Chapter 3

Anna held up her right hand, her eyes shining with pride.

"But Leonardo designed this ring just for our wedding. There are only two in the world! Didn't the Amatos sell a few hotels recently, though? Your family isn't going broke, is it?"

She covered her mouth, but the malice in her eyes was unmistakable.

"Sorry, Julia. I didn't mean to hit a nerve. I'd just hate for you to embarrass your family because money's tight."

I nearly laughed.

We simply sold a few underperforming properties. Once I married the Don of the Vaccaro family, we planned to move our main business operations here.

I gave Leonardo a cold look. "Did you really design that ring, Leonardo?"

He looked away.

I designed that ring when I was 16, along with my engagement dress.

Leonardo was visiting with his family at the time. He pestered me to show him my sketches and even slipped into my room when I wasn't home. Then he grinned and promised to hire the best artisans to make the ring and dress for me.

I told him repeatedly that I didn't need any promises from him. Even if we married for our families' sake, I was still the Amato heir. I could afford my own ring and dress.

After that, I moved out of the family estate.

I hated having my privacy invaded, especially by someone who ignored what I wanted and tried to plan my future for me. He clearly had little respect for me.

Still, I never imagined he would steal my designs and then accuse me of buying cheap imitations.

Anna turned to Leonardo, her eyes filling with tears.

"I'm sorry. Maybe I'm being too sensitive, but my wedding ring means something to me. You understand, don't you, honey?"

When she started crying, Leonardo rushed to kiss her eyelids. He looked so worried about her that any guilt over what he did to me seemed to vanish.

Now he treated me as if I were the one at fault. "I'll give you 100 grand for the design. That should be more than enough. Take off the ring. We're done talking about this!"

There was no reasoning with him. Leonardo always assumed he could make my decisions for me, regardless of what I wanted.

He was just as selfish when he broke off our engagement, without a thought for either family's reputation.

I curled my fingers around the ring. "It's not for sale, Leonardo. This is my engagement ring. You two owe me an apology."

Anna spoke softly.

"But that's the ring Leonardo gave me as his future wife." She looked at me. "Julia, are you trying to make people think you're marrying him?"

Leonardo gave me an impatient look. "I'm not telling you again. Hand it over, or I'll have someone take it off you!"