Love, Lies, and the Don의 모든 챕터: 챕터 1 - 챕터 8

Early the next morning, Blake got up ahead of time and prepared a full breakfast table himself.This was one of his usual tactics."Helena, come down and eat."He deliberately sat close beside me."Victoria just got back from abroad. She's not familiar with anything yet, which was why I neglected you. I'm free today, so I'll stay home and have a proper meal with you."As he spoke, he picked up a slice of bacon with his fork and held it to my lips. "Don't be angry. I'll make it up to you for Lily. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."I stared at the bacon, my stomach churning.He had probably forgotten that bacon was Victoria's favorite.As for me, after killing too many people, I could no longer stand the sight or smell of meat.At that moment, Blake's phone rang.The moment he answered, Victoria's sweet, cloying voice came through. "Blake, look! The puppy really loves the new toy you bought!"The screen showed a poodle tearing into a rabbit plush.That was Lily's birth

Blood mist burst from my left leg.My body staggered, and pain tore through me, but I bit my lip and refused to fall.Blake looked at me, a strange irritation rising in his chest.Unable to suppress it, he reached into his coat and pulled out the wooden horse that held our daughter's ashes."Humble yourself, Helena, and I'll find you the best doctor. Even if your leg is ruined, I'll take care of you for the rest of your life. If you refuse to apologize, well…"This is Lily's favorite toy. I'll burn it right now."As he spoke, he walked toward the lit fireplace, raising his hand as if to throw it in.In that instant, everything I had been holding together shattered."Don't!"Ignoring the piercing pain in my leg, I dropped heavily to my knees.Again and again, I slammed my forehead into the blood-soaked floor, each impact dull and heavy."I'll apologize! I'll apologize to Victoria!"This is my fault. I shouldn't have hit her. I won't do it again!"Blake froze mid-motion, his

When the basement finally fell silent again, Blake looked as though his soul had been torn out.He staggered into my room and began tearing through everything like a madman, searching for any trace I might have left behind.However, there was nothing.Every memento that represented us had already been thrown into the fireplace. Not even a strand of hair remained.Eventually, deep in the back of the bookshelf, he found a document he least wanted to see.It was a hospital-issued death certificate, and Lily's name was written clearly on it.Under cause of death, there was only a single, cold line.[Multiple comminuted fractures across the body, extensive soft tissue damage. Death caused by being dragged at high speed by a vehicle.]Blake froze as if struck by lightning.He stared at the words, his eyes turning bloodshot. Blood from his mouth trickled onto the paper."Dragged… to death… How is that possible? How…"His hands trembled so badly that he could barely hold the paper.

One year later, under my leadership, the Antonio family became the most powerful Mafia family.I had firmly secured my place at the top.Winchester, my underboss, remained by my side. He never interfered in family affairs, yet he was always there when I needed him most.When I was exhausted, he gave me something to lean on. He would soothe the wounds in my heart with quiet patience, slowly melting the ice I had built around myself.On a warm, sunlit afternoon, Winchester held a simple ring he had polished himself.He went down on one knee before me, his gaze gentle. "Helena, the darkness is behind us. From now on, I want to protect your peace and stand by you for the rest of our lives. Will you give me that chance?"I looked into his sincere eyes, and tears slipped down my cheeks.This time, they were not born of pain, but of long-awaited happiness.I nodded softly, took the ring, and placed it on my finger.All the love, hatred, and entanglements of the past faded into dust.