His 500th Letter Came Too Late

Serafina's POV

I had already packed my things into a single travel bag. It wasn't much, just what I needed. I left behind every dress and piece of jewelry Dante had given me. I didn't want any reminders of him. Not his gifts, not his scent, and certainly not his false promises.

I was leaving in five days. Five days to say my goodbyes, especially to the children.

I glanced at the letters once more, the ones he'd written before everything between us fell apart. They used to mean something. Now they were just lies on paper. Promises are made to be broken, after all. Dante had proved that.

One by one, I tore the letters to shreds. The sound of the paper ripping was satisfying, like I was finally freeing myself from their weight. I was down to the last few when his voice, sharp and panicked, cut through the air.

"What are you doing, Serafina?"

I turned to see him storming in, his eyes darting from the torn pieces in my hands to the ones in the trash. He grabbed the letter I was holding and snatched the scraps from the garbage, his face twisted in disbelief.

"Why? Why did you tear them up?" His voice cracked as he stared at the torn letters like they were his most prized possession. "Are you doing this because of Camilla? Do they mean nothing to you? I wrote these for us. For our memories, Serafina."

His hands shook as he tried to piece them together. I almost pitied him. Almost.

"Serafina, answer me." His voice rose as he grabbed my arms, forcing me to look at him. "Why can't you understand? It's your jealousy that's ruining everything between us."

I met his eyes, calm and unwavering. "You're wrong, Dante. I'm not jealous," I said evenly. "The letters were damaged. Silverfish got to them. They were full of holes and falling apart. There was nothing left to save."

It was the truth, at least partly. Some of the letters were ruined, and I didn't care to salvage the rest.

His gaze shifted to the torn pieces, his anger giving way to reluctant understanding. "Why didn't you let me handle it?" he muttered, dragging a hand through his hair. "I could've saved them. Tearing them was extreme. It's like you're tearing apart what we have."

"Some things can't be saved, Dante," I said softly, forcing a small smile. "Sometimes you just have to let go and move on."

He sighed, looking down at the shredded paper with regret. "I can write new ones," he murmured. "I'm sorry if I overreacted. We were going to read those at our wedding."

Wedding. The word tasted bitter on my tongue.

I didn't respond, and he noticed my silence. He cupped my face, his touch warm. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. "I'm sorry I haven't been around. But you know Camilla needs my protection. A rival crew nearly snatched her off the street. I won't let it happen again. You're the only one I love, Serafina. The only one I want to marry. You know that, don't you?"

I nodded. What else could I do? It's what he wanted to hear.

He kissed me lightly, his lips brushing mine before pulling back. "Tell me, Serafina," he murmured. "What can I do to make it up to you?"

I looked away, pulling out of his hold. "Well. I'd like a celebration. Here. For the Family," I said, keeping my voice light.

"A celebration?" He tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You love parties, the dancing. When do you want it?"

He didn't know the truth, that I only pretended to love those things because he did. I wanted to fit into his world, to please him. And still it was never enough. My heart clenched at the realization.

"Tomorrow night," I said, forcing a smile. "And I want you to dance with me."

His smile faltered for a breath, but he nodded. "If that's what you want, I'll be there. We'll dance, and make it a night to remember."

I hope so, I thought bitterly.

He kissed my forehead, lingering. "Before I forget, I won't be staying tonight," he said, his voice hesitant. He couldn't even look at me. "There's something urgent in the city I have to handle. But I promise I'll be back in time for the celebration."

I knew better. The household talked, and I'd already heard he was taking Camilla with him. They were going to the city together.

I forced a pleasant tone. "Take care, Dante," I said, hiding my disappointment. "And don't forget tomorrow night."