The Rest of My Life, Without You

I looked up at Tony, startled. I hadn't expected him to be the one to suggest it.

Something tight in my chest loosened its grip.

He had always been a good man at his core—why else would he have thrown himself in harm's way for me, over and over, in our past life?

The first time, I was seventeen, kidnapped by a rival faction. Tony came for me. They severed the tendons in his hand. He never regained full strength in it.

The second time, a fire. He shoved me clear of a collapsing beam, taking the full impact. Several broken ribs, second-degree burns across his back. I walked away with barely a scratch.

The third time, a gang shootout. A bullet meant for me tore through his shoulder. He nearly bled out that night.

The fourth time, he bankrupted a rival corporation. They took me hostage in retaliation. Their price for my release was for him to stab himself. He didn't hesitate.

How do you stop loving a man who has saved you like that? A man who, time and again, valued your life over his own?

When I didn't answer, his voice grew sharp with impatience. "Scarlett? If you don't want to go—"

"Alright," I interrupted softly. "After the election is over. I'd like that."

My easy agreement seemed to throw him off balance.

"I'll have someone take you home. Focus on preparing for tomorrow." He changed the subject, the words clipped. Then his phone rang. His brow furrowed deeply, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the device.

"It's Elma," he said after a moment. "She's sprained her ankle. I need to go. Someone will drive you."

"Go ahead," I urged, my voice carefully neutral.

He blinked, studying me. "You're different today. You used to make a scene whenever I went to see Elma."

I opened my mouth to explain, but the knowing look in his eyes stopped me.

"Oh, I see," he said, a dry, cynical edge to his voice. "You're so confident you'll win the election and become my wife that Elma doesn't seem like a threat anymore." He waved a dismissive hand, already turning away. "Forget it. Someone will be here for you shortly."

He didn't see the quiet sorrow on my face, or the finality settling in my heart. He had no idea that the Elma he was rushing to wasn't the woman he believed her to be.

Once, while out shopping with my sister, I'd seen Elma in a shadowy alley, entangled with the Don of a rival family. My sister had been livid, ready to confront her on the spot, but I held her back.

Later, my own investigations revealed Elma had been involved with several other Dons from opposing factions.

From that moment on, I had done everything in my power to keep Tony away from her.

He never knew. In his eyes, Elma was still that pure, radiant girl—an untarnished camellia.

I watched him disappear, then drew a steadying breath. My decision was firm: I would apply to study abroad as soon as possible.

His bodyguard drove me back to the Gambino estate.

Mrs. Gambino's face brightened when I entered. "Scarlett, you're here! Where's Tony?"

"He had an urgent matter to attend to," I said lightly.

She frowned. "You two are about to be married. How can he still be so consumed by work? Marriage is a commitment—he can't treat it so casually."

Mr. Gambino offered a conciliatory chuckle. "Ambition in a young man isn't a bad thing. Come, let's eat."

I took a silent, deep breath. Before I could second-guess myself, I spoke. "Mr. and Mrs. Gambino... I've withdrawn from the election. I'm preparing to study overseas. I'll be leaving soon."

I met their stunned gazes. "Tony and I aren't right for each other. He already has someone he loves. I want to step aside."

They both froze.

"Scarlett," Mrs. Gambino began, her voice laced with confusion and concern, "you've always loved Tony. And becoming Capo has always been your dream. Why give up now? Did he do something? Or is this because of Elma?"

Mr. Gambino sighed, his tone gentler, persuasive. "Scarlett, you know how Tony is. He might be harsh with his words, but look at his actions. He's risked his life for you, more than once. You, of all people, should know what that means."

I had heard those exact words before—in my last life, from so many people. I had believed them then.

And it led to nothing but ruin.