a long time since he’d heard me call him that.

I turn and snap my fingers.

My bodyguards immediately bring forward several velvet trays.

"A little something for Bianca," I say, pulling back the red cloth.

Piles of flawless diamonds and gems glitter under the crystal chandeliers, blinding everyone.

"Wishing you a long and happy life together," I say with a grin.

Just then, a strange, transparent line of text floats across my vision.

【OMG NOOO! You're his endgame! Hudson's just paying off a debt, he doesn't love Bianca!】

【Bianca is the long-lost daughter of one of the family's capos. The old man saved Hudson's life, so he's marrying her to protect her and help her get on her feet in New York. He's gonna dump her in a month, after she turns 25 and gets her inheritance.】

【Don't be fooled by his stone face, his heart is breaking! He's cold to you because he's pissed the bodyguards let you run around before your wounds healed. When you got shot, you were bleeding out, and he damn near drained himself giving you blood! My God, how could he not love the girl he raised!】

The words swarm in front of my eyes, but I force down the ache in my chest and pretend not to see them.

I look at Hudson, trying to seem casual, and hold out my right hand.

"Since you're getting married, I'd like back what I gave you."

Hudson frowned. "What?"

"The sapphire ring. The one I designed and gave you for my 18th birthday."

The room went dead silent.

It wasn't just a ring.

It was my declaration. I had given it to him at a Family dinner, in front of everyone, telling him it was my heart.

I had announced to the world that the ring was my love for him.

Hudson had looked exasperated, calling me ridiculous, but he never took it off.

And because of that, I always believed he loved me back.

Hudson's face was a mask. He didn't speak.

"Oh, that ring..." a timid voice broke the silence.

Bianca, in a white couture gown, stepped out from behind Hudson like a frightened doe.

In her hand was the familiar sapphire ring.

"I saw it the other day and thought it was so beautiful, so Hudson gave it to me." Bianca bit her lip, her eyes welling up. "Liriel, please don't be mad at Hudson. I'll give it back."

She held her hand out to me.

I started to reach for it.

Suddenly, Bianca's fingers went limp.

The ring clattered onto the marble floor.

Then, as if by accident, her stiletto heel took a step forward.

Crack.

The sharp, slender heel landed squarely on the sapphire.

The crack of the shattering gem echoed through the silent hall.

That was my heart. My pride. Crushed to dust under her heel.

"Oh my God!" Bianca gasped, crouching down. "I'm so sorry, Liriel, I didn't mean to! I'll pick it up for you!"

She reached for the sharp fragments.

She hissed, jerking her finger back as a bead of blood welled up instantly.

"That's enough!" I said, reaching for her.

But in the next second, Hudson grabbed my wrist in a death grip. His jaw was tight, his voice harsh.

"Liriel. That's enough."

"Were you going to hit her? In front of everyone? Over a broken ring?"

A broken ring.

I stared into his eyes. Maybe he saw the tears gathering there, because his tone softened a fraction. "What's gotten into you..."

"You misunderstood."

I forced a bitter smile, pulled my hand away, and opened my clutch. I took out a neatly folded white handkerchief and held it out to him.

"I was just going to say, it's just a ring. What's broken is broken."

"Uncle Hudson, you should probably see to your fiancée's hand."