When Gianna woke up again, she was already lying on a hospital bed in the city's public hospital with an IV needle in the back of her hand.
The nurse said an unknown Good Samaritan had saved her, paid for her emergency treatment, and then left.
A red and green Christmas stocking hung at the head of the bed. Its bells jingled in the warm air from the heater.
Today happened to be Christmas Eve. It was her birthday—and Lucia's birthday.
How ironic!
They were born on the same day, yet their fates could not have been more different.
In past years, Matteo had always celebrated her birthday with her.
Whether he was just a street thug on 13th Street or later the powerful man in the Gray Wolf famiglia, every year on this day, he would cancel all his social obligations, tie on an apron, and cook for her himself.
Besides delicious food, he would also make birthday cakes in different styles. Then, he would light the candles and kiss her forehead. "Gigi, whatever you wish for, I'll make it come true."
A sudden vibration from her phone interrupted her memories.
Matteo's name flashed on the screen, making her traitorous heart race when it should have been dead.
Had he regretted it? Did he see those ruins and finally feel guilty? Or did he remember that today was her birthday?
She pressed the answer button. "Hello?"
"Gigi."
His voice came through the receiver. There was no urgency or remorse. It was more like he was brushing her off.
"I have several important meetings tonight, plus obligations with the Don. I can't get away.
"Go buy yourself something good to eat. Use the card however you want."
Gianna was about to speak when the background noise grew louder.
The pop of champagne, elegant jazz music, and Lucia's playful voice grew closer and closer, piercing her eardrums.
"Baby, come here! The elaborate tiered cake you made is so beautiful! Everyone's waiting for you to cut the first slice for me!"
The so-called obligations were actually a birthday party. It was not that he had no time to celebrate her birthday. He had simply changed the recipient.
He was giving the devotion that once belonged only to her to his target of revenge. Exactly the same, or even more.
"Okay, coming."
After responding gently to Lucia, he switched to a businesslike tone. "I'm busy. That's all."
"Matteo! I'm sick. I'm in the hospital."
She did not want to beg for pity. She just wanted to test his reaction. "I coughed up blood. It really hurts! Can you come see me?"
The man was silent for two seconds, then let out an extremely light scoff. "Gianna, when did you learn to lie and put on an act?
"When you came to pick a fight with me, weren't you still full of energy, yelling and screaming? Now that I didn't chase after you to comfort you, you're making up this excuse about coughing up blood to gain sympathy?"
"I'm not lying! It's real—"
"Enough!" Matteo cut her off coldly. "Today's a special day. If you want to throw a tantrum, wait until tomorrow."
The call ended. The busy tone was like a blade, stabbing her heart over and over.
An hour later, news of a spectacular fireworks show in the city center hit the trending topics. He gave the whole city a show of romance while leaving her alone to die.
In front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of the presidential suite, Lucia changed into a wine-red slip dress. Like a lazy cat, she nestled in Matteo's arms.
"Baby, I'm so happy tonight."
She looked up at him with hazy eyes, her fingers circling the buttons of his shirt. "This is the most unforgettable birthday I've ever had."
Matteo's gaze drifted somewhat absently to the emptiness outside the window. For some reason, after hanging up the phone earlier, he felt an inexplicable irritation.
Gianna's voice had sounded too weak to be fake. But he quickly suppressed that thought.
Lucia was clearly falling for him, and Domenico was gradually delegating power to let him handle core affairs. At this critical moment, he absolutely could not let Gianna's manipulation ruin everything!
"What are you thinking about?" Lucia pouted in dissatisfaction.
Her warm breath brushed against the side of his neck. "Don't leave tonight, okay?"
Matteo came back to himself and looked down at the radiant woman in his arms. "Okay."
He stubbed out his cigarette, reached out to pull Lucia's slender waist closer, and lowered his head to kiss her lips. The kiss was highly skilled but utterly cold.
Gianna's pale face flashed through his mind again.
Matteo frowned. He would just let her cool off for one night. Tomorrow, after he finished his work, he would pick out a few gifts for her and apologize.
She had never had much of her own opinion anyway. A few kind words and everything would be fine.
The curtains slowly closed. Some people were wrapped up in pleasure while others fought for survival. He had no idea that some departures never required goodbyes.
