The Lot He Never Drew

At the coffee shop we had agreed to meet, Elder Giuseppe gave me a list with a satisfied look on his face.

"Cece, I'm glad you've come around. These are the young men I've screened for you. They all have excellent looks and character. Pick whoever you like."

I did not look at the list on the table. Instead, I pushed it toward the Elder Giuseppe and said softly, "Elder Giuseppe, I trust your judgment completely. Please choose a family farthest from Nopales."

Elder Giuseppe stroked his beard and sighed gently. "Think carefully. Once you decide, it can't be changed. You may never come back."

The image of Dante looking at Livia surfaced in my mind. That concern and affection in his eyes could not be hidden. My heart ached, but my words came out gentle yet firm. "I'm certain of my choice."

Since he chose Livia, I would go somewhere he could never find me.

After Elder Giuseppe left, I sat alone in the coffee shop, lost in thought.

When I stood to leave, Dante pushed open the coffee shop door and walked in. Livia walked beside him, holding his arm. The two chatted and laughed like a couple deeply in love.

"Celia, what are you doing here?" Dante looked up. His gaze met mine directly. He looked guilty as he pulled his arm free from Livia's grasp and strode toward me. "I just bought you the newest bag. It's the only one in all of Nopales!"

He happily pressed an exquisite gift box into my hands, looking proud.

Livia suddenly covered her face. Her shoulders shook as she began to cry. "I'm sorry. I know it's rude, but I really envy you, Celia. You get to own something so unique. Not like me. I can only ask for what everyone else gets. I know I don't deserve more. I wanted this bag too, but I didn't say anything because of you."

Dante stood helplessly to the side, looking at me with pleading eyes. I said nothing and stared at him, as if waiting for his decision.

Since childhood, Dante had always doted on me—especially after we started dating seven years ago. He once swore, "As long as I'm alive, you'll have the best of everything. You're my princess. No one's going to outshine you."

Yet in the mere five years since Livia appeared, I was no longer the only one in his heart.

Every time he bought me expensive gifts, he would casually bring Livia a small present as well. Over the past five years, the gifts he bought Livia had gotten more and more expensive.

Still, I never imagined that when Livia coveted a gift meant for me, Dante would actually hesitate. When I stayed silent, Livia wiped her face and turned to leave.

Dante grabbed her arm. "Where are you going? Didn't you just say you wanted coffee? You made me take this detour just to come here!"

Livia let herself fall into his embrace. "Dante, I'm too greedy. I'm just a girl from Scampia. I really don't deserve these nice things. I should go back to Scampia. That's where I belong."

Dante held Livia tightly. The look he gave me carried a plea. "Cece, how about you give the bag to Livia? You've owned countless luxury items since childhood, and Livia just wants this one. I'll buy you something even more expensive later, okay?"

I lowered my head and placed the gift box in Livia's hands. "If you want it, then just take all of it."

Even Dante. I no longer wanted him either.