Chapter 3

Rita glanced at my wrist and smiled.

“My apologies, I didn’t know Miss Benedict was here too,” Rita said, stepping right up to Luca’s side. “I have to meet with a few cartels from the East tonight. I’m worried I can’t handle it on my own, so I–”

“It’s fine. I’ll go with you.”

Luca answered her before turning to follow her out.

When they were at the door, Rita slipped her arm lightly through his. Then, she looked back at me over her shoulder, a provocative smirk playing on the corner of her lips.

I just stood there, exactly as I had outside the chapel yesterday. The familiar sting of disappointment was gone. Luca and I were finally over.

After they left, I walked out of the conference room and immediately ran into the consigliere, who was holding a stack of documents.

Having clearly witnessed the whole scene, she said with some frustration, “Is this because of Rita? You are way too nice. I knew there was something wrong with Rita a long time ago. She is actively trying to seduce the Don.”

I didn’t say a word. I just waited at the entrance for my driver to pull up.

Before the driver could arrive, however, Rita and Luca reappeared. Rita was driving the same white sports car from yesterday, with Luca sitting in the passenger seat. The two of them were laughing and talking. I had no idea what they were saying, but Luca was holding her coffee up to her lips to feed her.

Sensing my gaze, Luca instantly wiped the smile off his face. The car pulled up and came to a smooth halt right in front of me.

Rita noticed me and immediately chimed in to explain, “Soph, I forgot my own car today, so I borrowed yours. The car is still yours, of course. I’d never try to take it for myself. I have several cars like this at home anyway, so I’d never look to gain from such minor perks. You have to believe me.”

The eyes of everyone around us immediately shifted to me. Having been with Luca for ten years, the people in the mafia family assumed I was just an ordinary girl who had never seen the finer things in life. That was why every time Luca gifted me some cheap trinket, I treasured it like a priceless heirloom.

The consigliere tugged anxiously at the corner of my jacket.

Luca’s expression turned sour, and after a moment, he finally said, “Don’t you refuse to drive because of your past trauma anyway? That’s why I let Rita drive it first.”

I forced a smile at Rita. “Since he gave it to you, just keep it. Driving a car like that is safer, after all. Then, you won’t run over any stray dogs.”

I spoke those words in a perfectly gentle tone, but Rita’s face instantly darkened.

“Sophie, are you angry? I really didn’t mean to take advantage of you,” Rita said, looking aggrieved.

I honestly didn’t care. After all, I wouldn’t have even paid attention to a cheap car like this when I was a child. My father’s garage was five times larger than Luca’s entire estate.

“Since you feel like you’re taking advantage of me, then get out of the car.”

I was too exhausted to play her mind games. However, my sudden demand instantly triggered Luca’s anger.

“Sophie, don’t speak so harshly to Rita.”

I scoffed. “If you think it sounds harsh, then stop talking to me altogether. You two are the ones who always insist that I’m angry.”

He shook his head, assuming I was just throwing a tantrum because the car hadn’t been properly gifted to me yet. At that thought, he softened his tone.

“Forget it, just come along with us.”

Without waiting for a response, Luca made a quick phone call and told my driver not to bother coming.

I felt a lump in my throat. He had decided for me without even bothering to ask for my opinion.

“I have other things to do. I’m going home.”

“Didn’t you just say you weren’t angry?”

My initially calm heart suddenly felt heavy. All I wanted to do was leave quietly. I wanted absolutely nothing to do with either of them ever again.

Luca added, “You can’t get back on your own anyway. I’ll drive you home once we’re finished.”

It was obvious he wouldn’t let it go until I complied. So, instead of arguing, I pulled open the back door and climbed into the seat. Only then did Luca let out a satisfied sigh of relief.

I stared out the window at the passing scenery while they chatted away in the front seats about the cartels they were meeting tonight. The convertible top was down, and the wind felt biting cold. Halfway through the drive, Luca grabbed a coat from the front to hand to me. However, before I could reach out to take it…