The Don's Stand-In Isn't Playing Pretend Anymore
After I, Rosalie Ricci, was stood up 17 times, the mafia don, Daniel Marino, finally holds the perfect engagement banquet for me.
In our second year together, we are ready to get married. But every single time, he has an excuse to hold our engagement off. He says he's busy with work, the timing isn't right yet, or that he isn't quite ready.
I never blame him because I love him. I have loved him since our school days. In fact, I have loved him for seven whole years.
This is the 18th time. I stand in the banquet hall wearing the gown he personally chose for me and watch as he slips the ring onto my finger. He kisses me with a passionate intensity he has never shown me before.
At that moment, I believe that I have finally secured my perfect happiness after waiting seven long years.
My happiness only lasts until the guests leave. As I step into the back garden, I see Daniel holding my twin sister, Leah Ricci, in his arms.
He says in a hushed voice, "I announced my engagement to Rosalie 18 times. This time, you're finally back."
That's when I realize that the engagement banquet that I have longed for is nothing more than a ploy by Daniel to draw Leah back to him.
But when I decided to let them be together, Daniel panics.