For three years, I was with Nico Gallo, the Underboss of New York’s Gallo crime family. Three years, and never once did he promise me a future.

Instead, I got a front-row seat to someone else’s grand ceremony.

That day, I was at a baptism rehearsal, doing a final check of the venue for my design firm. When I looked up, I saw him—the man whose messages I waited for every single day—standing at the altar, his arm linked with another Principessa, receiving a blessing from the priest.

"Her fiancé is in Europe on business. I'm just here as a family representative," he explained later, his body ramrod straight, his tone calm. His jawline was as sharp and cold as a blade.

But his eyes couldn't hide a flicker of impatience, the restlessness of a wild beast trapped in a cage.

As if that wasn't enough, he demanded I hand over the estate blueprint I had designed for us. He gripped my shoulders, his voice low and imperious. "We're not in a rush. We have all the time in the world. I'll give you something even grander, I swear. But this time, I need you to help me. I'll make you Mrs. Gallo, Cassia. I promise."

He had no idea I’d revised that blueprint over a hundred times, that I’d planned every brick in the garden path at least seven times. To me, it wasn’t just a design. It was the dream I had poured three years of my life into.

I didn't argue. I just faded back into the shadows of the church.

Later, I lay alone on a cold examination table, listening to the steady beeping of a machine. Time slipped through my fingers as I counted my own heartbeats, one by one.

Perhaps those who build heavens for sinners are the first to be denied entry.

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1

Just before the church closed for the day, our final appointment arrived: a Principessa, here for her baptism rehearsal.

"That Ricci family Principessa is here again," my assistant, Jenna, whispered, leaning against a pillar and sighing. "Let's hope she's finally satisfied this time."

This particular "princess" was, indeed, a major headache. We had already revised the venue design for her five times, and not a single one had met her approval.

I picked up my tablet and strode inside. The moment my eyes landed on the man and woman at the altar, I froze.

My mind went blank.

Jenna cupped her face, her eyes sparkling. "Honestly, they look so good together. No wonder she's so picky. If my man looked like that, I'd want every detail to be flawless, right down to the scent of the candles."

Our voices caught the attention of the couple at the altar.

"Cassia…?"

The man’s smile vanished, his brows knitting together. For a split second, panic flashed in his deep-set eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice sharp. "Didn't you say you had a site inspection tonight?" Fury coiled in my gut, but I forced myself to remain calm, even as my chest tightened until it was hard to breathe.

The woman in the white formal gown raised a delicate hand to her mouth, her eyes welling with tears as her voice trembled. "I'm so sorry… This was too selfish of me. Let's just forget it. I shouldn't be causing you two trouble. I'm sorry for disturbing you."

Nico quickly grabbed her wrist, murmuring a few soothing words before turning and striding toward me.

"I didn't tell you beforehand because I was worried you'd misunderstand. Her name is Seraphina Ricci, of the Ricci family. Her fiancé's family is very powerful, but he's in Europe on business and couldn't be here. The Gallo family has to show respect. I'm just representing the family, walking her through the rehearsal."

I stared at Nico, my expression a cold mask, then glanced at the woman beside him. I couldn't decide what to believe.

The Principessa drifted toward us, her designer silk gown shimmering like liquid moonlight. She managed to look both proud and fragile, a single, perfect tear clinging to her long lashes as she lowered her head.

"I'm truly sorry. I didn't realize you two were together. Nico assured me that you, of all people, would be understanding. That’s why I felt comfortable asking for his help…"

She gave a deep bow, her shoulders trembling theatrically.

I just watched it all unfold in silence.

Ha.

Understanding?

What kind of woman would be "understanding" enough to watch her own man hold another woman's hand and receive a blessing from a priest?

Under my icy gaze, Nico stepped forward to steady Seraphina, who looked as if she might collapse. He turned to me, his tone laced with a clear warning.

"Why are you staring at her like that? This isn't her fault. It's an important ceremony, and her fiancé is nowhere to be seen, leaving her to face this alone. What kind of man does that?"

He rarely showed his displeasure with me in public. What shocked me more was the coldness in his eyes and the poorly concealed irritation in his voice.

I was a professional. I had built a reputation on keeping my composure, so I forced my personal feelings down and got to work. I stepped aside and watched them walk the red carpet, hand in hand, over and over again. Turning, meeting each other's eyes, smiling. A sharp pain stabbed through my chest, and I couldn't suppress a low cough.

The rehearsal finally ended when the Principessa gave a satisfied nod.

A sharp pain lanced through my chest. I quietly sank into a chair, fighting to catch my breath.

Before leaving, Nico glanced back at me. "She came to you because she trusts your talent. You're the best. Make sure you execute all her requests perfectly."

He escorted Seraphina away without a second glance, oblivious to the blood draining from my face.

Nico and I had been together for three years. In those three years, I had gone from a fledgling designer to one of the most sought-after in New York City.

But our relationship? It had remained utterly stagnant.

After my late shift, I dragged myself home and collapsed onto the sofa, every bone in my body aching.

My phone rang. It was my mother.

"Christmas is just around the corner. Is Nico coming this year? You two have been together for three years, and your cousin's kid is already in elementary school! Tell me the truth… is something wrong between you two?"

Here we go. The same tired refrain.

I closed my eyes, a lump forming in my throat as I squeezed out the words. "We're fine, Mom. Really. If anything changes, you'll be the first to know."

Of course, I had wondered. I had asked. I had pushed. But his answers were always the same hollow refrains: "Don't overthink it." "Things are busy with the family, just wait a little longer." "Marriage is just a matter of timing, isn't it? Haven't I promised you? You can trust me."

If I pressed any further, he would grow cold and impatient. And so we drifted, year after year, until suddenly, three had passed.

My thoughts were a tangled mess, and the suffocating pressure I’d felt in the church came rushing back.

But my mom was still chattering on the phone. "You're about to turn twenty-nine. How can your father and I not be worried? We just want what’s best for you…"

Before she could finish, I snapped, my voice trembling. "Worried about this, worried about that! That's all you do! You think worrying is going to magically produce a marriage certificate? If you want to know when he’s going to marry me, why don't you ask him? I'm working myself to death, I can barely breathe. Can you just leave me alone for one minute?"

I sat there, gasping, my chest throbbing with sharp pains as a sweet, metallic taste rose in my throat. On the other end of the line, there was only stunned silence.

I rubbed my forehead, trying to soften my tone. "Mom, I'm just… I'm really tired today. I know what I'm doing. I'll call you back."

I hung up and fumbled for the cough suppressants on the table, swallowing a handful. Stay calm, I told myself. The doctor said stress would only make it worse.

After washing my face, I was getting ready for bed when I heard the front door click open.

Nico walked in, still in the same suit. "Not asleep yet? I told you I've been busy. You don't have to wait up."

He leaned in to kiss me. The moment he leaned in, I caught the scent of her perfume on him—an expensive, cloying fragrance I recognized from the church. I turned my head away.

He thought I was sulking. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he reached out to pull me into his arms. The moment his hand touched my arm, I flinched violently, sucking in a sharp breath as I dodged his embrace.

He froze, looking down at his own hand. "What's wrong? You're not feeling well?"

I pushed his hand away, a cold sweat breaking out on my back. "Don't… I'm just tired." I couldn’t tell him I’d been coughing up blood.

He hesitated, his brow furrowed, then he clicked his tongue in annoyance and headed for the bathroom. I quietly picked up the suit jacket he’d tossed on the sofa. I brought it to my nose.

The same aggressive, sweet fragrance lingered. It was faint, but it was there. I also found a single long, blonde hair that wasn't mine.

I sat there, motionless. All the questions I had prepared for him died on my lips.

Today, I had a follow-up at a private clinic on the Upper East Side.

I had just settled into a chair in the VIP waiting room when I saw the last person I ever expected to see in this clinic.

Seraphina froze, clearly not expecting to run into me. She forced a smile, about to greet me, when a man appeared behind her, carrying two shopping bags from luxury brands, a hint of impatience on his face.

The man was Nico. My boyfriend of three years.

I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my voice steady as a storm churned inside me. "Well, look at you," I said, my voice dripping with ice. "What a coincidence."

Nico immediately launched into an explanation, but the more he spoke, the colder my smile became.

"Couldn't you have sent one of your soldati to run this errand? Did you have to personally escort her and squeeze in some shopping on the side?"

"Seraphina's father, the Don of the Ricci family, is unwell. I came on behalf of the Gallo family to pay my respects and offered to bring her for a check-up. That's all. Is there a problem? Or does it bother you to see me with another woman now? You were never like this before, Cassia," Nico said, his words clipped and sharp.

Before I could retort, Seraphina stepped forward with an apologetic smile.

"Miss Donovan, I'm truly sorry. I should have come alone, but Nico mio is just too kind. He saw I was all by myself and worried I'd get lost, so he offered to come with me. Next time, I'll manage on my own. I won't bother you two again."

Nico mio? That nickname, reserved for core family members, was a dagger to my heart.

Feigning concern, Seraphina continued, "Um, forgive me for asking, Miss Donovan, but what brings you to the clinic today?"

She was obviously trying to change the subject.

Nico took the bait, turning to look at me with a flicker of suspicion. "Did you pull another all-nighter for a design? You haven't been working yourself into the ground again, have you?"

I forced a smile. "It's a lung issue. The doctor said I need regular check-ups."

Seraphina let out a small, performative gasp. "Oh, I see! But all designers are like that. Don't worry too much."

Hearing this, Nico's tense brow finally relaxed. He glanced at my appointment slip, then wrinkled his nose in annoyance. "Is all this really necessary? So many tests for something so minor? You're an adult, Cassia. Take care of yourself."

With that, he turned to leave.

I watched him walk away, then couldn't stop myself from calling out, "Since you're already here, can't you stay and hear the diagnosis with me?"

He glanced at his watch, his tone suddenly impatient. "Cassia, you didn't tell me about this ahead of time. I really can't. There's an urgent family meeting. I'll bring you back some cannoli from that old shop in Little Italy tonight."

I opened my mouth, but in the end, said nothing.

That night, I didn't touch the cannoli he brought home. When he wasn't looking, I threw them straight into the kitchen trash. It wasn't that I disliked them; the doctor had explicitly warned me that sugary foods would trigger inflammation and worsen my condition.

If I kept delaying treatment, there would be no recovery. By next spring, I’d be facing surgery with no guarantee I’d even survive it.

My mind was made up. I had to cut ties with his world completely. That night, I began drafting termination contracts for all my projects related to the Gallo family.