Escaping the Mafia’s World

My hands trembled as I leaned against the chair, struggling to steady myself. I didn’t know if this was just a trap for Vincent to showcase how useless I was to his empire, but maybe I should go and see how it would end between us.

After all, there was nothing left to salvage when he’d made it clear that I wasn’t among his priorities.

I instructed the taxi driver to take me to the hotel.

After a few seconds of staring at my name on the hotel sign, I gathered the courage to walk inside.

Making my way toward the private room, I caught sight of Vincent's friends laughing with Rebecca, handing her gifts and food.

Yet when it came to me, they didn’t spare a second glance.

They made me feel like I was nothing special, like a speck of dust that didn’t belong with Vincent.

Maybe this truly was the end. Maybe I could never replace her. Ever since she returned six months ago, I’d been pushed aside like a forgotten toy.

Just as I reached for the door handle, Vincent's friend Theo stepped in front of me, his expression twisted with disgust. “Precious! Why are you here? Don’t you know your low-class filth doesn’t belong here?”

I kept my face composed, ignoring the insult. “Vincent invited me. Now, excuse me, I have to pass.”

“Not so fast!” Theo shoved me, making me stumble to the ground. “Do you really think you can just walk in and ruin Vincent’s happiness? Do you even make him smile like that, huh?”

I remembered how Vincent never smiled that way to me.

With me, he was always stoic, reserved. Mever the easy laughter he shared with Rebecca.

In the early days of our relationship, I’d tried to befriend his circle because he always enjoyed their company. I’d even learned to cook Theo’s favorite dish for his birthday, only to find the dish discarded in the trash, untouched.

After that, I was never invited to their gatherings again.

Thinking of all the ways I’d bent myself to fit into Vincent’s world, I was stunned that it took losing everything to realize just how much I had sacrificed.

I pushed myself up, brushing off his words. “Let me pass, Theo. I don’t need to hear your nonsense.”

“Why can’t you just leave Vincent alone? You’re such a pest!” he snapped.

Before I could respond, Rebecca called Theo over, and he had no choice but to step aside.

I met Vincent's gaze as I walked in, catching sight of the chocolate cake on the table, the same one he’d brought in the box earlier.

So this was why he asked me for something. He wants to wash away the guilt of giving everything to her.

“If this isn’t the mysterious girlfriend,” Rebecca said softly, a calculating gleam in her eyes as she approached. “I’ve heard quite a bit about you, Miss Wilson.”

“Well, I hope it’s nothing too terrible,” I replied, extending my hand. “I’ve read a few things about you too, Miss Graciano.” She took my hand, her grip firm as we shook.

"That's a nice ring,” she commented, eyeing it with a smirk. “Looks familiar. I remember seeing something similar in Vincent’s trash just a few days ago.”

I glanced toward Vincent and noticed his hand subtly moving to his pocket, though I pretended not to see.

Our promise ring. I hadn’t even noticed he’d stopped wearing it. He’d told me he was keeping it safe, but I guess his idea of “safe” was the trash bin.

Keeping my voice steady, I responded, "These rings are pretty common. If you like it, I’d be happy to give you mine.”

Rebecca simply smirked in response, staying silent.

“What are you doing here, Precious? Didn’t I tell you to stay home at night?” Vincent’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and cold.

Rebecca stepped back, her grin lingering in her eyes. In that moment, I realized Vincent hadn’t been the one who texted me.

“Vincent, relax,” Rebecca cooed, her voice sweet but filled with condescension. “She’s here now; let’s just welcome her.”

“No!” Vincent snapped, his gaze hardening as he approached me. “Why would I welcome someone who’s ridiculously dramatic and constantly accusing me of things?”

He moved closer, eyes narrowed, his presence looming. I barely recognized this man I once dreamed of building a life with.

“You’re here to follow me, aren’t you? Trying to paint me as the bad guy again, Precious? How crazy can you be?”