The Last Thing the Don Expected Was Divorce

Lila's voice drifted down the hallway.

"That sapphire necklace you gave her must have cost millions. All I asked for was a simple diamond ring, and you said no."

Vincenzo pushed her off his lap and sat up, lighting a cigarette.

"How dare you compare yourself to her? She's the woman I love with all my heart, my Donna. Know your place. I'm only doing this because Elena hasn't been able to get pregnant, and the family needs an heir."

Lila pouted and wrapped her arms around his neck, stamping her foot petulantly.

"I know. And besides, I'm more likely to get pregnant only when I'm in a good mood, you know?"

Vincenzo sighed, then reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a sapphire necklace exactly like the one he'd given me—same cut, same carat, just a slightly different chain.

"I bought you one too. But you can't wear it. If Elena finds out, she'll leave. And if she leaves, I'll go crazy."

Lila's face lit up. She kissed him greedily, her hands tangling in his hair.

"You really love her so much? Vincenzo?"

"Of course I love her." His voice dropped to a low, reverent tone, no trace of mockery.

"She's the most important woman in my life. My Donna will only ever be her. All these silly games I play with you? I'd never dare do them to her. It would be a desecration."

He pushed her back down onto the bed, and her moans echoed through the silent house.

I pressed my hand hard against my mouth, biting down until I tasted blood, to muffle my sobs.

Our wedding photo hung on the wall right beside me.

In it, Vincenzo was smiling, his arms wrapped around me, looking like the happiest man alive. It was a lie. Everything had been a lie.

Three more days, and I'm gone.

I woke up the next morning to find Vincenzo in the living room, hosting a business associate.

We were all sipping coffee when the front door slammed open.

The associate's wife stormed in, her face contorted with rage, and slapped him hard across the face.

"You bastard! You've been cheating on me with your secretary for six months! I quit my job to take care of our family, and this is how you repay me?"

The man turned bright red, grabbing her roughly by the arm.

"Shut the fuck up! All men cheat. It's just how it is. Get over it."

Vincenzo's face turned ice cold.

He stepped forward, yanking the man's hand off his wife and shoving him backward.

"Get out of my house. And don't ever show your face around me again. I don't do business with men who betray their wives."

He watched the man stumble out, then turned to me, his expression softening instantly.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me close.

"Don't listen to that garbage, amore. He's a worthless piece of shit. Not all men are like that. I would never hurt you like that. You're the only one for me, always."

I looked up into his dark eyes.

He stilled for a heartbeat, then cupped my face in his hands.

"I will only ever love you. I would never betray you. Never."

I searched his face, looking for any hint of the truth. But there was nothing.

"You'll love me for a lifetime?"I whispered."But a lifetime is so long."

He pulled me close, pressing his forehead against mine.

"It is. But my life means nothing without you. You're my everything."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

"What if you do betray me? What then?"

"If I ever betray you," he swore, "may a bullet find my heart before the sun sets. I swear it on my father's grave."

The vow was almost funny.

His skin still reeked of jasmine. His sheets were stained with Lila's lipstick. And yet he could stand here and swear his loyalty like he meant every single word.

"You really mean that?"

"I swear it. No one in this world knows how deep my love for you runs. If you don't believe me, take my gun right now and put a bullet in my heart."

I stared at him, thinking, If you're so willing to give me your life, why can't you just control yourself?

Before I could say anything, a voice cut in from the doorway.

"Good morning, you two."

Lila was standing there, wearing a tight black silk dress that left nothing to the imagination.

She leaned lazily against the doorframe, a slow smile playing on her lips.

Vincenzo's arms tightened around me, his jaw clenching.

"Why are you dressed like that? Where the hell are you going?"

It wasn't the voice of a man looking out for his dead friend's sister. It was the voice of a man who thought he owned her.

Lila's smile widened.

"There's a charity luncheon at the Ritz today. I thought I'd go find myself a nice boyfriend. That way, you don't have to worry about me anymore."

Vincenzo's eyes darkened with possessive rage, but Lila just turned to me.

"What about you, Elena? Any plans for today?"

Vincenzo didn't let me answer. His fingers laced through mine, squeezing so tight it hurt.

"Elena and I are going to the Il Nonno’s for Sunday lunch. She's been asking for us nonstop. The whole family will be there."

She gave a polite little nod, said goodbye, and walked away, leaving behind that faint, sickening scent of jasmine.

And Vincenzo? He still hadn't let go of my hand.