The Donna Scorecard
Two months before the public ceremony Marco had sworn would finally recognise me as his wife, he announced his engagement online, to no one in particular, but everyone assumed it was to me.
And so they congratulated me.
After seven years at his side, after I had stabilised the Fontana family, crushed three internal revolts, and secured enough elders' votes to make him the next Don, everyone, including myself, took it for granted that I would be the woman standing beside him.
Until I paused outside a private room and heard his friends laughing.
"Marco, your Donna selection list is insane. Twelve women, one ring, and you grade them every month?"
A whistle. "Right now it's down to Elena and that little nightclub girl you keep in the penthouse, isn't it?"
"What if you don't marry Elena after all this?" another man asked. "She gave you seven years. She might lose her mind."
Marco's lazy laugh cut through the smoke.
"Whoever performs best becomes my wife. Fair rule."
The room erupted.
"Come on, you're obviously favouring your mistress. Elena can't win if you keep giving that girl perfect scores."
His voice turned playful, almost amused. "I gave Elena the chance. If she still loses, she can only blame herself."
I stood frozen, the blood draining from my heart.
After a long silence, I pulled out my phone and called my father.
"Dad, I agree to come home."
"I'll accept the marriage alliance arranged by the Commission."