Chapter 1

I grow up without a dad.

When I turn six, Mom sends me to New York to find him.

She says my father, Gabriel Bellandi, is a very powerful man.

She also says he’s about to die.

The moment I meet him, I see a glowing number above his head.

Ten.

“Dad, you’re going to die in ten days!”

Gabriel barely reacts.

Gabriel: “Really? Are you here to collect my inheritance?”

That actually sounds pretty good.

“But Mom told me to save you. I have to listen to her.”

He goes quiet.

Gabriel: “How is she?”

“Great. The pharmacist likes her. So does the diner owner. They both want to marry her.”

Dad’s face immediately darkens.

He turns and walks away.

I look at Martin.

“Why is Dad mad?”

Martin wipes the sweat from his forehead.

Martin: “Miss Chloe, you don’t have to tell him everything.”

“But Mom says lying is bad.”

I think about it.

“Besides, I didn’t tell him everything.”

Martin freezes.

“There are way more than two men. They practically line up for Mom.”

“I deliver their love letters. Whoever pays me the most gets to go first.”

Dad stops walking.

I brighten.

“If Dad gives me all the money in this house, I can deliver his final letter to Mom too.”

Martin grabs his chest.

Then he slowly sinks into the nearest chair.

I stare at him.

Maybe Martin has a heart problem.