"Because... I plan to crash your wedding! That way, it will prove you're truly in love with me!"
My steps faltered.
Because I was curious just how far Ansel would go to hurt me for Elara's sake.
"You little rascal, only you could come up with such a crazy idea!"
"Then I better prepare an extra pair of running shoes, so I can run faster when we elope!"
"Are you really willing to do this to Serafina?"
"Marrying her to keep my promise is already the most I can do. If she can't keep her husband from being whisked away at the altar, she can't blame me, can she?"
Their joyful laughter pierced my heart like a dagger.
I turned around, leaning against a tree, my legs so weak I couldn't move an inch. Somewhere behind me, a car door opened and closed. One of Ansel's soldiers, probably. Standing watch over a moment that was never meant for my eyes.
Fearing that my sobs might alert them, I covered my mouth tightly and walked away.
But halfway home, my legs gave out and I fell hard onto the ground.
I returned home, battered and broken, and dialed Don Ferrante's number on the clean line.
"Don Ferrante, I've decided to join that operation you mentioned."
The old Don was pleased, but also puzzled.
"Didn't you say you were planning to settle down in Clearmont Harbor after the union? Did your husband agree to a long-distance arrangement? Being apart after a blood-bound union can be really challenging. Are you sure you don't want to rethink this decision?"
I was wiping the scrapes on my bruised knees, each touch sending a sharp pang through me.
"The union is off. From now on, I'll be your right hand, fully devoted to the work."
Don Ferrante, who treats me like his own daughter, immediately sensed something was wrong. I could hear the faint sound of him removing his reading glasses, the soft drag of cloth against a lens.
"Today's the deadline. I'll put your name on the list. Come back to Palermo soon so we can get started. Keeping busy will help take your mind off things."
"Don't think I'm meddling, but over the past two years, it's always been you looking after Clearmont Harbor, while he's never bothered to come to Palermo. That's a clear sign he doesn't love you as much as you believed."
"Once you've made up your mind to move on, don't linger in the past."