Chapter 3

The next evening, I entered the banquet hall slowly in my formal gown, greeted by a chorus of "Mrs. Valenti."

Along with the Valenti family's core members, representatives of several closely allied New York families were there that night.

Many of them knew I'd been at Dante's side for seven years.

At events like this, he'd never denied my status before.

But tonight, perhaps things were different.

At that moment, the lights over the central stage suddenly came on.

Bianca Romano came down the stairs with a bright smile, her arm looped through Dante's.

"I have some good news to share tonight."

Dante held the microphone, his face bright with happiness.

"I've decided to get married. My fiancée is Bianca Romano, right here beside me."

The crowd erupted.

Countless eyes immediately turned toward me.

Whispers rose from every direction.

"So someone else is going to marry the Valenti Don? Then what does that make Elena Bennett?"

"You didn't know? Elena used to be Julian's mistress over in the De Luca family. Then she latched onto Dante."

"I heard Julian's fiancée even exposed her in front of everyone back then."

"How shameless. First the De Luca family, now the Valenti family. She really knows how to pick her men."

Each malicious remark pricked like a needle, sending pain through my heart.

Humiliation washed over me. Without thinking, I looked to Dante for help.

But he watched me without expression and let them ridicule me.

Seven years ago, when people had insulted me the same way, Dante had planted himself in front of me and shielded me from every hostile stare.

"Watch your mouths. Elena had no idea Julian was engaged! Who gave you the nerve to slander her when you don't have a shred of proof?"

"She's my woman. Anyone who says another word against her is taking on the entire Valenti family."

Back then, he would hold me tight and patiently reassure me over and over, his voice gentle.

"Don't be afraid. From now on, I'll always have your back."

I could still hear his words from all those years ago.

But he was no longer the man he'd been then.

To escape the vicious comments and stares, I hid in a lounge.

Then I heard someone outside teasing Dante.

"Seriously, Dante. You brought the Romano girl, but you still made Elena come. Why humiliate her on purpose?"

"She's been with you for seven years. Have you really made up your mind to marry Bianca?"

"We all know the Romano family can bring you plenty of advantages. But if Elena really leaves one day, won't you regret it?"

My heart tightened, but Dante let out a soft laugh.

"I want her to see what happens without the Valenti family's protection. She'll be the same woman anyone could push around back then."

"Without me, she doesn't even have a place in our world. She won't leave. I'm all she has left."

"Don't worry. Whenever I turn around, Elena will be there waiting for me."

I laughed bitterly at myself. Somewhere in the middle of it, I started to cry.

I bit down hard on my lip to keep from making a sound. Even when I tasted blood and felt sick, I didn't stop.

I stared at my disheveled reflection, humiliated, and wiped away the last tear.

Dante, you're wrong this time. The woman you think would be nothing without the Valenti family won't be waiting for you anymore.

A woman's clear voice suddenly came from outside the door.

"Come out. Stop hiding. I know you heard everything."