Chapter 2

An hour later, I returned to the penthouse we had shared for three years.

The second I walked in, I heard heavy moans coming from the bedroom.

I froze, my knuckles turning white on the door handle.

"What did you call me?"

"Boss..."

"Say it again. Do you like how your husband fucks you?"

"Honey, I love you..."

I stood outside the door, trembling all over.

Like a glutton for punishment, I stood there letting my heart shatter piece by piece, waiting for a whole hour until the sounds finally stopped.

When Vincent walked out of the bedroom with his arm around Isla, she immediately played the victim.

Her eyes welled up with tears. "Why is she here? I thought you said this was our home?"

"Did you lie to me? You're still not over her, are you?" Isla pushed Vincent away. "I will never share a roof with another woman!"

Vincent hastily grabbed her, pulling her tightly back into his arms. "We're legally married. You're my wife."

He looked at me. No explanation. No apology.

"Alessia, I had someone pack your things. Move to the safehouse in the suburbs."

My mind went blank for a second.

Before the anger could even register, a dull, suffocating pain hollowed out my chest.

Three years ago, when we moved into this penthouse, Vincent held me with red eyes: "Baby, this is our home. You, me, and our kids."

Now, the man who promised me a home was kicking me out of it.

My paintings were ripped off the walls. My books were shoved into cardboard boxes. Even our only photo together had been tossed down the garbage chute.

As if he couldn't wait to erase every trace of my existence.

"My wife is upset. I won't say it twice." Vincent's voice dropped, carrying a blatant warning.

A bitter lump blocked my throat. I gave a hoarse nod: "I understand."

Vincent stared at my retreating back. He suddenly stepped forward and grabbed me. "There's a Family banquet this afternoon. Come with me."

Before I could refuse, he cut me off. "I need to officially introduce Isla to the Capos. You'll help with her dress and keep up appearances."

I froze, the absurdity making me want to laugh. He wanted me, his tool, to witness his new wife being officially accepted.

But knowing I'd be leaving soon, I didn't argue.

Before the banquet, Isla flawlessly picked out the sapphire necklace left by Vincent's mother from my few remaining belongings.

"This is nice. It matches my eyes."

Vincent had once promised to put that necklace on me at our wedding. Now, he fastened it around her neck himself.

At the banquet, Isla clung to Vincent's arm. I stood behind him, enduring the whispers of the Family members:

"Looks like Vincent is finally changing his toy."

"It's about time. Alessia is just street trash."

"A tool is just a tool. Did she really think she could be Donna?"

Every word sliced through my heart. I escaped the banquet hall and hid on the terrace.

Only to hear voices and laughter behind the glass doors.

"Boss, won't Alessia run?"

"She's been with me for ten years. She's completely broken in." Vincent's voice was nonchalant. "She's my sharpest knife. Once this alliance is locked down, I'll just pick her right back up. She’s trained well."

I walked to the railing, taking desperate, deep breaths.

Tears silently slipped down my cheeks.

Vincent, you made the wrong bet this time.

This discarded old blade will never be drawn for you again.

I turned to leave, only to get a glass of red wine thrown straight in my face.