Chapter 1

The entire Ricci family had been planning a trip out west together. But the moment my husband's old flame, Bianca, heard about it, she insisted on coming along.

There was only one problem. There wasn't an extra seat on the flight.

Lorenzo didn't hesitate.

He canceled my reservation and booked Bianca a seat with the rest of the family. Then he bought me a train ticket instead, expecting me to spend thirty-six hours crossing the country in a cramped coach seat by myself.

I looked around at the rest of the Ricci family, waiting for someone to object.

No one did.

One by one, they sided with Lorenzo, as though it were perfectly reasonable for his wife to be pushed aside to make room for another woman.

So I didn't argue.

I simply took the train ticket and headed west alone.

What none of them knew was that I had no intention of coming back with them.

Three months later, the entire Ricci compound was in chaos, and Lorenzo was tearing the city apart looking for me.

...

It was rare for my husband to be granted a stretch of time away from Family business, so we decided on a long pilgrimage together. I had begun planning six months ahead, choosing destinations, laying out the route, booking everything. Since no one in the Ricci house ever lifted a finger, I was the one left in charge of flights, hotels, meals, every last arrangement.

I didn't mind the work. It would be worth it as long as everyone was happy. Seats were hard to come by, so I reserved tickets for the whole family early. When Gianna mentioned she had never flown first class, I paid out of my own pocket to upgrade every one of them.

Just before we were set to leave, my husband told me, "Bianca heard about the trip and wants to come along. The flight's full now, so you'll take the train. I already bought your ticket."

He sent the electronic ticket to my phone.

"What is the meaning of this?" I asked. "This was supposed to be a family trip, and you're bringing Bianca along?"

"Of course," Lorenzo replied. "Bianca wants to come, so I have to bring her."

I was furious. "When my own sister asked to join, you were very clear. A family trip, you said. You didn't want outsiders. Just us. Now Bianca wants in and you agree without blinking?"

"Bianca and your sister are different." His hand drifted to the back of his neck, rubbing it slow. "We're closer than family. We practically are family."

Scoffing, I spat, "I bought those plane tickets ages ago. Why am I the one taking the train?"

"There were no seats left, so I refunded yours and got one for Bianca. The train's all that's open for you." Lorenzo shrugged, indifferent to whatever I felt about it.

I looked at the ticket he'd sent. Thirty-six hours. A hard seat.

"So you buy Bianca a first-class seat while I sit upright for thirty-six hours on a train?" I asked, disbelieving.

He smirked. "Didn't you say you liked watching the scenery roll by from the train? Here's your chance to see all of it."

I turned toward my in-laws. The old man, Salvatore, quickly looked away, his cane still against the floor. Rosa tried to soothe me, pressing her handkerchief to her lips before she spoke. "Adriana, cara, Bianca and Lorenzo have known each other since they were small. They have so much to catch up on. It only makes sense for them to sit together. Bear with it for now. We'll all meet up once you arrive."

Gianna crossed her arms and lifted her chin. "Sis, Bianca has a delicate constitution. There's no way she could survive a train ride that long. You're strong. Healthy. You can manage."

I laughed, bitter. "Who actually belongs to this family? It's starting to look like Bianca is the real Donna of this house!"

Lorenzo scowled. "It's a train ride. It's not a big deal. And Bianca is practically one of us. It's only right we make her comfortable. Can't you be gracious for once? Set a good example?"

Just then the doorbell rang through the compound. Gianna ran to answer it. Bianca stood on the threshold.

"Bianca, you're here! I've been waiting for you!"

Gianna dragged Bianca's two large suitcases inside, beaming.

"Oh, Bianca, I've missed you so much! If only you hadn't gone away, you could've married my brother, and we'd all be family for real!" she cried, throwing an arm around Bianca's shoulders.

Rosa took Bianca's hand in both of hers, her voice sweet as poured wine. "Exactly. I always said you and Lorenzo were made for each other. In my heart, I've always seen you as the Donna of this house. No one else could ever compare."

Bianca's fingers tightened on the strap of the bag hanging from her shoulder, and she smiled.