Belen
Three days ago, the Lucchese Family's assassins ambushed a Moretti Family stronghold, and I threw myself in front of Eric without a second thought.
That was the fourth time I'd taken a bullet for him.
But before I could even begin to recover from the gunshot wound, my attending physician handed me an even more devastating diagnosis: late-stage brain cancer. The tumor had already metastasized, and I had less than a month to live.
Just as I sat there in agony,Eric walked in,he strode to my bedside and took my hand, his expression tender with concern.
Knowing I only had days left, I tested the waters. "Eric... when are we getting married? Will you marry me?"
"Soon, soon, sweetheart. Trust me. Once I've secured the Don's seat and cleared out all those old men in the Family who oppose me, I'll give you the most spectacular wedding this country has ever seen. I'll make sure everyone knows that you, Selena, are the only woman worthy of standing by my side."
His voice was so sincere that it could have fooled anyone.
But in that very instant, I heard another voice.
[Damn it, why is Selena bringing up marriage now? Doesn't she know I'm at the most critical moment in the power struggle? Angelina is the Astalotta Family's princess. Only by marrying her can I get her father's backing and secure my position as the Moretti Don once and for all.]
[Marrying Angelina is just a strategic move. I'm putting on a show with her, using her family's influence. Selena is the true love of my life. Why can't she just be a little more understanding and stop pressuring me at the worst possible time?]
I could hear Eric's thoughts.
And what chilled me to the bone was the brutal truth hidden in those thoughts.
I closed my eyes, exhausted.
I didn't expose him. I didn't have the strength to confront him.
I was out of time.