Chapter 3

When I got back to the house to pack, the maid gave me a strange look. Opened her mouth. Closed it.

I frowned and walked into the living room. Then I saw why.

My things were dumped across the floor like garbage.

And Bianca was walking down the staircase in a white wedding gown.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. I couldn't stop staring.

She lifted the hem and gave me a sweet little smile.

"Sis. Isn't this the dress Dante designed for you? Back then?"

"He said I could have it. Said you wouldn't mind."

"He said you're too out of shape now to fit into it. Said the dress got lucky, ending up with me."

She lifted the skirt and spun.

"How does it look, sis? Do I wear it well?"

The white silk shimmered under the chandelier.

Bianca was glowing. Radiant. Cruel.

Years ago, Dante stayed up three nights straight sketching that dress.

The first time I put it on, he told me:

"One of a kind, Ellie. For the only girl in the world."

His words. Still ringing. His heart. Long gone.

Bianca didn't get it. I was walking away from Dante himself. What did a dress mean now?

I smiled. My fist slowly loosened.

"Bianca. Nobody ever teach you? You want somebody's stuff, you pay for it."

"That dress is worth thirty million. I want it wired to my account by tonight."

Her face snapped.

"You bitch. You stole Dante from me. You stole my family for years. And now you want money?"

She raised her hand and lunged.

But the dress was too heavy. I stepped aside. Her own train tangled her legs. She hit the floor hard.

My father and brother came flying down the stairs.

"Bianca! What happened?"

Leo whipped around. Furious. "Elena. Did you just put your hands on her?"

I didn't even get a word out.

A palm cracked across my face.

Half my face went numb, then burned.

I stared at my father. I couldn't believe it.

His face was red. His voice was steel.

"I know you're angry. I know you never accepted Bianca. But she just had a baby. She's still weak. And you *hit* her?"

Bianca sniffled from the floor.

"Dad, don't be mad at her. It's not her fault. She said the dress costs thirty million. Without the money, I don't get to wear it. I don't have that kind of cash. She didn't mean to push me."

She lifted those big wet eyes.

"It's my fault, Dad. I don't have the money. Dad, Leo — if we pay her, will she forgive me?"

My father exploded.

"Bianca, you're too kind. Pay her? Not a chance. I should've known. She's just like her mother. A greedy bitch. Always was."

Something inside me went cold. My hand went to my cheek. I couldn't stop staring at him.

Twenty years of playing the loving father. The mask was falling off, piece by piece.

Leo caught his arm before he could swing again.

"Dad. Stop."

For half a breath, I felt something stupid. Hope.

Then he spoke.

"Push her too hard, she'll show up at Bianca's wedding to cause a scene. She likes money? Give it to her. Throwing change to a beggar."

He pulled a black card out of his pocket and threw it at my feet. His voice was thick with disgust.

"There's over thirty million on that card. Enough?"

"Take it and get out. Don't show your face near Bianca again. Don't ruin our lives."

I looked down at the black card. His personal card. The one I used to bring him coffee with.

The last thread inside me — the one still tied to them — finally snapped.

I bent down. Picked up the card. Smiled like it meant nothing.

I looked at the mess of my belongings on the floor. I didn't want any of it.

"Since you're paying so generously, Leo — deal. All this is yours."

I looked him dead in the eye.

"You've got a new daughter and a new sister now. This old one won't be in your way anymore."

"After today, I don't know any of you."

I dug my passport out of the pile and turned to leave.

"Wait —"